As November unfolds, The Ivy Collection has once again unveiled its highly anticipated Christmas offering, transforming its restaurants into winter wonderlands that promise to capture the seasonal spirit through exquisite dining experiences.
The Festive Arrival at The Ivy Liverpool
Stepping into The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie on Castle Street during a mild November evening, the atmosphere immediately signals the beginning of the festive season. While some might consider mid-November too early for Christmas celebrations, the restaurant's warm embrace of seasonal joy proves utterly irresistible.
This year's concept, dubbed 'The Ivy Midnight Express', aims to transport guests to what the establishment describes as "the ultimate festive paradise" through carefully crafted cuisine, evocative decorations, and impeccable service.
A Closer Look at the Christmas Menu
The Festive Set Menu presents diners with two pricing options: £55 for two courses or £60 for three courses, representing a £5 increase from the previous year's offering. The selection showcases traditional favourites with The Ivy's signature twist.
Starters include comforting French onion soup, rich duck liver parfait accompanied by cranberry chutney, and a refreshing tamarind beetroot and endive salad. For the main event, guests can choose between turkey ballotine with apricot and cranberry stuffing, pan-fried sea bass served with wild mushroom sauce, or a plant-based lentil and aubergine bake.
The dessert selection features flambéed Christmas pudding and the restaurant's famous chocolate bombe, both promising to deliver a sweet conclusion to the festive feast.
The Dining Experience: From Soup to Surprise
Beginning with the French onion soup, the meal immediately demonstrates why The Ivy remains a destination for special occasions. The soup arrives crowned with a perfectly melted cheese layer and croutons that have absorbed the rich, salty broth. Breaking through the cheesy surface reveals croutons saturated with warm, caramelised onion flavour - a clear indication that the kitchen understands comfort food at its finest.
For the main course, the crispy sea bass fillet with wild mushroom velouté earns praise for its flaky, moist texture and the velouté's deep mushroom flavour that complements rather than overwhelms the delicate fish.
However, the true standout emerges with The Ivy's Christmas shepherd's pie, which comes with an unexpected accompaniment: a personal bottle of Worcestershire sauce. This thoughtful touch demonstrates the restaurant's attention to detail and understanding of flavour enhancement.
The shepherd's pie itself combines tender duck, lamb and beef beneath a golden mashed potato topping, accented with baked sage and orange zest. Served with tangy cranberry chutney and smooth red wine sauce, the dish represents festive comfort food elevated to new heights. The addition of Worcestershire sauce introduces an incredible umami dimension that would satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Accompanying Brussels sprouts provide the perfect counterpoint with their freshness and slight bitterness, balancing the richness of the pie beautifully.
Sweet Conclusions and Final Impressions
The Christmas crème brûlée offers a silky vanilla custard beneath a caramelised sugar crust, served with spiced winter berry compote and buttery shortbread. While the cinnamon promised in the compote proves subtle, the dessert nonetheless provides a satisfying end to the meal.
Considering the quality of ingredients, impeccable service, and stunning surroundings, The Ivy's Christmas menu represents excellent value for those seeking a special festive dining experience. Whether celebrating with family or treating a loved one, The Ivy continues to deliver the magic of Christmas through every carefully considered detail.
To explore the full menu selection or book a table at your nearest Ivy restaurant, visit The Ivy Collection's official website.
