I have always loved the Ivy restaurant I have fond memories of my late father taking me there when I was living in London and he came down for work – my mum insisted that he take me out for lunch so she knew I would at least get one decent meal ever so once in a while!!
So I was more that a little bit excited when I found out that they were opening a branch in Norwich. Watching eagerly as the building work took place over a few months and then I was lucky enough to get an invite to the press launch so I course I had to say yes!!
On entering what was a rather tired Gap shop I was blown away by the stunning Art Deco inspired interior with walls of paintings – the designer Martin Brudnizki takes inspiration from the area he is designer for so expect the Norwich City Canary, reed beds and the Cathedral adorning the walls.
Photo stolen from their Instagram feed!!
One thing that struct me and I would expect nothing less from the Ivy was how fabulous the staff were – as we walked in we were give a warm genuine welcome from Alistair the assistant restaurant manger and handed a glass of champagne that was filled up throughout the evening with out you even noticing!!
Phot coutesy of The Ivy.
We even managed to get papped in the EDP -photo Amanda Bunn.
It was a fabulous evening taking in the amazing décor catching up with a few friends – that is what a I love about Norwich you always bump into at least one person you know and meeting some new ones too.
I managed to co-ordinate with the sofas with my outfit choice – from Super Queenie Retro. Shoes Christian Louboutin and bag Louis Vuitton.
On Tuesday it opened its doors for the first time and I was treated to breakfast along with other bloggers from Norfolk.
The breakfast menu offered a wonderful choice and it was hard to pick as everything sounded delicious but in the end I opted for the healthy option of avocado on rye bread with pomegranate and seeds but will have to go back and try out the other dishes too!!
All of the food was beautifully presented and my fellow diners all commented on how great it all tasted. The staff we attentive but not intrusive which is exactly how it should be, coffee and water glasses refilled as we ate.
Once breakfast was over we were given a guided tour of the upstairs dining room again decorated to the same standard with fabulous little corners for romantic dinners!
And proper linen napkins which is always a bonus in my mind – attention to detail was apparent throughout the whole venue.
My outfit for day channelling a bit of Carrie Bradshaw who I am sure would have approved and had brunch with her girls!! White shirt Jaeger and vintage skirt just seen Retreat Vintage.
The Ivy is a magical place with great style that invokes many wonderful memories for me and is a fabulous addition to dining out in Norwich. I for one am looking forward to returning again and again – in fact we have already booked to celebrate my birthday in a couple of weeks.
