The Original Ivy – London’s West End

Having visited two ‘other’ Ivy restaurants recently (Windsor & Covent Garden), we thought it would be a great to take Doreen to the very first and original Ivy, which has been here since 1917.

Finding a restaurant that ticks all the boxes for Doreen is quite a challenge – she has high standards don’t you know!

So after a of house tour of the Opera House, Emma, Hannah and Doreen met Jamie and I at the restaurant where we enjoyed the classic set menu, and relaxed with a few glasses of wine.

Now I must admit that the staff here do appear to go the extra mile to make your experience enjoyable, and tonight was no exception.

I still find it quite amazing that this 91 year old lady trots around London on buses and trains, walking to her home from Purley Oaks train station in the rain. Uber, black cabs, nah, waste of money!

Oh and I used my senior rail-card again, which is now linked to my London Oyster card, giving me 1/3 off travel. So £10 instead of £15 for a return trip into London from South Croydon – every little helps. And another tip, get an Ivy loyalty card, the points are mounting up, so one of us will soon be able to enjoy a free meal!

Oh and we can’t get this lady off her smart-phone (pictures don’t lie)!

I’d certainly recommend this place for a meal before exploring the area, or popping to the theatre land, which is right next door!

The Classic set menu is ideal, pitched at a good price, with quite a good selection. All cooked and presented as you’d expect!