The former Lloyds Bank building at 102 Grey Street is set to become home to The Ivy and its sister brand The Ivy Asia, after a detailed licence application confirmed the celebrity-favourite restaurant chain is finally coming to Newcastle.
The chain's original London restaurant, which opened in 1917, has long been a favourite of A-list stars including Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Madonna, Dua Lipa and Joan Collins. Over the years, it has expanded across the UK, bringing its opulent decor, fine dining and exquisite menus to new audiences.
Historic Grey Street building
Lloyds vacated the Grade II-star listed building last year, moving into the former Sports Direct building on Northumberland Street. The four-storey sandstone structure dates back to 1839 and has always been used as a bank until now, having originally been occupied by Northumberland & District Bank.
Plans submitted by Brighton-based architects Pattern Haus on behalf of owner Troia (UK) Restaurants Ltd – which trades as The Ivy Collection and The Ivy Asia – detail the layout of the basement, ground floor and a proposed mezzanine level. The building's double-height banking hall and grand central atrium are features the team plan to take advantage of. The restaurant is set to open from 8am to 1.30am, Monday to Saturday.
Six years in the making
The luxury chain first attempted to launch in the North East six years ago, submitting three separate planning applications for the building now occupied by fashion firm End Clothing on Grey Street. A month later, the Covid pandemic brought lockdown, and those plans never came to fruition.
Last year, a spokeswoman said “Newcastle is an area we are looking at/considering”. In February, planning consultancy Naylors was appointed to play a key role in the regeneration of 102 Grey Street, providing project management and contract administration services for the refurbishment of the 31,000 sq ft building. The redevelopment will see the basement, ground floor and mezzanine become a high-end restaurant, with upper floors offering potential for a range of complimentary uses.
Growing UK presence
The Ivy Collection now operates 47 cafes and brasseries around the UK – a 50% boost on its pre-pandemic numbers. Alongside The Original Ivy in London's West End, it has restaurants at Tower Bridge, Chelsea Garden and Covent Garden, plus sites in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Nottingham and Manchester. The closest existing restaurants to Newcastle are in York, Harrogate and Leeds.
The chain is known for its breakfasts, brunches and all-day a la carte menus, as well as Sunday roasts, afternoon tea, late-night cocktails and dedicated children's, vegan and vegetarian menus. Its most recent opening was in Chester, where a star-studded event was held in April. The Ivy Collection declined to comment.
