Good Morning,
I’ve been desperate to visit The Ivy since it opened and I finally got the chance last Friday. I looked at the menus online and decided to go for breakfast/brunch as there were lots of yummy options including plenty of gluten free choices.
The weather was seriously grim, we planned to take the train but they were all cancelled or severely delayed as a result of trees on the line etc, great Scottish summer eh? Instead I drove into town and we were absolutely soaked walking from the car to the restaurant.
Once inside though, we were transported to a tropical paradise which was a stark but pleasant contrast to the reality outside. The design is flamboyant but not overwhelming. There are different seating styles and tabling which makes the space appear bigger than it actually is. The ladies toilets are exquisite and a real feature.
We ordered and within a few minutes our tea arrived along with water for the table. The teapots are devine and they weigh a tonne. I’d go as far as to say it was one of the best pots of tea I’ve ever had.
Not long after our food arrived and my gosh was I impressed. I ordered two dishes as I expected the portions to be small. I was wrong, the portions were normal and one would have been sufficient. My mum got the Full Scottish Breakfast and I went for the Gluten Free Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs and the Organic Granola.
I’m a truly believer that we eat with our eyes and when a plate of food looks good, I always enjoy it more. I started with the Avo Toast and I couldn’t believe how light and crispy the gluten free bread was. Usually it can be dense and tasteless but this was different. Two poached eggs with perfectly ripe avocado went down a treat and I took a little break before starting on my next dish. The organic granola was nothing short of D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. A raspberry coulis hidden underneath coconut ‘yogurt’ topped with fresh berries and crunchy granola, I honestly could eat it over and over again and never tire of it. The coconut yogurt was as light as a feather and didn’t taste very coconutty which was good as I’m not a huge coconut lover. The raspberry coulis cut through it anyway and I feel like I need to try and re-create it at home, it really was that good.
Afterwards I was beyond full and I made the terrible mistake of wearing jeans for the first time in ages. I couldn’t wait to get back home and change into something more comfortable with a loose or elastic waistband.
It’s safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Ivy and look forward to returning in the near future.
xo!