Review of Ivy Kensington Brasserie

A sunny afternoon on Kensington High Street appeared the perfect excuse for a relaxed lunch at The Ivy Kensington Brasserie, and it proved to be an excellent choice. The restaurant is stylish, with large windows filling the dining room with light. Colourful interiors, elegant furnishings, and greenery create a bright yet relaxed atmosphere. It feels special but not intimidating, making it fitting for both casual lunches and celebrations.

For more than a century, The Ivy name has been synonymous with London's fine dining scene. The first Ivy restaurant opened its doors in Covent Garden in 1917 and quickly became a favourite haunt of actors, writers and celebrities, gaining a reputation as one of the capital's most iconic restaurants. While today's Ivy Collection has brought that famous sense of occasion to locations across the country, each restaurant retains its own distinct character. The Ivy Kensington Brasserie, nestled on bustling Kensington High Street, perfectly reflects the elegance and charm of its surroundings.

Combining classic Ivy glamour with a contemporary, neighbourhood feel, it offers diners a touch of luxury free of any of the stuffiness. Fortunately, despite its famous name and stylish interiors, there is no requirement to arrive with a film script, theatre award or paparazzi following close behind, just a healthy appetite and an inclination to linger over good food.

We were greeted with a sincere smile and genuine hospitality by Albi, who ensured we were exceptionally well looked after throughout our visit. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely engaging, he helped make the experience feel personal rather than simply professional. Good service can make a meal memorable, and that was certainly the case here.

The interiors are every bit as impressive as the menu. Designed by renowned interior design studio Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the space is a celebration of colour, character and classic British glamour. Rich jewel tones, botanical-inspired artwork, polished brass accents and sumptuous leather seating combine to create a dining room which feels both elegant and inviting. There is something new to catch the eye wherever you look, from the expertly curated artwork to the striking lighting fixtures overhead.

It's the sort of place that encourages you to pause between courses to admire the surroundings, although the arrival of your next dish may well interrupt those plans. We chose from The Ivy's three-course set menu, Edition Vol. 02, which offers an impressive selection of dishes at excellent value (starting from £34.95 for 2 courses).

To start, I ordered the Calamari. The squid was beautifully tender, wrapped in a light, crisp coating, served with wasabi mayonnaise and sriracha, which added a gentle kick without overpowering the

dish. It was fresh, flavourful and disappeared far too quickly. My dining partner selected the Robata Grilled Chicken Skewers with peanut satay sauce. The chicken was juicy and perfectly cooked, carrying a subtle smokiness from the grill. The satay sauce was rich and nutty with just the right combination of sweetness and spice.

For the main course, I chose the Roasted Salmon Supreme. Served with tenderstem broccoli and a pink peppercorn hollandaise, it was a plate that displayed simple ingredients done exceptionally well. The salmon was perfectly cooked, moist and flaky, while the hollandaise added a silky richness with a gentle peppery warmth. The golden-coated chicken, filled with wild garlic butter, was served over a generous portion of creamy mashed potato and left my dining partner equally impressed. Comfort food at its finest, with the truffle contributing an additional layer of pleasure.

Although we were already satisfied, the dessert was beyond resisting.

My choice, the Iced Summer Berries, was light and refreshing. Sweet berries, creamy frozen yoghurt and white chocolate sauce combined to create the perfect summer dessert, delivering just enough sweet flavour without feeling heavy. My dining partner's Paris-Brest distinctly stood out. Filled with almond and hazelnut cream and served with warm chocolate sauce, it delivered everything one could want from a dessert: richness, texture, and abundant flavour.

Every dish arrived beautifully presented and cooked exactly as it should be. Portion sizes were generous without being excessive, leaving room to enjoy all three courses comfortably. If you're searching for exceptional food, elegant surroundings and a little everyday indulgence, a table

here should be at the very top of your list. Book HERE.

Address: The Ivy Kensington Brasserie, 96 Kensington High Street, W8 4SG.

Written by Stacey Reeves

Photography by Johnny Stephens