The Ivy Collection has launched its Christmas menu, and I was impressed when the waiter handed me a special ingredient to add to my meal
Anyone acquainted with The Ivy restaurants will likely know they excel at Christmas celebrations. They take pride in seasonal offerings within breathtaking surroundings, and upon entering on a temperate November evening, The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie on Castle Street in Liverpool City Centre proved yet another flawless demonstration of the brand’s expertise.
My sister and I had come to experience their Christmas menu and while some might argue November 13 feels somewhat premature, I say bah humbug!
Festive joy is welcome whenever it arrives, provided it’s indulgent, satisfying and scrumptious, reports the Express.
This year’s concept is ‘The Ivy Midnight Express’, designed to “capture the magic of Christmas and transport guests to the ultimate festive paradise through delicious food and drink, evocative décor and exquisite dining experiences”.
The Festive Set Menu costs £55 for two courses or £60 for three courses (increased by £5 from last year), offering starters such as French onion soup, duck liver parfait with cranberry chutney, and tamarind beetroot & endive salad.
Main dishes showcase turkey ballotine with apricot and cranberry stuffing, pan-fried sea bass with wild mushroom sauce, and a plant-based lentil & aubergine bake.
Puddings feature flambéed Christmas pudding and the signature Ivy chocolate bombe. My sister and I were spoilt for choice at The Ivy, perusing the menu several times before finally deciding on the French onion soup.
We both agreed it’s a tricky dish to prepare at home, making it the perfect indulgence when dining out.
The soup arrived topped with a melted layer of cheese and croutons that had soaked up the rich, salty flavour of the broth.
Piercing the cheese layer revealed soup-soaked croutons, providing a delightful burst of warm, caramelised onion flavour. It was clear we’d made an excellent choice.
For the main course, my sister opted for the crispy sea bass fillet served with a wild mushroom velouté and a side of thick-cut chips. She praised the perfectly cooked fish, which was flaky and moist, and the velouté’s deep mushroom flavour that didn’t overpower the delicate sea bass.
I chose the Christmas shepherd’s pie accompanied by Brussels sprouts. Before my meal even arrived, I was pleasantly surprised when a personal bottle of Worcestershire sauce was brought to my table to enhance the pie.
The festive shepherd’s pie consisted of tender duck, lamb and beef, crowned with golden mashed potato, lightly baked sage and orange zest. It was served with a tangy cranberry chutney and a smooth red wine sauce.
The shepherd’s pie was the best I’ve ever tasted; deep, rich and comforting with every bite. A dash of Worcestershire sauce added an incredible umami that would satisfy even the pickiest eater.
The Brussels sprouts were a brilliant side dish; their freshness and slight bitterness perfectly balanced the richness of the pie.
For dessert, I opted for the Christmas crème brûlée, a silky vanilla custard with a golden caramelised sugar crust, served with a spiced winter berry and cinnamon compote and buttery shortbread.
While it was scrumptious, and the compote provided a delightful tartness to balance the smooth, sweet custard, I couldn’t really detect the cinnamon. This didn’t bother me as I’m not a fan of the spice, but others might be disappointed.
This was the ideal way to round off my indulgent meal. Although I was tempted by The Ivy Santa, Christmas pudding and signature Ivy chocolate bombe (which I’ve had before and can confirm is a chocoholic’s dream), I knew I wouldn’t have room for it.
Considering the quality of the food, service and surroundings, I believe the price point offers fantastic value. If you’re planning a special evening with a loved one this winter, The Ivy should be your first port of call.
To view all menus, find your nearest Ivy or book a table, visit the Ivy Collection website here.
