The Ivy Café Marylebone is a stone’s throw from the madness of Oxford and Regent Streets and a skip to bustling Marylebone High Street, which makes it very convenient indeed. Since its opening at the beginning of November 2015, it has found favour amongst locals as a convivial and consistent place to drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Shoppers and tourists rest their weary limbs whilst recharging the batteries; workers and local residents nip to the café for replenishment and important talk or gossip, depending on what company they’re keeping.
Afternoons at The Ivy Café are its best kept secret. There’s no need to reserve a table, although it’s an idea to do so. And, there’s a plethora of things to do in the area. Culture ranges from a meander around the Wallace Collection to a recital at Wigmore Hall; being face to face with the stars at Madame Tussauds or becoming “elementary dear Watson” at the Sherlock Holmes Museum. An afternoon of browsing in Daunt Books is a splendid way to pass the time, as is a trip to the Conran Shop. Improving culinary skills at the Cookery School at Little Portland Street or visiting the Marylebone Farmers’ Market at the weekend… there is always something to do. Shopping until you are dropping gets bigger and glitzier at neighbouring Selfridges and its environs… otherwise, the boutiques of Marylebone are exceedingly tempting. There are picturesque walks, “Sadiq Cycles” docking stations and nearby Regent’s Park for runners and animal lovers – London Zoo is enticingly near. The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is now in full swing. And what do all these have in common with The Ivy Café? They’re nearby and you are bound to need sustenance before or after partaking in one of these activities!
Executive Chef, Sean Burbidge has been clever with the menus – he’s created an afternoon one which includes indulgent “snacks” like croque madame & chips, a smoked salmon & crab open sandwich and English scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, not to mention a scrumptious afternoon tea. And if you’re feeling hungrier, the A La Carte menu is packed full of goodies like The Ivy Café shepherd’s pie, salmon and smoked haddock fish cake salad, chicken liver parfait with caramelised hazelnut, cherry and Szechuan pepper compote with toasted ciabatta and a very tasty aromatic duck curry.
Drinks come in the form of cocktails – The Ivy Café Royale and London Spritz being particularly popular; detox juices and smoothies; a wine list which includes red, white, rosé, sparking and Champagne; The Ivy’s own breakfast blend tea and a wide selection of other teas and coffees; and a range of beers and ciders. An afternoon in the area, taking in The Ivy Café en route, is a very civilised way to pass the time.
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