I ventured out to Leicester Square yesterday evening, the aim being to seek out a much-lauded and hailed restaurant called The Ivy. Armed with my map I found it quite easily: It is just off Charing Cross Road, down Litchfield Street. The Ivy is literally opposite St Martin's Theatre, where The Mouse Trap still plays.
The Time was four-fifty; the Ivy didn't open till five-thirty; so I re-traced my footsteps on to Charing Cross Road and encountered a small bar called The Porcupine, where I had a small restorative.
At five twenty-five, I drank up and made straight for the Ivy. The staff at this restaurant are exceptionally courteous, which softens the obligatory 12.5% service charge and £2 "cover" charge. I advised them that I hadn't booked; she inquired if I had a theatre booked (no); showed me to a table; offered to relieve me of my very heavy British Warm overcoat and hat; handed me a plastic card for the cloakroom on departure; and even brought me a newspaper, since I was on my own.
They have plenty of staff wafting about, keeping an eye on patrons attentively. I was brought a basket of fresh, crusty bread and a dish of flavourful butter.
I ordered the slow-cooked Cornish lamb shoulder with roasted winter vegetables; and also had a side dish of honey-baked parsnips with thyme. The lamb was delicious; it was absolutely tender, with little fat at all. Slow-cooked indeed and succulent; a generous portion, too. The couple beside me had just arrived, and the chap liked the look of my lamb so much that he ordered it himself! I had made a wise choice.
I washed it down with a glass of Chardonnay wine.
I had sticky toffee pudding for dessert, accompanied by a little jug of pouring cream.
The experience was all quite civilized. I'd certainly return.
7 comments :
I always imagined it was a bit 'nouveau,' you'd much prefer Wiltons on Jermyn St.
W.
Sounds fabulous!!! Good for you, venturing in alone. Glad it was worth it!!!
Now that's an idea; eaten at Wiltin's, W?
At least that's one advantage of eating solo, Sharon: Quite often they can fit you in without notice. The couple beside me booked 2 months ago.
Yes, we usually go when there, or Simpson's (which is cheaper, but not so pretentious! ha) when we're over. I hope you have had a good break.
W.
oooh I am jealous! I've never been to the Ivy. Sounds fab.
Ha ha! These establishments have left a hole in my wallet, Jenny.
I ate at the Wolseley this evening; more tomorrow! :-)
Yes the Porcupine in Leicester Square , a jolly fine Public House , I loved its square bar layout and selection of ales on draft , wifey had to drag me away in time to catch our show otherwise I'd have sampled a lot more pumps , CAMRA would have been proud of me doing the necessary research.
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