Review: Brunch at The Ivy, Chichester Brasserie
(This post is an Ad with OpenTable, but all opinions are my own, as always)
Having just opened their doors in June 2022, The Ivy is a much welcome addition to Chichester’s city centre. I initially popped in during their lively launch party on opening week, so I was keen to return to give their boozy brunch menu a proper try.
Stepping through the door, I was taken aback by the restaurant’s gorgeous interiors, which were decked out in The Ivy’s iconic 1920s Great Gatsby-esque theme. With luxurious seating, dramatic foliage and a stunning bar, there’s a great atmosphere in the space. The service was also impeccable. The front of house staff were suited and booted, and I loved the white blazers that were donned by the bartenders. They were very friendly and added the cherry on top of the whole experience.
After being shown to our table we started off by perusing the extensive drinks menu, settling on an apple blossom gin and tonic for myself and a salted caramel espresso martini for my partner. The drinks were delicious and there was so much to choose from - I’d love to return and give the cocktails a go sometime!
Cracking open the food menu, we ordered some bread to start us off while we waited for the main course. We were given a huge cake-like portion that was cut into six thick slices, studded with salt, with a slab of butter on the side. It was delicious! The rest of the meal lived up to my high expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed my hot buttermilk pancakes, which were topped with a selection of delicious summer fruits including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, drizzled with a warm strawberry sauce and a slathering of Greek yoghurt and lemon balm. My partner also enjoyed his classic eggs bennedict, which was served with two runny poached eggs, honey roasted ham on toasted muffins, hollandaise sauce, watercress and chunky chips on the side.
There’s so much to choose from on their menu with plenty of vegetarian options and a separate menu for weekend brunch. I definitely have my eye on the afternoon tea and plan to return with a friend to try it sometime soon!
I couldn’t write a full review of The Ivy without featuring the restaurant’s gorgeous bathrooms. The ladies’ toilets have stunning pink and rose gold interiors, with stylish flamingo wallpaper, a floral ceiling and a full on replica marble statue as a centrepiece. It’s always full of women taking selfies, and I can’t blame them! I’ve honestly never seen restaurant toilets quite like them. (Men, to quell your disappointment I have to tell you that apparently the gents’ bathrooms are not as pretty, so don’t get your hopes up.)
Slightly tipsy and with full bellies, my partner and I emerged into the sunshine, back into the hustle and bustle of Chichester’s high street. I would honestly highly recommend stopping by The Ivy when you’re next in the area, their restaurant is a luxurious experience that’s worth every penny.
You can book your reservation with OpenTable, today’s kind sponsors of this post. They make it super easy to book your all of your favourite restaurants in one place, and earn points too! Thanks so much OpenTable. You can check out the other restaurants in Chichester here.