The Ivy is the first thing I suggest to people when I’m questioned for recommendations

So, I fell in love with this place in Harrogate a few years ago and since then I’ve also fallen for their Winchester offering too, yes two of the most affluent areas in the UK are home to the magnificence that is entitled ‘The Ivy”

It’s just everything about the place, the splendour of the decor, the outstanding personal service, the quality of the food as well as the rather impressive price point.

In fact I’d go as far as saying that The Ivy is the first thing I suggest to people when I’m questioned for recommendations, why, well because it’s like an old reliable friend that you may not visit every week but when you do, it’s just as awesome as the last time you were in their presence.

Duck Starter at The Ivy HarrogateWhat’s also awesome about The Ivy is the menu, a well thought out array of dishes that unlike some establishments with this level of grandeur put the diner first not some over exuberant chef that has ideas above his station. Classics such as Fish and Chips & Shepherds Pie take pride of place on the hymn sheet of a menu alongside Monkfish and Prawn Curry & Veal Paillard.

My most recent visit takes me back to the prestige Yorkshire town of Harrogate, where The Ivy sits proud towards the top of the hill close to the iconic Bettys.

Scallops The IvyI can only describe the decor as flamboyant Englishness, meets stately home, thanks largely to the bright colours and the impressive uniform of the front of house team.

As somewhat of an Ivy connoisseur I’m quick to advice my dinning partner for the evening on what her choices should be in the hope that I get to sample all food entering the arena.

Whilst I opt for the incredibly awesome sounding Scallop dish, my wife takes the Duck salad route, warm shredded crispy duck with five spice dressing, toasted cashews, watermelon, beansprouts, sesame seeds, coriander and ginger, which I admit beats my amazing dish hands down, albeit both are phenomenal.

Lamb Main Course HarrogateMains I’m lured by the Lamb which is becoming a regular thing of late whilst my wife opts for a dish I have raved about since the first time I ever had it, the monkfish and prawn curry.

It’s almost criminal to visit The Ivy and not partake in dessert and whilst you might be right to question why on this occasion I haven’t opted for their famous chocolate bomb you’ll be comforted in the knowledge that I’ve been there, done that and have the t-shirt, wow what a dessert, but can it be beaten?

Curry at The IvyThe answer is YES, Apple tart fine, Baked apple tart with vanilla ice cream and Calvados flambé I am talking incredible, I mean this is an instagram sensation, the kind of dessert you film and share everywhere on social media whilst tagging that you are at The Ivy to endure the most envious audience of your life!

Whilst my dinning partner watches on at the magnificence of the tart, she demolishes a strawberry shortcake dessert that’s leaving her pretty satisfied by the experience too.

Dessert at The IvyI simply can not rave about The Ivy enough, it’s an experience that is not to be missed at the price point that matches the level of service, ambiance, experience that you’ll enjoy in the rather impressive Harrogate Restaurant, see you soon guys!!!

The Ivy | 7-9 Parliament St | Harrogate | HG1 2QU

www.TheIvyHarrogate.com