The Ivy Cafe

International Restaurant in Wimbledon
The Ivy Cafe image
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9 / 10 from 1 review
Address
75 High Street
Wimbledon
London
SW19 5EQ
Map
Telephone
020 3096 9333
Cuisine
International
Region
Wimbledon
Nearest Station
Wimbledon
0.55 miles

In the heart of Wimbledon Village, The Ivy Café presents a relaxed yet stylish dining experience offering an accessible all-day menu in a friendly, neighbourly environment.

Open seven days a week and comprised of a ground floor restaurant, intimate garden terrace and private first-floor dining room, The Ivy Café provides the perfect setting for any occasion.

A number of tables remain unreserved throughout the day allowing you to sample our range of café-style menus at your leisure from breakfast until late, whether you are a local resident, work close by or are simply visiting the area.

The Ivy Cafe Picture Gallery

The Ivy Cafe Picture
The Ivy Cafe Picture
The Ivy Cafe Picture

All In London Review

The West End comes to Wimbledon

Review Image
My friend (who lives in Wimbledon) was excited when this new outpost of the famous Ivy opened nearby – although he had found it to always be busy. So he booked well in advance for our Monday lunch. And just as well as by 2pm the place was packed – and it’s quite a large place with dining areas at the front and the rear. There were an extraordinary number of “ladies who lunch” in pairs and small groups as well as a sprinkling of couples and mixed groups.

It’s in a converted banking hall and when you enter you immediately get the feel for the West End venue. The soft sage green decor, the diamond tiles on the floor and the walls absolutely covered in flower and animal prints. It’s 1930s art-deco bistro-like with mustard colour banquettes and benched booths. But it’s much brighter than the London establishment. Out towards the back is an open/conservatory area – apparently this is where you go if you don’t book.

The menu feels very similar to the West End – all those traditional favourites. There was so much choice it took us a while to decide. The set menu contained three good options for both starters and mains.

My companion chose the shepherd’s pie (£13.50) – one of the place’s most well-known dishes. It arrived as a perfect roundel – with fluffy potato on top – and a bottle of Worcestershire sauce appeared on the table without request. He declared it as good as his home made version. The side of peas and sugar snaps (£3.25) was enough for two of us and super fresh and crunchy.

I opted for the salmon and haddock fish cake (£13.50). This was planted on a thin layer of creamy spinach with a perfectly poached egg on top and a garnish of leaves. There was a substantial amount of fish in it and the haddock tasted excellent. My side of fat chips (£3.50) arrived in a small metal bucket.

The service was friendly – and our waiter spoke almost exactly like Manuel from Fawlty Towers. However, he described the specials of the day (e.g. a beef fillet with foie gras and black truffle oil - £25) with passion. He also went above and beyond the call of duty when, at the end of the meal, my companion asked if his iced coffee (£4) could be blended. It was perfect – and embellished with a coffee bean and cocoa powder. My double espresso (£3.25) was a little disappointing but acceptable.

There were also lots of nice hints at the branding – a metal leaf on top of a stunning sugar bowl, the ivy design on the printed menus and on the flatware. It’s elegant but fun. The loos are upstairs – don’t know if there are accessible facilities on the ground floor. And up there I also spied what looks like a private dining room – light and spacious with tasteful décor.

While we didn’t have any alcoholic drinks, I thought the bill (including service) at £46.13 was reasonable considering the fabulous environment, excellent choice, good food and friendly service.

Reviewed by KimT
Published on Jan 30, 2017


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