Over 100 years of history have earned The Ivy its enduring reputation as one of London’s most glamorous places to dine, so it’s not surprising that Caprice Holdings has channelled that heritage once again, this time into its very first Welsh outpost. The new Cardiff branch might be the latest in the long list of Ivy offshoots, but it’s reported to have been inspired by the luxurious London original, meaning guests can expect the usual good looks, buzzy ambience and sparky service.
Occupying the former Jamie’s Italian on The Hayes, The Ivy Cardiff spans two floors, with a large bar prominent on each, and a stunnning private dining room on the first floor. Residents, businesses, and shoppers will be able to drop in pretty much any time of day for everything from breakfast and hot drinks to lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails. The restaurant also offers brunch at the weekend.
The menu, like those of its siblings, is vast and all-encompassing, containing all the Ivy's modern British and internationally inspired classics, with some additional dishes tailored to the location, so as well as the likes of brioche-crumbed chicken Milanese with a fried egg and truffle-laced mayonnaise or monkfish and prawn curry, diners will also find regional dishes as roasted Welsh lamb rump on the menu - served up with glazed Chantenay carrots, pattypan squash, baby turnips, and creamed potato. Vegetarians and vegans are always well catered for too.
As with other branches of The Ivy, the Cardiff restaurant has outside seating for anyone wishing to dine alfresco and will open seven days a week. Each restaurant in the Ivy Collection also has a dedicated number of unreserved tables available throughout the day so as to offer everyone the chance to enjoy a bit of The Ivy’s glamour, whatever the occasion.