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Around 1917 Abel Giandellini purchased what was a modest café that quickly gained favour with the theatre community. Soon after its opening Mario Gallati joined M. Abel in the role of Maitre D'hotel and was instrumental in transforming the Ivy. The subsequent redevelopment of the restaurant produced a dining room, which largely resembles the restaurant as it is today.
The name itself originated from a chance remark by the actress Alice Delysia, who overheard Monsieur Abel apologise to a customer for the inconvenience caused by building works. When he said that it was because of his intention to create a restaurant of the highest class, she interjected 'Don't worry - we will always come and see you. "We will cling together like the ivy," - a line from a popular song.
In 1945 Mario Gallati left subsequently to open Le Caprice in 1947. Between his departure and the acquisition of the restaurant by Chris Corbin & Jeremy King in 1989, the Ivy passed through several hands. Sold by M. Abel to Bernard Walsh of Wheelers in 1950, it was later owned by Joseph Melatini, Lady Grade and the Forte organisation.
The Ivy was relaunched in 1990: the architect M J Long carried out the extensive refurbishment, with leading contemporary artists commissioned to create site-specific works. Restored to its former glory, it now seems firmly established as London's favourite theatre restaurant.
Dating back to the 1930s, The Private Room occupies the first floor of The Ivy Restaurant. It has the same distinctive stained glass windows and Modernist British paintings as the restaurant, with period furniture and wood panels throughout.
The room comprises of a reception and dining area. The reception area has a crescent shaped bar and can accommodate up to 60 people for drinks. For light musical entertainment, there is a baby grand piano. The main dining area can seat up to 32 people on one oval table or 60 on individual tables of 10. There is a minimum requirement of 25 guests for a seated lunch or dinner party.
One of the features of this room is its flexibility of use for different events. It has been the venue for book launches, television press viewings, breakfast meetings and various private parties including wedding receptions. (Updated 01/09/2005)
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The Ivy Address & Contact Details
- Address: 1 West Street,
West End,
London,
WC2H 9NE
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Leicester Square
The Ivy Location Map & Nearby Venues
For nearby Fluid Style venues 'click and drag' on the map above. 'Zoom out' for more. For summary info 'click a pin'.
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Customer Reviews for The Ivy
“I went to the Ivy for my birthday and found the place very disappointing. As noted below, yes the fries do seem to come out of a frozen packet. The Bang Bang Chicken had no bang at all, just small pieces of dull chicken covered in a peanut butter sauce! The ravioli was just terrible. When ordering I asked the waiter for some fries, he corrected me that they were called chips! Then when he brought them to the table he said, here are the Fries! I am not sure if he was making fun of me! Overall very disappointing, makes you wonder why the rich and famous bother to go, unless of course when they arrive it changes! It also seemed the waiter was doing us a favour in serving us, very poor and unattentive and the place was only half full!”
Rating:
— jonathan belassie, West Byfleet
(16 Jul 2008)
“The Ivy is my favourite London restaurant. I always find the staff are welcoming and the service is efficient, however it is the food that makes the whole experience so special. Definitely one of London's top restaurants.”
Rating:
— Sam, London
(04 May 2005)
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