Summer Has Arrived at The Ivy
There are few places that do seasonal dining with quite the same flair as The Ivy Collection, and its new Summer Editions Menu, now available across its Kent restaurants, is a stylish celebration of the flavours, colours and indulgences of the season.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this menu has been designed with long lunches, warm evenings and social dining in mind. We began with a selection of the restaurant’s new seasonal cocktails, each as visually striking as they were refreshing. The Ivy’s signature summer serves combine premium spirits with vibrant fruit flavours and botanical notes, delivering the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon in the sunshine. Particularly memorable was a refreshing spritz bursting with citrus and elderflower, while a beautifully balanced berry-infused cocktail offered a sweeter taste of summer.
For starters, the Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad was a triumph of simplicity. Sweet heritage tomatoes paired effortlessly with juicy watermelon, crunchy pistachios and a delicate dressing that allowed the fresh ingredients to shine. Light, colourful and packed with flavour, it perfectly captured the essence of the season. In contrast, the iconic Truffled Cheese Soufflé offered pure comfort and indulgence. Wonderfully light yet rich in flavour, it remains one of The Ivy’s signature dishes for good reason and continues to be a must-order item.
Moving on to the main courses, the kitchen’s commitment to quality ingredients and elegant presentation was evident throughout. The Roasted Salmon Supreme was beautifully cooked, served with tender greens and a luxurious pink peppercorn hollandaise that complemented the fish without overpowering it. Equally impressive was the Yellowfin Tuna Steak, expertly prepared and paired with fresh seasonal accompaniments that highlighted the delicate flavour of the tuna.
For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Keralan Vegetable Curry delivered both substance and sophistication. Fragrant spices, vibrant vegetables and a rich coconut-based sauce created a dish that felt both comforting and contemporary. It demonstrated that vegetarian dining at The Ivy is never an afterthought but an integral part of the menu’s appeal.
Dessert was every bit as impressive. The Paris-Brest delivered a sophisticated finish, with delicate choux pastry filled with almond and hazelnut cream and served alongside warm chocolate sauce. Rich without being overly heavy, it provided a beautifully balanced end to the meal. The Apple Tart Fine offered a lighter alternative, pairing crisp pastry with silky Calvados caramel and vanilla ice cream for a classic combination executed with finesse. For those looking to indulge, The Ivy Signature Chocolate Bombe remains the showstopper. As hot salted caramel sauce is poured over the chocolate shell, it melts dramatically to reveal honeycomb and vanilla ice cream beneath, creating a theatrical finale that never fails to delight.
What continues to set The Ivy apart is its ability to combine luxury with accessibility. The surroundings are elegant, the service polished and attentive, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming. The Summer Menu strikes exactly the right balance between familiar favourites and seasonal innovation, offering diners an experience that feels special without becoming overly formal.
Whether you’re planning a celebratory dinner, a leisurely lunch with friends or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy a cocktail in beautiful surroundings, The Ivy’s latest seasonal menu is a delicious reminder of why the restaurant remains one of Kent’s most reliable dining destinations. Fresh, vibrant and thoughtfully curated, it captures the very best of summer dining.
