Step back in time to the era of jazz and flapper dresses and when The Ivy’s Classic Menu was the talk of the town. Whether you’re a history buff or a hungry foodie looking for an exciting culinary adventure, see if the 1917 Ivy Classic Menu hits the mark.
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Table of Contents
The Ivy in 1917
1917, The Ivy opened its first restaurant in London’s West End. It quickly became popular with the theatre crowd and celebrities, and even today, there’s likely to be paparazzi waiting outside. Over 100 years on, the restaurant oozes glamour and has opened others across the UK.
What was Cardiff like in 1917?
To another capital city and my hometown, Cardiff wasn’t as sophisticated in 1917. Being a major port, the industrial docks played a pivotal role in supporting the war effort. The local communities, bound by a strong sense of camaraderie, faced the challenges of wartime rationing and waited for news from the front lines. Despite the sombre backdrop, the theatre and music halls provided a welcome escape.
The Ivy Set Menu
The 1917 Menu pays homage to the restaurant’s early roots with the dishes that started it all. The Ivy Menu has the signature harlequin stained glass design found at the original restaurant. Like all of The Ivy Restaurants, there’s a small selection of recommended cocktail aperitifs and light bites for the table.
On a cold Friday night in January, I entered the Ivy Collection restaurant in Cardiff to try the 1917 menu. The Ivy Cardiff opened in late 2019 in the heart of the city centre, offering brasserie dining.
For Starters
It’s January; like many, I overindulged in December, and I want to feel my best for a big birthday on the horizon. So, I tried to choose the lower-calorie and high-protein items whilst praying for flavour and texture.
My starter was the Smoked Salmon Rillette. The hot-smoked salmon was velvety and creamy and served with dark-seeded pumpernickel-style bread. This provided a robust and earthy foundation that complemented the salmon’s bold flavours. It was served with a fresh green herb salad and avocado, which is always a winner for me; this added a luscious buttery element to the dish.
My friend had the Duck Liver Parfait. The melt-in-your-mouth dish was elevated by adding caramelised hazelnuts for a delightful crunch. Served with toasted brioche and sweet cranberry chutney, it felt like the epitome of sophistication. However, it was very rich, and she could not finish it all.
The Main Course
Choosing a main was easy for me. I’m not a mashed potato fan, so Shepherd’s Pie wasn’t top of the list, and since I had fish for starters, I didn’t really want Pan-fried Sea Bream for my main. Grilled Steak is available for a £4.95 supplement. However, I chose the Baked Butternut Squash.
It was a winter delight. The soft butternut squash was served with mixed grains, which gave the dish its texture, whilst the tart cranberries and pomegranate added a delightful contrast. The crumbled feta added an additional savoury element to the dish. The star of the plate was the harissa, which didn’t overpower but provided a subtle kick of spice. The fusion of sweet, savoury and spicy made it an exciting dish. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would!
My friend opted for the steak upgrade. The meat had been thinly beaten, so there was no option to choose your cooking preference. Accompanying this were truffle-infused Parmesan chips, which were the highlight. You can’t beat a chunky, crispy chip. She swapped the wild mushroom sauce for a bearnaise, which was thick and smooth but well-balanced. Sometimes, the tarragon can overpower.
Finishing with Dessert
I should have chosen the Classic Frozen Berries to keep the calories on the lighter side. However, the Sticky Toffee Pudding was calling my name. It was served with a flourish. Literally! It is delivered like a theatre performance and produced from under a smoking cosh. The date-infused cake is warm and gooey. The pinnacle is a drizzle of salted caramel sauce cascading over the pudding. To make my eyes roll back further, the sweet masterpiece comes with a generous dollop of clotted cream and delicate gold flakes that shimmer in the candlelight.
Now, this will shock you. My friend had never had a Crème Brûlée before. (And she’s in her 40s) The creamy delight quickly seduced her and, more importantly, the crack caramel sugar layer. The luscious vanilla custard was light and creamy. From the first bite, it was an experience.
The Ivy Menu Prices
You can dine off this menu until 9 February from 11.30am. Some sites, like The Ivy Cardiff, are available after 6pm. Plus, for two courses it is £19.17. Dessert can be added for an additional £5.
1917 Classic Menu at The Ivy
The Ivy Restaurant Menu isn’t just a meal; it’s a time-travelling journey for your taste buds. From the elegance of the dining room to perfectly presented food, The Ivy Dinner Menu was an exciting find. And let’s face it, when menus are typically scaled back in January, it was wine and dine treat.
The Ivy Cardiff
Where art deco meets modern chic, The Ivy Cardiff has a sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you want to sip on a craft cocktail at the bar, book one of the beautiful private dining rooms for a special occasion or try the new dishes on the menu, it is a dining experience.
It’s not for everyone. While the brand is well known, it still gets mixed reviews. It is homely food that thinks it’s unpretentious but can be underwhelming. Can you get better food elsewhere in Cardiff? Yes. But is there anywhere else you can get a sophisticated service? Not really. You are made to feel as if you’re in the first-class lounge of the Titanic. And in the back of your mind, you feel like you don’t belong. But you love being there all the same.
I’ve previously had Afternoon Tea at The Ivy Cardiff, where I was pleasantly surprised. It was the best afternoon tea I’ve had in Cardiff – and I’ve had a few – from the sandwich fillings to the scones, filled pastries to cake.
The Ivy Cardiff Toilets
It’s childish, but every time I go, I have to take a photograph with the statue in the Ladies. The bathroom is stylish in its own right. Surrounded by bold wallpaper, pink marble fixtures and subtle lighting for sophistication. It’s a beautiful place to take a moment to freshen up (and take a selfie).
Travelling to the City Centre
Navigating the Cardiff City, especially during busy seasons, requires thinking ahead. Whether opting for public transport or securing a parking spot in advance, a bit of planning ensures a smoother journey, allowing you to fully savour the best of Cardiff.
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. And who doesn’t want to save money to spend on eating out?
Restaurants in Cardiff
Cardiff is a foodie’s delight. From the quality of the produce to the level of cooking, at both the casual and cheap eats, Cardiff is staking a serious claim to being one of the most exciting places to eat in the UK.
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Entertainment Bars in Cardiff
Whether looking for an after-work drink with colleagues, a boy’s or girls’ night out surrounded by cocktails, or a date night spot, you’re always close to the best bars in Cardiff.
- Ballie Ballerson Cardiff
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That’s such a good price! I agree with you about the overall vibe, you always feel like a superstar when you’re in The Ivy. The service is amazing 💜
We had a great young gent, you could tell he was new and nervous, but he was really sweet!