You’ve seen the photos. Those floor-to-ceiling windows, the retractable glass roof that makes London weather feel actually tolerable, and that iconic floral ceiling that seems to be in every single person's Instagram feed. But honestly, is The Ivy City Garden London just another flashy spot for people to take selfies, or is it a legit restaurant?
Located tucked away in Dashwood House, right by Liverpool Street Station, this place feels like a weirdly well-kept secret despite being part of one of the most famous restaurant brands in the UK. Most people assume "The Ivy" is just one big corporate chain now. While there's some truth to that, the City Garden branch hits a bit differently. It captures that frantic, high-stakes energy of the Square Mile while somehow feeling like a lush, botanical escape. It's a paradox.
The Vibe at The Ivy City Garden London
Walk in and you’re hit with it immediately. It’s loud. It’s vibrant. It’s very... London. You’ve got bankers in tailored suits celebrating a deal, tourists who look slightly lost but happy to be there, and locals who just want a decent Shepherd’s Pie.
The design is the real hero here. We’re talking Art Deco vibes mixed with a garden party. The central bar is a massive gold and marble focal point, but everyone really wants to be in the garden area. The retractable roof is the game changer. On those rare days when London decides to be sunny, they peel it back. When it’s pouring—which let’s be real, is most of the time—you’re still surrounded by greenery under the glass. You get the outdoor feel without the damp hair.
What most people get wrong about The Ivy City Garden London is thinking it’s an exclusive club. It isn’t. Unlike the original Ivy in West Street, which used to be notoriously impossible to get into, the City Garden is surprisingly accessible if you time it right. It’s high-end, sure, but it’s not gatekept.
Why the Garden Room Actually Works
Most "garden" restaurants in the city feel like an afterthought. A few potted ferns and a green wall don't make a garden. But here, the scale is different. The plants are everywhere. It smells like fresh herbs and expensive perfume. It’s basically a sanctuary in the middle of a concrete jungle.
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I’ve spent hours there. Sometimes just for a coffee, sometimes for a full-on three-course dinner. The lighting shifts perfectly as the sun goes down, turning the bright, airy breakfast spot into a moody, dimly lit cocktail lounge. It's versatile. That's the secret sauce.
The Menu: What to Actually Order
Let's talk food because that’s why you’re there, right? Or at least why you should be. The menu is massive. It’s almost intimidating. They try to do everything—from lobster linguine to shepherd's pie to vegan curries. Usually, when a restaurant does everything, they do everything mediocrely.
But somehow, The Ivy manages to maintain a weirdly consistent standard.
- The Shepherd’s Pie: This is the dish everyone talks about. It’s a mix of lamb and beef. It’s rich. It’s comforting. It’s topped with a thick layer of mash. Is it the best shepherd’s pie in the world? Maybe not. Is it the most consistent? Absolutely.
- Zucchini Fritti: If you don't order these for the table, you're doing it wrong. They are thin, crispy, salty, and incredibly addictive.
- The Chocolate Bombe: This is the "Instagram" dessert. They pour hot salted caramel sauce over a chocolate sphere until it melts away to reveal vanilla ice cream and honeycomb. It’s theatrical. It’s delicious. Just order it.
Honestly, the food isn't trying to win a Michelin star. It’s "crowd-pleaser" food. It’s designed to be reliable. You know what you’re getting, and in a city where restaurants open and close every week, there’s something comforting about that.
Breakfast and Brunch in the City
If you can, go for breakfast. The City of London is a ghost town on weekend mornings, but the The Ivy City Garden London stays buzzing. Their Eggs Benedict is solid, but the "Garden Breakfast" is the real winner if you’re hungry. It’s a full English but slightly elevated.
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Getting a Table Without a Month's Notice
Here is the truth: you don’t always need a reservation weeks in advance. Because the City is a business district, the restaurant is slammed from Tuesday to Thursday. Mondays are quiet. Fridays are chaotic. Weekends are surprisingly chill.
If you’re a walk-in, aim for the bar. You can eat the full menu at the bar, and the service is often faster. Plus, you get to watch the bartenders work, which is a show in itself. They handle those cocktail shakers like they’re in a high-speed chase.
- Avoid the 1 PM rush. That’s when every office in a three-block radius descends for lunch meetings.
- Book the "Garden" specifically. When you book online, there’s often a note section. Ask for the garden room. If you just book a "standard" table, you might end up in the front section which is nice, but lacks the magic of the glass roof.
- Check the weather. If the forecast says it’s going to be a heatwave, that roof is coming off, and those tables become the hottest real estate in London.
The Service: A Reality Check
Is the service perfect? No. It’s a busy restaurant. Sometimes you’ll wait ten minutes for a drink. Sometimes the staff looks a little stressed. But generally, the "Ivy way" of training means they are professional, polite, and they move fast.
They’ve got this weird ability to make you feel like a VIP even if you’re just there for a side of fries and a glass of wine. It’s polished. It’s a well-oiled machine. You aren't going to get that "small family-run bistro" vibe here. You’re getting the "corporate excellence" vibe, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.
Is it Actually Worth the Price?
Look, London is expensive. You can easily drop £100 on a lunch for two without even trying. Compared to some of the other high-end spots in the Square Mile, The Ivy City Garden London is actually mid-range.
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You’re paying for the location. You’re paying for the decor. You’re paying for the fact that you can sit in a garden in the middle of a skyscraper district. Is the food worth £30 a main? Maybe not in a vacuum. But the experience is. It’s a "special occasion" place that doesn’t feel so stuffy that you can’t relax.
A Note on the Dress Code
They say it’s "smart casual." In reality, in the City, that means "look like you have a job." You don't need a tie. You don't need a dress. But maybe leave the gym shorts at home. I’ve seen people in jeans and clean sneakers get in no problem. It’s more about the "vibe" than a strict checklist.
Navigating the Location
Dashwood House isn't the most obvious building if you're not from the area. It’s right behind Liverpool Street Station. If you find yourself staring at the "Gherkin" or "The Cheesegrater," you’re in the right neighborhood.
The entrance is a bit understated compared to the explosion of color inside. Just look for the signature Ivy green awnings.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to The Ivy City Garden London, here is how to make the most of it:
- Go for the Set Menu: If you’re on a budget, they have a set lunch and early evening menu that is actually a steal. It’s usually two or three courses for a fixed price, and the options are usually their greatest hits.
- The "Secret" Terrace: There is a small outdoor terrace area for smokers or those who just want actual fresh air. It’s less "lush" than the main garden but great for a quick drink.
- Don't skip the cocktails: Their cocktail list is huge. The "Ivy Vesper" is a classic for a reason. If you want something refreshing, the garden-themed gin drinks are usually top-tier.
- Check the "Ivy" App: Sometimes they have rewards or priority booking. If you’re a regular in London, it’s worth having.
Ultimately, this place isn't trying to be a hidden gem. It’s a bold, bright, and loud celebration of London dining. It’s reliable. It’s beautiful. And honestly, sitting under that glass roof with a cold drink while the rain hammers down outside is one of the best feelings in the city. Just make sure you save room for that chocolate bombe. You'll regret it if you don't.
Go on a Sunday for a long, lazy brunch when the city is quiet. It’s the best way to see the space without the frantic energy of a Tuesday lunch. Walk around the neighborhood afterward—the Contrast between the futuristic skyscrapers and the old-school vibes of Spitalfields Market nearby is the quintessential London experience. This isn't just a meal; it's a way to see how the City of London actually breathes when the computers are turned off.