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I always get really excited when new restaurants open in
Marylebone, as it just means it’s a good excuse to check them out on my lunch break. Working in Marylebone has it’s perks, that’s for sure. Sadly my waistline isn’t so enthusiastic about these new arrivals. After travelling so much in September/October I hadn’t really had the time to eat out much, so last week I went to try out the new Ivy Cafe.
Caprice Holdings is one of my favourite restaurant groups in London (the only restaurant of theirs I wasn’t a fan of was Rivington in Shoreditch),and is the parent of
Le Caprice – a family favourite – as well as
The Ivy and all of The Ivy’s sisters.
The Ivy Cafe is the latest Ivy sister, and is more of an informal bistro nestled on the very cute Marylebone Lane, just a few doors down from
108 Brasserie.
I hadn’t seen Kiran properly for a couple of months, aside from a quick hello at Cains birthday the other week, and as he’s a man of leisure while I’m a working woman, he came to me for lunch so I didn’t have to spend too much time just walking to the restaurant (does anyone else hate that?!).
We booked a table, however you don’t really need to as half of The Ivy Cafe’s tables are reserved for walk-ins, a similar policy to
The Ivy Market Grill. The restaurant is beautiful and light, and feels like an ‘Ivy’ restaurant, with the typical design features; dark woods, leather, big mirrors, and art work adorning the walls.
The menu is full of The Ivy classics, including the famous shepherds pie, and there was a good mix of fish and meat options. As it was lunch I didn’t want anything too OTT so I chose the Croque Madame, while Kiran opted for a favourite of
mine; Grilled Swordfish.
I have to say, I got major food envy and am going to have to try the Swordfish next time I visit. My Croque Madame was okay, but just okay. The egg wasn’t runny (sad times), and the Croque itself tasted quite earthy. I’m not sure if it was the ham, cheese, or the sauce they used, but I wasn’t a huge fan. Thankfully the chunky crispy chips made up for it, they were delicious!
We had a bit of time left so decided to just go all out and have dessert as well. Kiran had the panna cotta which is a favourite of his, while I had the chocolate bombe.
I think this was probably one of the best chocolate bombes I’ve ever had. Caprice Holdings certainly know how to do desserts – I’ve never had a bad one in any of their restaurants! The waitress poured the hot caramel sauce over the chocolate sphere to reveal the vanilla ice-cream and honeycomb centre.
The milk froth combined with the melted chocolate, caramel and honeycomb was so rich and decadent!
Although I was disappointed with my Croque, I’m definitely going to be back just so I can work my way through the amazing menu! The desserts were fantastic, the service was top notch, and there was a really buzzy atmosphere as the place filled up with locals and business lunches. If you’re in the area, go check it out!
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Catherine Lux
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
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Eeek!! I'm going on Monday 🙂 I already had my eye on the swordfish 🙂
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
I've heard so much about this – it looks like a lovely restaurant, and as you say the menu looks incredible! Such a shame about the croque as when it's done well it's one of my favourite dishes! You're definitely right – the egg needs to ooze!!
Lauren xx | The Lifestyle Diaries
That dessert looks incredible!
Katie Loves ~ UK Fashion & Beauty Blog
Follow on Bloglovin’ ~ ‘Katie Loves’
Instagram ~ @katielovess
I'm so glad I don't work in Marylebone nor have the time for lunch (I pretty much eat a Brick Lane bagel for lunch…) – it's probably the only reason why I'm slim (exercise is not an option). I don't know how you do it Luxy! Although the delicious good and gorgeous settings – spoilt for choice much? – makes it worth the while! x
Jasiminne | Posh, Broke, & Bored
Those desserts look incredible. Love the interiors too, I've never set foot in an Ivy (I always think of them as A lister only haha) xo
we are dannah | perth lifestyle blog
THAT CHOCOLATE BOMBE!!! Omg that is the pudding of my dreams. Going for that alone! 😀 Lots of love, Andrea xxx
Andrea's Passions
Mmm love the look of the chocolate bombe, Catherine. Did you prefer it to the original Ivy?
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
It looks like it's worth going for the dessert alone! So delicious! xxx
Lucy @ La Lingua Italy
The swordfish does look lovely I can understand the food envy, but the chocolate dessert must have made up for it. Looks divine Lucy x