Set on the new pavilion on Canada Square The Ivy makes its mark on the financial district
So what do we need to know about The Ivy in the Park?
On the one hand it's one of many Caprice Holdings restaurants to open in London this year. But as the first branch of the Ivy over here in Canary Wharf's financial district there was a lot of interest when it opened here last month. And the buzz appears to have carried through. Eating here on a rainy Monday lunchtime the place was almost packed.
So where exactly is it?
It's on Canada Square Park - the pavilion it's in was built by the architects who worked on The Shard and large parts of it are designed to be opened out in good weather. Your nearest tube would be Canary Wharf.
Where should we meet friends for a drink first?
There's a pretty large standalone bar here as you come in, but if you're looking to meet elsewhere, Parlour is right across the square or you could head to nearby Giant Robot where there's a Can Hatch and Tiki Bar among other drinking spots.
Where should we sit?
As they've been pretty clever with the interiors - we didn't really see a duff spot to sit. The space is split into numerous dining areas, all of which are either cosy or with a view over the park. We rather liked our table upstairs with a view out on the ice rink.
What's on the menu?
If you've been to any of the Ivy cafes you'll find yourself on familiar territory here. The menu can look a little daunting - but although there's lots to choose from, it's pretty classic in format, split into starters and mains with a section of lunchtime-only sandwiches and an afternoon tea section. A quick glance at Insta shows it's also doing storming business for weekend brunches.
On our visit, we had:
Tempura prawns with pickled mouli and edamme and a matcha tea sauce - the wafer thin batter made this a delicious starter (£10.95)
The steak tartare with Tabasco dressing and cornichons - (£9.50) - bound to divide critics on the amount of parsley it features, but we're not big parsley fans and we liked this.
Chicken Milanese with a fried egg and truffle sauce - just the ticket for a light City lunch (£16.95).
The lobster linguine - featuring a decent amount of lobster in it for the price tag (£29.50).
What is there for vegetarians?
There's loads for vegetarians and vegans from the shaved winter salad with avocado hummus (£7.75) to the lunchtime HLT (halloumi, avo, olives, tomatoes and baby gem open sandwich (£9.95).
The humungous 'snack' portion of zucchini fritti - a bargain at £5.95.
And to drink?
We were here for lunch, so we stuck to a glass of the Ivy Collection Champagne (£10.50) followed by a glass of their Chablis (£11.50). But if we were here for dinner and celebrating a deal we'd be sorely tempted to start with the Laurent-Perrier Coupe Stack - served in six stacked coupe glasses with rose petals (£100).
Overall thoughts:
You've got to hand it to Caprice Holdings. They do a storming business in giving people just what they're after. Ivy in the Park doesn't break any moulds, but it does do uncomplicated dining, with elevated levels of service in beautifully instagrammable surroundings without costing the earth. No wonder their places are always packed.
More about The Ivy in the Park
Where is it? 50 Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5FW
How to book: call 0203 971 7111
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @ivycanarywharf
Hot Dinners dined as guests of the restaurant. Prices correct at time of publication.
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