The Ivy Market Grill is situated in Covent Garden just off the market and is perhaps best described as the ‘little sister’ of the infamous The Ivy. It draws much of its food inspiration from the original Ivy, similarly offering delicious comfort food and is equally effortless in its style.
Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has put together a design story over the two floors that nods to the late 19th century industrial age – a faded grandeur illustrated in the mosaic floor tiles, the antique brass chandeliers, distressed paintwork and marble table tops in the café area. There are hues of green, reminding us of the alma mater – The Ivy, with an orange and pewter bar acting as a theatrical centrepiece.
As the sun was shining, we asked to be seated in the terrace – perfect for sun worshippers and crowd watchers as we settle down for a leisurely late lunch and order our first prosecco for the day. Whilst browsing the extensive menu we notice and are distracted by the breakfast / brunch offerings which include; griddled buttermilk pancakes, smoked streaky sweet cured bacon and maple syrup, market grill full english and avocado and spinach Benedict to name a few – all of which have been noted and earmarked for the near future.
We instead focus our attention on the three courses we had promised ourselves, starting with a delicious Mozzarella di Bufala, aparagus, pesto and pine nuts and seasonal soup, roasted caulifower and crumbled stilton. For the mains we both opted for Argentinian Rib-eye which was huge, well marbled and tender and juicy with a green peppercorn sauce – zucchini fritti and buttered kale & spinach completed our meal. Dessert was a beautifully presented lemon meringue Alaska (baked meringue with lemon ice cream, lemon curd sauce and baby basil) and a very theatrical Chocolate bombe (melting chocolate bombe with milk foam, vanilla ice cream and honeycomb centre with hot salted caramel sauce). The desserts were both exquisite and the presentation sublime.
The Ivy Market Grill is an all-day café and restaurant, a home-from-home, where regulars of The Ivy, industrious Covent Garden workers, WC2 residents and visitors to the area can drop in for a quick fix – breakfast, coffee, a snack over a meeting; or while away the time, with good food and delicious cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere…
Opening times Restaurant, bar, café & terrace open all day for breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner & pre & post theatre supper, Monday to Sunday, plus brunch on Saturday & Sunday
Monday to Friday: 7am to 12.30am, Saturday: 8am to midnight, Sunday: 8am to 11pm
Social: Twitter @ivymarketgrill FB theivymarketgrill Instagram @theivymarketgrill
