The glorious site of The Ivy’s Chelsea Garden was a former hotspot for Chelsea teenagers to generally waft about and order curly fries. It’s hard to believe Henry J Beans was the former patron of this lovingly-restored green oasis on Chelsea’s King Road now transformed into a place to very much see and be seen. Reservations are gold dust and tables seemingly turned quicker than you can get through a bottle of their finest bubbles.
Their reputation may have elevated them to lofty heights but rest assured this was not what we expected. With a bustling service the waiters barely broke a sweat instead keeping glasses topped up and whilst entertaining accompanying children. In fact they keep 50% of their tables free for walk-ins so don’t be scared off by the name alone. This was a truly great welcome and our 2 hour lunch slot came and went with not even an eyebrow arch in our (still-sitting) direction.
The food is what you love and expect from the Ivy with grilled tuna salads, beef carpaccios and chicken milanese all featuring; friendly on the waistline without making a huge dent on the wallet. Perfect for long, alcohol-soaked lunches it also boasts the new Winter Garden – open from Sunday 6th November – with outdoor heaters galore, cosy blankets and flickering candles to set the mood for winter. Will also suit for corporate lunches with the need to impress. An all-round tick.
