Dining at The Ivy Harrogate: Our Honest Review of the Iconic Restaurant
I was lucky enough to visit The Original Ivy restaurant in London some years ago, and I remember it feeling genuinely exciting. At the time, the Beckhams were often spotted there, alongside various other celebrities, and it had this almost mythical reputation. The Ivy was an institution — the sort of place that felt slightly out of reach for most of us mere mortals, wrapped up in a sense of luxury and quiet glamour.
What struck me most during that visit was how curious the whole experience felt. Despite its reputation, the restaurant itself was surprisingly unassuming. Chic and luxurious, yes, but not intimidating. In many ways, it reminded me of a classic London pub — just elevated and polished. The best-selling dish was shepherd’s pie, which only added to that comforting, familiar feel, while the Art Deco-styled surroundings were far more understated than the bold, theatrical interiors we now associate with the modern Ivy restaurants.
From Institution to ‘The Ivy Collection’
Alas, this was years ago, and since then The Ivy brand has evolved into what is now a high-end — well, chain restaurant. Although, of course, “The Ivy Collection” sounds far more exclusive. The reality is that many major cities across the UK now boast the instantly recognisable Ivy-green canopy and those inviting doorways, ushering us into what feels, quite literally, like a kind of dining wonderland.
The interiors are breathtaking. The bars are polished to within an inch of their lives, tables are draped in crisp white linens — almost an extinct practice these days — and front-of-house staff glide around in smart green waistcoats. It’s all a bit bells and whistles, if we’re honest. But is it all style over substance? I headed to The Ivy Harrogate to find out.
Why Harrogate Is the Perfect Fit
Harrogate is a great setting to host this type of restaurant — an affluent spa town lined with designer boutiques, art galleries, high-end hotels, and a plethora of stylish bars and restaurants. In Harrogate, The Ivy sits comfortably next door to the iconic Bettys Tea Rooms, and somehow, it looks right at home.
First Impressions: Buzz, Bookings and Big Energy
We had reserved our table for two at 4.30pm on a drizzly Saturday afternoon in late February — not exactly the sort of time you’d expect to arrive and find people being turned away at the door. Yet it was fully booked until after 9pm. I was genuinely astounded, and instantly pleased I’d taken the time to book ahead.
We were welcomed warmly and offered the chance to have our coats taken and hung up — a small but thoughtful touch. Our table for two was refreshingly roomy and comfortable, and the atmosphere was buzzing. Families, groups of friends and weekend revellers filled the room, all kicking off their Saturday with a glass of Champagne or two. I’ve eaten at various Ivy restaurants over the years, and the atmosphere is always top notch. The interiors are utterly unbelievable — totally ostentatious, but somehow not in a bad way. It just works.
The Menu: Crowd-Pleasers Done Well
Drinks were offered in good time — which instantly earned brownie points from me. The à la carte menu is very much my kind of food: classic, crowd-pleasing dishes with just enough polish to feel like a treat. It spans indulgent starters, comforting mains and an indulgent grill section, alongside lighter fish and plant-based options. It’s broad, reassuring and designed to please almost everyone at the table.
What We Ordered
My husband went for the French onion soup followed by his usual Ivy classic: shepherd’s pie. The soup was genuinely sublime — rich, cheesy and deeply comforting. Slightly embarrassingly for Paris, it was far better than the one I’d had there a couple of weeks earlier.
I ordered the fried courgette with dip as a lighter nibble, although the portion was anything but small. For my main, I chose the fillet steak, ordered medium rare but edging towards rare (I know, I’m a pain). It arrived absolutely spot on — beautifully cooked and tender. We shared spinach and the Parmesan and truffle chips, which felt like the only sensible side order, really.
Service That Gets the Details Right
I’m a stickler for service — not just good service, but service done properly and in the right order. Staff should know the menu inside out, know who ordered what (no awkward “who’s having this?” moments), and be attentive without hovering. Cutlery should arrive on time, and you should be asked if you need anything else when the food lands — because that’s when you realise you want mustard, vinegar or an extra sauce.
Crucially, someone should check back within the first few minutes of the main courses arriving. The Ivy gets this spot on. The service felt polished, professional and well-timed, without ever feeling intrusive.
Dessert, Drinks and a Sweet Finale
We finished with The Ivy’s famous Chocolate Bombe — a glossy chocolate dome dramatically melted at the table with hot caramel sauce. If you like chocolate, this is non-negotiable. We also treated ourselves to an Irish coffee and an espresso martini, which felt like the perfect full stop to a very indulgent meal.
The dessert menu as a whole is unapologetically decadent, packed with classics like sticky toffee pudding, crème brûlée and warm apple tart, alongside lighter options, ice creams, sorbets and even a proper cheese board.
Final Verdict: Style, Substance and a Little Bit of Magic
So, is The Ivy Harrogate all style over substance? Not at all. Yes, there’s plenty of theatre, polish and visual drama — but the food delivers, the service is genuinely excellent, and the atmosphere feels special without being stuffy.
It’s somewhere you go to make an occasion of it — whether that’s a birthday, a catch-up with friends, or simply a drizzly Saturday afternoon that deserves upgrading. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. My advice? Book your table immediately – and when you do, tell them I sent you.
Words –Joanne Brook-Smith
7-9 Parliament St, Harrogate HG1 2QU
Tel: 01423 787100
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