This is the first Ivy Asia in London, one has been a hit in Manchester for a while now. You’d be right to assume Richard Caring (Sexy Fish, Annabel’s, Scott’s, 34 etc) plans to roll these out like the rest of his Ivy branded restaurants. UK domination, it certainly is. Best of all here is the design. There’s nowhere quite like it. Just look at … Continue reading The Ivy Asia, St Paul’s
Harry’s Bar on James Street (just by Selfridges) is inspired by its namesake, the fancy Mayfair private members’ club Harry’s Bar, that opened on South Audley Street in the 70s. It’s the brainchild of Richard Caring. He’s been rolling out Ivy Cafés/Brasseries/Grills like there’s no tomorrow and I imagine he’ll be doing the same here. But panic not, this ain’t no crap chain. It’s rather … Continue reading Harry’s Bar, James Street
There’s no getting away from the name Sexy Fish – it’s pretty garish. But then again, it’s the new restaurant from Richard Caring (The Ivy, Scott’s, J Sheekey et al) so a bit of opulent flamboyance is to be expected. The dining room is exactly that – times ten. A bar, top and tailed with Damien Hirst mermaids, a wall with cascading water, salmon banquettes, … Continue reading Sexy Fish, Berkeley Square
I want to love The Ivy, I really do. Its theatrical history and glamour is right up my alley. On my first disastrous visit last year, we never made it past the bar, which made for an awfully awkward dinner. So when I heard they were giving the place a huge renovation, I was excited to be eating in the actual dining room. It’s a … Continue reading The Ivy, West Street
The Ivy Market Grill is Richard Caring’s latest venture (he’s the bloke who sold Cote for millions and he also owns Jackson + Rye, Bill’s, Scott’s and The Ivy to name but a few). I wasn’t convinced by the idea of using The Ivy’s name for a high street chain concept but the place was heaving so it has obviously worked. The inside was smart … Continue reading The Ivy Market Grill, Covent Garden
Jackson & Rye is the latest Richard Caring backed restaurant and it’s the creation of the guys behind Grill Shack – which I loved. This too is an all day dining affair – it’s open 7 days a week from breakfast to late night dinner offering American comfort food. As that sounds right up my street I was super excited to be invited along for … Continue reading Jackson & Rye
Grill Shack is an “all day counter order grill” on Beak Street in Soho and is the creation of Richard Caring who recently sold Côte Bistro (now there’s a chain I like) for a reported £100m – I bet he’ll have a good Christmas! We were seated in the ground floor dining room but there’s also a smaller room downstairs in the basement. It was … Continue reading Grill Shack, Soho
“The Ivy is one of London’s most in demand restaurants” says the The Ivy’s website and I’d agree with that – I’ve always found it a bit of an uphill struggle to get a table. But good news! Luckily for me, a friend of a friend put in a good word and bagged me a table for a pre-theatre dinner for me and my parents. … Continue reading The Ivy
