The Ivy is one of the best places to enjoy a Christmas meal, with a stunning setting and delicious menu
French onion soup starter at The Ivy restaurant(Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
If you’re acquainted with The Ivy restaurants, you’ll likely know they have a knack for Christmas. They boast seasonal menus in beautiful surroundings and have a number of locations around the country. I tried their menu at The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie on Castle Street in Liverpool City Centre.
My companion and I were there to try their Christmas menu. Some might argue that November 13 is a tad early, but I say bah humbug!
Christmas merriment can arrive as soon as it likes if it’s rich, satisfying and tasty.
This year’s theme is ‘The Ivy Midnight Express’, aiming to “capture the magic of Christmas and transport guests to the ultimate festive paradise through delicious food and drink, evocative décor and exquisite dining experiences”.
The Festive Set Menu is £55 for two courses or £60 for three courses (up £5 from last year), with starters such as French onion soup, duck liver parfait with cranberry chutney, and tamarind beetroot & endive salad on offer, reports the Express.
Main dishes include turkey ballotine with apricot and cranberry stuffing, pan-fried sea bass with wild mushroom sauce, and a plant-based lentil & aubergine bake.
For dessert, there’s flambéed Christmas pudding and the signature Ivy chocolate bombe.
French onion soup starter at The Ivy restaurant(Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
My sister and I, spoilt for choice, perused the menu multiple times, changing our minds with each read-through before finally deciding on the French onion soup at The Ivy. We both agreed that it’s a challenging dish to prepare at home, making it the perfect indulgence.
The soup arrived topped with a melted layer of cheese and croutons that had already absorbed the rich, salty flavour of the broth.
Piercing through the cheese, we were able to scoop up spoonfuls of the soup-soaked croutons, delivering a delightful burst of the warming liquid and caramelised onion. We had made an excellent decision.
The Christmas Shephard’s Pie main at The Ivy(Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
For the main course, my sister selected the crispy sea bass fillet accompanied by a wild mushroom velouté and a side of thick-cut chips. She praised the perfectly cooked fish, which was flaky and moist, and the well-balanced velouté, which offered a deep mushroom taste without overpowering the delicate fish.
I chose the Christmas shepherd’s pie with a side of Brussels sprouts. Before my dish even arrived, I was pleasantly surprised when a personal bottle of Worcestershire sauce was placed on my table to enhance the pie.
The festive shepherd’s pie is filled with tender duck, lamb and beef, crowned with golden mashed potato, lightly baked sage and orange zest. It’s served with a tangy cranberry chutney and a smooth red wine sauce.
A bottle of Worcestershire sauce was added to my table for my main(Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
The shepherd’s pie was the best I’ve ever tasted; rich and comforting, perfect for a winter’s meal. A dash of Worcestershire sauce added an umami depth that would satisfy even the pickiest eater.
The Brussels sprouts were an excellent accompaniment, their freshness and slight bitterness balancing the richness of the pie.
For dessert, I opted for the Christmas crème brûlée, a smooth vanilla custard with a golden caramelised sugar crust, served with a spiced winter berry and cinnamon compote and buttery shortbread.
The Christmas Crème Brûlée at The Ivy(Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
While it was scrumptious, and the compote provided a tart contrast to the sweet custard, I couldn’t really detect the cinnamon. This didn’t bother me as I’m not a fan of the spice, but others might be disappointed.
This was the ideal conclusion to my indulgent meal. Although I was tempted by The Ivy Santa, Christmas pudding and signature Ivy chocolate bombe (a chocolate lover’s dream), I knew I wouldn’t have room.
Considering the quality of food, service and surroundings, I believe the price point offers fantastic value. If you’re planning a special evening this winter, The Ivy should be your first choice.
To view all menus, find your nearest Ivy or book a table, visit the Ivy Collection website here.
Dining and Cooking