A visit to the original Ivy in London
The Ivy has been a name synonymous with style and an iconic piece of London history. With the spread of The Ivy throughout the UK, it was time to visit the original.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-outside-1.jpg)
History
The Ivy has been part of the London scene since 1917, starting as a cafe when owner Abel Giandolini and Maître d’Hôtel Mario Gallati joined together to serve the local theatre community. Seemingly the name The Ivy comes from a conversation between Giandolini and the actress Alice Delysia. Giandolini apologised for the building works being carried out and Delysia replied in the words of a popular song of the day: “Don’t worry, we will always come to see you, we will cling together like the ivy.”
The restaurant enjoyed a refurbishment in 1990 and again in 2015 and although it might not be the place to celebrity spot as much today, it is still an icon of the London scene.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-ivy-west-street-inside.jpg)
Menu
Please note that the menu has changed since we visited. Also it has taken a while for me to write this up as I lost the dessert photos!
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-lunch-1.jpg)
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-a-la-carte.jpg)
Food and drink
We started our afternoon with a hot spiced negroni – Hayman’s gin, Campari, vermouth, mulled spices, cranberry and salted honey. 100 years legacy – Plymouth gin, Italian and French vermouths, bitters and maraschino. Both superb, and warming on what was a chilly day. We then. moved onto a Markus Molitor Mosel Alte Reben Riesling, a carafe so not to be too silly.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-drinks.jpg)
Fried duck egg, black pudding with crispy bacon and HP jus. Perfectly fried duck egg with savoury layers from the bacon, black pudding and HP jus.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-duck-egg-starter.jpg)
Caesar salad with Atlantic prawns and avocado. Crisp vegetables, plump and moist prawns. A salad I could almost eat everyday, almost 😉
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-caesar-salad-starter.jpg)
Cauliflower risotto with blue cheese and walnuts. Creamy and substantial, just what was needed.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-risotto-.jpg)
Cornfed chicken breast with mushroom crust and braised lentils. Succulent chicken atop tender lentils. Another one ideal for the chilly weather.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-cornfed-chicken-1.jpg)
Chocolate tart with creme fraiche and frosted cocoa nibs. This is certainly one for you if you are a huge chocolate fan. Mark was suitably happy here with the different textures of chocolate.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-chocolate-tart.jpg)
Cheesecake coupe with clementines and ginger crunch. After the comfort food feel with the mains, this was a refreshing palate cleanser. Creamy cheesecake with festive flavours.
![](https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ivy-west-street-cheesecake-coupe.jpg)
Cheese Barge, London
Where
The Ivy
1-5 West Street
London
WC2H 9NQ