The Ivy St Albans Brasserie

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1. M

   Mandy

   London

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined today

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Had the best time celebrating my birthday! The service was top tier. Can’t fault anything. The food was amazing. Enjoyed my meal! Would eat here again

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2. E

   Eric

   Hertfordshire

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall4food5service5ambience2

   Food and service were very good but the noise levels from other diners made it almost impossible to hear my companion's conversation. I will think twice about returning.

   Report
3. AS

   AleSmi

   Vancouver

   36 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   36 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   Service was a bit all over the place but ok been in better ivy’s

   Report
4. MO

   MicaelaO

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   My boyfriend and I went for lunch on Sunday 3rd July as a treat to this restaurant (known for its service and food quality ?) and were left so disappointed we wished we had gone to McDonald’s instead. Firstly we ordered 4 bottles of beer and a bottle of still water. When the bottles of beer came, the runner looked at us and said 4 bottles? For you 2? In a judgmental way so much so I was about to reply “yes is that a problem for you?”, but I didn’t and try not to make a scene out of it. Ok. We had to ask the waiter 3 times where our bottle of water was, which was brought to the table approximately 20 minutes after. Then we ordered some smoked salmon (with extra bread), some zucchini Frito and some olives to start with. The salmon and zucchini came, not the extra bread or the olives. Oh but wait, we had already finished with both starters and 20 minutes later the olives arrive, I wonder how hard it is to put some olives in a bowl right? We said we were obviously done with the starters and sent them back. We were already disappointed by the service. After we ordered 2 chicken Milanese (my boyfriend ordered mushroom sauce as he doesn’t like the truffle sauce that comes with the dish) and some side dishes. The 2 Milanese came, without the mushroom sauce requested of course. The sides were so plain we tried to coat them with some salt and pepper but it didn’t help. We were asked if we wanted some other sauce when the Milanese came, to which my boyfriend replied some Mayo and ketchup for his chips. He had to ask the waiter 2 times where were these sauces and 15 minutes later when he brought them over all his chips were cold. At this point we just wanted to leave. So embarrassing that at such high end restaurant you have to chase the waiter 2 or 3 times for a simple sauce or bottle of water. We of course took the service charge off the bill (which we NEVER do). Oh, but wait because here comes the best part. A couple of hours after I started having a horrible headache so muc

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5. N

   Nikki

   Hertfordshire

   18 reviews

   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Dinner with my husband. Great food and drink.

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Berkshire

   11 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fabulous staff and great food.

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7. AK

   AlexK

   Hertfordshire

   4 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Lovely food, atmosphere and good service.

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8. MF

   MartinF

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience3

   In these post Covid times restaurant service has suffered from staffing problems but not here - attentive, efficient, minor mishaps handled quietly and without fuss by a team who know each other well and do their jobs to perfection. Only one niggle, my tempura prawn starter wasn't tempura'd, but the prawns were delicious so you are forgiven.

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9. SW

   StewartW

   Newcastle

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food4service3ambience2

   The food was very good enjoyed what we had, chips could do with improving, the noise from screaming babies dampened the experience.

   Report
10. CC

    Chris123Chris

    Hertfordshire

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    We had lunch at the Ivy to celebrate a family birthday. Service was excellent, the food was fairly average & the burger was very dry & disappointing.

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11. RP

    RuthP

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The food and drink as always was very good. However we were seated at a table which is in a row of three in line with the entrance door this made it cold and less intimate and my main meal became cold very quickly which made it less enjoyable. The staff their attentiveness and their overall service was excellent

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12. LG

    LalitaG

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall1food5service1ambience3

    I took my husband and 2 daughters age 7 and 8 to Ivy to celebrate my husband’s 40th! We were seated by the door and my daughters were cold and refuse to take their jackets off. I requested if we can change the table to one of the waiter but she told me I can’t ! My daughters were uncomfortable at this point and I went to the front reception to ask if I can change the table. And she did! Which make me think why did the first one refused without asking the booking desk. We were now seated by the end of the 2nd seating area which lead to the 3rd area. I had to stand and give way to every pram, pushchair and wheelchair to pass in the middle of my lunch. I have to duck every time the waiters passes with a tray of food! And push my chair in every time someone passes by! I am a petite size 10 woman so imagine if someone big sat there ? And there were no gesture for a desert with candle for my husband 40th! Soooo disappointed with the whole experience ! At this point the only positive criticism is the food weee good. But it completely ruin the excitement we had, to take my husband for lunch.

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13. TC

    TopChefBob1511

    Northampton

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    A spur of the moment over night in St Albans in a hotel that doesn't do a great breakfast meant we were on the hunt for breakfast food on Saturday AM. I booked The Ivy as we'd said for a while we wanted to try it and i'm REALLY pleased i did! Breakfast was excellent! the staff wee attentive and polite. The quality of the food was very good as was my bloody mary and copious cups of coffee. the decor was art deco inspired and the use of real plants softened edges and made the area feel quite cosy. Once we'd finished breakfast we asked to see the evening/all day menu, as we knew then we'd be back. When we got home i booked a table for later this month!

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14. K

    Kes1

    London

    35 reviews

    3.0

    35 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    The food was fine although we had to send back the asparagus as impossible to cut. The staff were nice but overworked and waiting 20 mins for a coffee was unacceptable. It was ok overall but would not rush back.

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15. F

    Fayol

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Good reception Personal service Lots of staff everywhere One of our meals was particularly small and not good value for money The other two were very healthy portions Young waitress very keen and personable - sought advice from senior but miscommunication and inadequate QR code on menu left the birthday girl with a profiterole ( with candle) that she couldn’t eat and no alternative When paying we were asked how the food was we explained our disappointment at a lack of gluten free desserts only to be told there were 4 options that didn’t show up on the QR menu Offered free dessert at next visit as our table was needed so we had to leave ( we were offered to sit at the bar with a dessert but was too late then)

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16. KI

    KIttyT

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    If you arrive on time for a table at a premium restaurant and it is not ready, it’s not OK for the drinks you order at the bar to arrive at the same time as the starter. If you order a rare steak at a premium restaurant- you expect a rare steak not a well done one. A premium priced restaurant with the menu of a local pub and the service and noise level to match. I’ll be choosing my local chain pub next time- cheaper and actually good at what it does. The overworked staff did their best.

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17. ST

    SusieT

    London

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    Good food , nicely presented . Service very slow though .

    Report
18. SD

    SuzanneD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    The Chardonnay which is the only wine I like to drink, was dreadful! And at almost £10.00 per glass was unbelievably poor offerings! It was a pale insipid colour, which in itself should not be the colour of a good Chardonnay and tasted not only nothing like Chardonnay but like a vinegar aftertone! The cocktail experience was extremely disappointing! The usual cocktail experience in most establishedments and especially in the higher end places such as this is with more pomp and circumstance! Was nothing special too look at , small and zero shot to the side offering and at the price charged, a big let down! Onto the food, as a foodie and a private chief, words elude me! Way over priced for the quality offered! The chicken milinaise was very dry and the fish cake very average!!! Poached egg ontop however was perfection! All in all a very disappointing experience!!

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19. TP

    TrudiP

    Hertfordshire

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food2service2ambience1

    The restaurant has very poor acoustics and we could not hear each other. It is always difficult when the main key allergens (gluten, dairy and nuts) are not just noted on the menu and you have to use an app, it makes the process very cumbersome, especially when the app did not include the specials. The food was quite average for the cost and the service not amazing for the 12.5% automatically added surcharge. The birthday cake was a lovely gesture and appreciated by the birthday boy.

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20. LE

    LeanneE

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    We have been to the Ivy St Albans numerous times service and food has been amazing. Our bread arrived half way through our starter even though we asked for it to come before We couldn’t even see our waiter considering we were the only table in his area at this point It took over an our to receive more water We ordered 2 wines and 3 wines arrived Our truffle chips were so burnt and crispy we couldn’t eat them The veal which is new to the menu was so over cooked and chewy We actually had 6 empty glasses sat on our 3 seater table for around 1.5 hours we had to then ask for them to be taken We wiped access food off of our table ourselves It took over 20 mins for out ‘waiter’ to bring our dessert menu. It was honestly terrible. Yes they made our desserts complimentary and the bread, but it wasn’t about the money. It was just terrible couldn’t wait to get out.

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21. S

    Sarah

    Shropshire

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food1service2ambience4

    Took a long time to get served, 1 hour 45 from arrival to main meal. Veal was shockingly bad and sent back but then too late to reorder. Wrong drink also served. Felt like they had lots of new staff who did not know what they were doing. Not recommended.

    Report
22. JJ

    JoJo

    Dorset

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went for our first anniversary and it was amazing. It was my boyfriend’s first time and he said one of the best experiences! Thank you

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23. AM

    AlisonM

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    Disappointed with the menu and the quality of some of the food. Not sure I will return.

    Report
24. DW

    DebbeW

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 June 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Really enjoyed our evening, food and service extremely good. Would recommend.

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25. M

    Maddie1987

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 June 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    On arrival we was greeted at the front desk with politeness. The staff was very attentive and welcoming. The food was nice, adequate for the price we paid. Would go back again.

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26. S

    Steve123

    London

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 June 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    Terrible from start to finish. Didn't get any of our order right. Didn't fulfil any requests. Food came out staggered and went to the wrong table. Had to chase for drinks etc several times. Just a disaster. Hugely overpriced for terrible service and experience.

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27. SO

    SandraO

    London

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 26 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic meal, House red and white are good value. I had the prawn and monkfish curry which was delicious can’t recommend the Ivy enough xx

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28. PS

    PS2014

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 June 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience4

    Overall ok, not what I have come to expect from the Ivy. Food was generally good, but brought down by poor steaks, and sub par service. Given the wrong menus, only rectified after 30 mins and without apologies. Service very slow - unsure if this is because of insufficient staff Rib eyes were poorly cooked - ordered medium rare but inconsistently cooked, fat not rendered enough, and some parts were medium well. I provided feedback to the waiter to pass on to the manager, but no acknowledgement from management. I would have expected at least an apology. Starters and desserts were good, which salvaged the overall meal.

    Report
29. PR

    PhilRS

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 June 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    Really lovely warm welcome on arrival , birthday acknowledgment and seated quickly. Service not overly attentive , no drinks order for 5/10mins. Wine glasses cleared after food order taken without being asked if wine was wanted after our aperitif. Staff friendly just not attentive enough. Had to order wine which sadly came half way through our main course. Overall a nice experience , lovely decor ! Not a patch on main restaurant or club at which I am a member. Acknowledgment of membership would of been nice too

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30. HR

    HilaryR

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the best meals I’ve eaten in a very long time! The service was impeccable, the ambience really attractive and it was great to be offered such a varied menu.

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31. n

    nigeld

    Hertfordshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Love food, great service ,defo recommend for Brunch

    Report
32. AH

    AlanH

    Hertfordshire

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience3

    Poor service from start to finish. A restaurant thatncannot cope being busy.

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33. HD

    HelenD

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding food and service. Great atmosphere. Perfect for a celebration dinner

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34. I

    Indybindy

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Staff were very welcoming, excellent service and some back ground music which was really nice for a change. Portions a good size as well.

    Report
35. m

    miker

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Not very inspiring menu. Good cooking and attentive waiters

    Report
36. JS

    JaneS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall4food5service2ambience5

    Excellent food and surroundings, service could have been better although staff very friendly.

    Report
37. L

    Lindylu

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Excellent choice of food and beautifully cooked. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Great setting.

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38. HL

    HayleyL

    Bedfordshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had an amazing lunch here with my friend. The staff were so attentive and the food was outstanding. Well done to all staff. Will definitely be back!

    Report
39. KC

    KathC

    Buckinghamshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Great welcome on arrival Excellent service Food good but pancakes were colder than expected

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 June 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Service was really good. It was a fun atmosphere especially for a Friday night. But the burger disappointed us a lot. The patty was dry. The brioche tasted burnt and didn’t seem fresh.

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