Caprice Holdings' chain of Ivy restaurant continues to grow and encompass new parts of UK, and the Ivy Castle View in Guildford is a further example that this is a model that works well not just in London. Based just off Guildford's busy High Street, the restaurant has an air of real sophistication which has become synonymous with all Ivy outposts, but the same time manages to maintain a relatively relaxed feel, meaning that it's well suited to all occasions.
The large dining room space centres around a swanky bar, and features a cacophony of colourful prints hanging from the walls. The plush chairs and banquettes are all upholstered in orange and red leather, adding further flashes of colour to proceedings. However, the most unique thing about The Ivy Castle View is the fact that it has a stunning balcony terrace where you can sit during the warmer months to enjoy your food, while looking right at Guildford’s historic castle.
In terms of the food offering, the restaurant serves food all the way through the day including breakfast, as well as also providing an afternoon tea option. However, the lengthy all-day menu is what attracts most people Ivy restaurants. It features starters such as a crispy duck salad, asparagus served with a truffle hollandaise, and yellowfin tuna carpaccio. When it comes to main courses, you can pick from dishes including a blackened cod fillet baked in a banana leaf, as well as classics such as a chicken Milanese and a signature hamburger. The indulgent pudding menu ranges from an apple tart fine to rum baba served with Chantilly cream and raspberries.
Drinks-wise, there is an impressive wine list which covers all budgets, a fantastic cocktail list featuring a number of house specialities, and even a craft lager brewed specially for The Ivy. On top of this, there are a number of soft drink options for non-drinkers.