Christmas at The Ivy, York

Last week, Stefan and I had the pleasure of visiting The Ivy in York. We’re currently in Tier 2 (for the time being) and thankfully we can still visit restaurants within our household bubble. I can’t tell you how good it felt to get out and about and actually sit in a restaurant. I know that’s not the case for everyone so I felt very lucky. The Ivy in York is located in St.Helens Square and as usual, pulled it out of the bag when it came to decorations. The entrance was decorated with the most beautiful baubles and giant nutcrackers.

Along with stunning Christmas decorations, the festivities continued inside with Christmas Cocktails and Christmas Specials. We started things off with cocktails and what’s more festive than a Mulled Wine? I got the Cognac Mulled Wine which was served with winter spices, cinnamon and orange. The Courvoisier VSOP Cognac gave it a little more of a kick to a festive favourite. Stefan went for the Toyko Snow Cocktails which is winter spices mixed with Haku Japanese Vodka and cranberry juice. Stefan loved it so much he’s on about re-creating it at home.

We decided to pass on starters although I do love The Ivy’s Crispy Duck Salad. Instead, we got a little sharer of freshly baked Salt Crusted Sourdough Bread served with butter. The bread was incredible and I ended up dipping in oil and balsamic vinegar which is quite possibly my favourite thing ever. I’ve got to say as well, the size of the bread was very generous and would’ve easily satisfied a group of 4! However, I was very happy we could eat all the bread between the two of us.

Alongside the Christmas Cocktails, there was a few festive foodie specials too. Stefan went for Goose Shepard’s Pie which was served with a little piggy in a blanket on top. The dish also came with recurrent chutney and truffled mashed potato. The goose was definitely a delicious festive upgrade from your usual Shepard’s Pie. He also ordered the Parsnip & Carrot Baton Fries which I did help myself to. They were incredible! The roasted vegetables were a great little side dish to have and tasted amazing – I think they must have been honey glazed or something.

I was deliberating over the Roast Chicken or Fish and Chips but sadly when it came to ordering, they were both sold out. So instead, I went for the Sirloin Steak which I got with Wild Mushroom Sauce and some Thick Cut Chips. In my past experiences, the steak at The Ivy is always amazing. This was cooked just how I liked it and the sauce complimented the meal really well. Another thing at The Ivy does so well is the thick-cut chips, they are so tasty!

There is always one stand out dessert when visiting The Ivy. I’m sure you’ve all seen about the Chocolate Bombe Dessert. The Chocolate dessert is served with vanilla ice cream with a honeycomb centre. You’ll have seen it all over Instagram where the hot caramel sauce is poured over the chocolate and it just melts everywhere. It’s honestly so delicious and a must-try for chocolate lovers. Stefan went for a selection of sorbets, I believe they were mango and blood orange.

As always, our meal at The Ivy was ever so delicious and the service was impeccable. It was slightly slow at times but I was glad not to be rushed in and out. We ended up been there for most of the evening and had such a lovely time. It was just great to be out of the house and even better to be enjoying delicious food.

Have you been to The Ivy before? Will you be going for a festive meal?

XOXO

*My meal at The Ivy was complimentary in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.