I was so excited to learn that The Ivy Brasserie was coming to Norwich.  Finally it’s open and the former GAP clothing store has miraculous evolved over the last few months into one of the most beautiful restaurants in our fine city.

So, for those who are not ‘from around these parts’, or have had your heads buried in the sand avoiding the sun, it’s situated in the heart of Norwich on 30 London Street – the same street as another favourite and iconic brand, Winsor Bishop jewellery shop.  The Ivy’s cocktail bar and this salubrious store however, are dangerously close. This could be fatal to any thought of me repaying my mortgage after a few of their signature cocktails and popping in there ‘just to have a look….’

The Ivy Norwich Brasserie has gone all out to impress hosting a VIP preview of the restaurant to lots of famous instagrammers, journalists, footballers and actors.  I was lucky enough to be invited to be one of the first to see The Ivy. The champagne cocktails flowed and the beautiful people just got more beautiful.  What I did learn on the evening was how genuinely charming the staff were and I was impressed by their canapes.  Having myself launched many restaurants and organised lots of events, I can tell an ordinary canape to an exciting one by a country mile away.   Rest assured I wouldn’t have taken up the opportunity to review The Ivy Norwich if they couldn’t get their canapes right.

For those of us who like eating out a lot you’re in luck.  The Ivy Norwich Brasserie is open seven days a week featuring extensive all-day menus.  You can dine or just hang out at their beautiful bar. I like their local touches – that means a lot to me when a restaurant collection has actually considered the heritage and home-grown brands.  Guests can enjoy a selection of drinks crafted in the local area including Bure Gold and Wherry Amber Ale, brewed by Woodforde’s in Woodbastwick. The extensive cocktail list feature drinks inspired by the county including an Iceni Martini and Felbrigg Gardens with Norfolk’s Boadicea Gin. Brownie points for that!

I ordered a delicious Candy Floss Fizz (fairy floss and Prosecco complemented with rose, lychee, ginger and Havana 3 year old rum. (£10.00). William opted for an Iceni Martini, (Boadicea gin, St germain elderflower liqueur, Lillet Blanc.  (£10.50)

 

The décor features eye-catching yet refined interiors designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, with the brasserie’s signature green colour palette sitting against striking leather banquettes, polished marble floors and bronzed antiques.  Again there are local features on the walls of local murals.

Their menu includes signature dishes such as The Ivy Collection shepherd’s pie, a truffle chicken sandwich and grilled fish, as well as light and healthy brunch options, delicious afternoon teas and an extensive drinks menu.

My husband and I both chose the Prawn Cocktail (£9.75 each) which were served in a shiny silver dish with a very cute silver serving dish of Marie Rose sauce.  For the main course I had Prawn and Monkfish Curry served with fluffy white rice and a side of yoghurt. (£17.50). Recommend by a friend, I wasn’t disappointed.  It was full of flavour with a delicious blend of coconut and spice. My better half opted for a fillet steak (29.50) with a side of chips, salad and broccoli.  We chose a bottle of Craggy Range, a crispy, dry yet fruit Sauvignon Blanc white wine from New Zealand (£39).

When it came to the puddings, The Ivy really excelled.  My Chocolate Bomb (£8.50) was heaven on a plate.  It was melted by warm chocolate to reveal a honeycomb ice cream!  William chose the Apple Tart (£7.95) flamboyantly served from a copper pan with flaming calvados over vanilla ice cream.

Afterwards I had one of my favourites, a Pearl Jasmine tea which was served in shiny silver teapot and William had a cappuccino.

We had a great experience!  The food, drinks, décor and wonderful staff made for a memorable evening and we will be back with gusto!

Reservation lines for The Ivy Norwich Brasserie are now open. Please call 01603 273 888 or visit www.theivynorwich.com to make a booking.

Thank you to The Ivy Norwich Brasserie for generously hosting us x

 

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