It’s easy to see why The Ivy in Clifton Village is still one of the most popular Bristol restaurants for a Christmas meal with a touch of glamour. Housed in a stunning former bank with high ceilings, vast stone columns and tiled floors, it has a genuine ‘wow’ factor as soon as you set foot inside.
There is an abundance of huge pot plants, an army of tray-carrying waiters and waitresses in smart uniforms and a central bar where you can perch on high stools for cocktails whether you’re eating there or not.
Even early on a cold Monday evening in December, The Ivy was doing brisk trade. As well as large groups, there were date night couples and a few post-school kids with parents.
Throw in the two enormous snowmen outside the main entrance, a well-dressed Christmas tree in the restaurant and the sound of crackers being pulled and there was certainly a festive feel to the place.
The Christmas menu is proving popular this year. At £55 for three courses (or £50 for two), it’s in line with other high-end restaurant chains and only the sirloin steak and one dessert carry supplements.
Dishes include starters of twice-baked stilton and walnut cheese souffle or roast pumpkin and butternut squash soup with chestnut ricotta, pine nuts and sage. Mains range from pan-fried fillet of sea bass, creamed potato, tomato concise and saffron sauce to goose, turkey and duck shepherd’s pie.
I started with the skewers of robata grilled chicken which were juicy and smoky with a fiery ‘bang bang’ peanut sauce and a sprinkling of sesame seeds and coconut flakes. A wedge of lime, finely chopped red chillies and flurry of coriander provided a freshness to counter the rich sauce.
To follow, I had to try the most festive main course on the menu or it would have been a dereliction of duty. The turkey ballotine arrived as thick, round slices of tender turkey with a central lozenge of apricot, cranberry and pork stuffing.
Underneath was a mound of really good sprout and parsley mash with some fruity cranberry chutney, a plump pig in blanket and a small gravy boat of addictive truffle sauce. One side dish is included in the price so I went for the perfectly cooked (they had a nice bite to them and weren’t overcooked as they often are) Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and cranberries,
Although there is Christmas pudding and a festive creme brûlée on offer, the dessert to go for is most certainly The Ivy Snowman, which carries a £3.95 supplement. Presented at the table under a glass dome, wisps of mist-like dry ice add a theatrical flourish on arrival.
Right down to the snowman’s skis and vanilla parfait snow, it’s certainly a work of art, with chocolate brownies, pandan sponge cake, honeycomb and popping candy adding plenty of fun and surprises. One for the excited kids, sure, but it even brought a smile to the face of this old Grinch as we run headlong into Christmas party season.
The Ivy, 2-44 Caledonia Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DN. ivycollection.com