Inside The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie in Liverpool city centre (Image: undefined)
Entering Liverpool’s new Ivy restaurant from a crisp winter evening is a delight. For a decade, I’ve strolled past the former bank on Castle Street, now home to The Ivy.
It was thrilling and gratifying to finally discover what lay behind those grand doors, to witness how The Ivy had revitalised a magnificent building that had been neglected for so long. And it was everything I envisioned.
Gorgeous stained glass, soft, intimate lighting, wonderful tall plants, everywhere gleaming with accents of gold. It is both vintage and timeless.
After checking our coats, we were promptly escorted to our table and offered water. The staff are all professional, well trained and attentive.
We were set to sample The Ivy’s Christmas menu which includes some twists on classic Ivy menu regulars (like the cottage pie) and some enticing festive treats.
Priced at £50pp for two courses and £55pp for three courses, I felt this was reasonable, although you can meals for cheaper, reports The Mirror.
Don’t miss… ‘I tried soup that has been continuously cooking for 50 years – it’s delicious’
The robata grilled chicken skewers and the twice-baked stilton and walnut cheese soufflé starters (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
While we ordered, we enjoyed the Christmas cocktails. I chose the highball spritz, which was crisp, refreshing, and had just the right amount of sweetness.
My sister went for the After Eight Julep, which packs a boozy punch, ready to warm you up this December. For starters, I had the robata grilled chicken skewers in a bang bang peanut sauce.
It was delicious, sweet and sticky with a good kick of heat. The crunch from the peanuts and the zing of the pickled veg was a mouthwatering moreish mix of flavours.
The turkey ballotine and the pan-fried fillet of sea bass at The Ivy (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
My sister savoured a creamy, twice-baked stilton and walnut cheese soufflé that was light yet deliciously cheesy.
Choosing a main course was challenging, but I eventually opted for the turkey ballotine accompanied by garden peas with broad beans and baby shoots, while my sister selected the pan-fried fillet of sea bass resting on creamed potato with samphire, tomato concasse and saffron sauce.
Both dishes were visually stunning, and we didn’t hesitate to tuck in. My sister praised the bass for its wonderfully crisp skin and melt-in-the-mouth flakiness, and found the potato creamy and indulgent.
My main dish was simply Christmas on a plate. The Ivy has just elevated the classic; creamy mashed potato, sprouts, comforting truffle gravy packed with flavour that I wished I could take home, and the fresh pop of peas, I could eat it all again now.
I must admit, my turkey was slightly dry, but the apricot and pork stuffing, jammy sweetness from the cranberries and the rich sauce made it a minor issue. The portion sizes are perfect, leaving room for dessert, or so I thought.
My sister had her sights set on The Ive Snowman (which incurs a £3.95 supplement), and when it arrived, I was filled with envy due to its adorable presentation. That was until my Ivy chocolate bombe arrived, but the waiter wasn’t finished.
The waiter served a chocolate dome filled with ice cream, honeycomb and popping candy, accompanied by a small copper pan brimming with hot caramel sauce to pour over the dessert.
The caramel was dark and sticky, setting quickly, so diners are advised to have their spoons at the ready.
The chocolate bombe and the Ivy snowman desserts (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
If you opt for the snowman dessert, it features a light vanilla parfait centre, sitting atop a rich brownie surrounded by milk foam and a light, fresh pandan sponge.
Those familiar with The Ivy will recognise the lavish decor, attentive service, and scrumptious menu.
Anyone planning to sample their Christmas menu is in for a treat. To book The Ivy, visit their website here.
