The Ivy Kensington Brasserie

It’s hard to imagine a better match than old-money Kensington for the latest roll-out of the Richard Caring brand. As with the original Ivy, the feel here is of a classic dining establishment: white tablecloths, suited or apron-clad waiting staff, beautifully old-school, dark-wood-and-brass styling, idiosyncratic Victorian artwork. But with shining floors, higher ceilings and a wall of windows, the brasserie label suits. On the menu, the Ivy blueprint of unchallenging all-day international comfort food remains – including the classic shepherd’s pie and chicken Milanese. Each dish we ordered satisfied, from an aromatic duck curry feathered with coconut shavings to a pleasing combination of mozzarella, roasted squash, chilli, pumpkin and mint. Set menus underline the good value, and a wine list offers interest across the price range. The Ivy name is arguably being diluted with each new sparkling branch, but with such a winning formula we’re struggling to begrudge the invasion.

The Kensington branch of The Ivy Brasserie suitably sits right on Kensington High Street and, as you would expect, it fits in seamlessly with the other smart Kensington establishments around it. Serving easy-to-like dishes throughout the whole day, The Ivy Brasserie Kensington is a great spot to visit whether just for a relaxed breakfast with friends or a special family occasion.

Whilst the restaurant isn’t as outrageously swanky as some of the other Ivy outposts, The Ivy Kensington Brasserie maintains the typical air of class that Ivy restaurants have always been associated with. Large spherical lights hang from the ceiling and the shiny tiled floor is typical of a traditional brasserie, but there is still a long, gleaming bar as well at the classic, colourful Ivy chairs. As is the case with all Ivy restaurants, it’s a great setting to enjoy the crowd-pleasing food.

The huge all-day menu offers all the classics that you could hope for including tempura prawns and duck liver parfait as starters. Main course offerings range from lobster linguini and a sweet potato curry, to the signature Ivy shepherd’s pie. There’s also something for everyone on the dessert menu, with dishes including rum baba and passionfruit baked Alaska. If you’re feeling like something a little lighter to eat, there is a range of sandwiches available until 5pm too.

You can also come to the Ivy Kensington Brasserie for breakfast where you’ll find dishes such as hot buttermilk pancakes and ham and cheese omelette on the menu. Or if you’re in the area in between meals there’s always the option to have the classic Ivy afternoon tea for £21.50 per person.

An equally large selection of drinks accompanies the huge range of food available; wine, cocktails, specially brewed beer, coffee – you name it, they have it.