Recently dropped as the No. 1 restaurant in London, The Ivy is still an entry on the to-do list for most of the longer term visitors to this city. I say longer term visitors as bookings are taken at least three months in advance and often getting this booking is the biggest challenge of this experience.

R had made a surprise booking for her and her boyfriend but due to conflicts in her schedule was unable to take it so she was nice enough to offer it to me.

I guess The Ivy is known first as a celebrity dining hole and second for its food. As I walked in tonight I swear I saw Ricky Gervais (of The Office fame) sitting off to the side but as I was trying my best to be cool (no snickering people!) I didn’t stare too much. In fact, most diners will check you out as you walk in so its hard not to be a little self-conscious from the attention. I’m not sure if there were any other A-list stars present tonight as, continuing on with my cool attitude (again people – you really must stop snickering) I resisted the urge to look around the room too much.

So, on with the food. I must say that the food is nothing special or unique. Whilst there are some strange combinations of food and some game make their way on to the menu – the majority of the fare, though diverse, could probably be found at most other restaurants (and for a more reasonable price!) The food that did come out was just okay and I thought far too salty though I think my brother enjoyed his selection of dishes.

Service was pretty good with our waiter being quite attentive and for the most part efficient with our requests. The doorman, with his coat tails and top hat, was probably the least accommodating as it felt like he didn’t do anything (not even open the doors) except pose and just strut around. Oh – the main room (for which you have the privilege of paying an extra £2 per person to dine in) was much cosier than I thought with tables placed very closely together, low ceilings, stain-glass covered windows and a dark old-fashioned feel to it. The restrooms must have been fascinating as I’m sure I saw every female at least make a visit to them.

Overall I’m glad to have done it, and I can now tick that box in my to-do list, but I wouldn’t go back unless I was guaranteed good food and at least one A-list celebrity. : )