The Ivy City Garden - The City, London

Ah, The Ivy. Easily one of the most celebrated institutions in London's Theatreland, it hasn't been a restaurant to rest on its, erm, laurels. Not content to preside over London, The Ivy is now branching out across the country, with new outposts in Bath, Leeds and Edinburgh. And The City… Located on Old Broad Street, Ivy City Garden offers the same iconic menu in a more bucolic setting.

The dining room itself is nothing short of verdant. Guests can relax outside during London's nicer hours without a care for the elements, and during the more inclement periods dine underneath a retractable roof. There's a dark onyx bar begging to be patronised, a summer water fountain, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and, of course, a private garden that lends itself to tranquil al fresco dining. Stained glass lattice windows and funky art deco floors bring it home that you're at The Ivy. For those who want to do their business in private, there's an excellent room with views that seats up to 32 guests, perfect for driving home a deal. 

During our meal we availed ourselves of a Domaine des Cassiers Pouilly Fumé from the Loire Valley, which paired elegantly with all of the selections we made from the extensive menu. Tempura prawns served with green papaya, cucumber, edamame and a matcha tea sauce was a lively way to kick off the meal. However, we were transfixed by scallops served with a pea purée with broad beans, lemon zest, sea cress and crispy shallots. 

For our mains we continued with seafood, enjoying line caught swordfish with red pepper sauce, cherry tomatoes, toasted fregola, pesto, lemon and baby basil. A blackened cod fillet was incredibly sumptuous, baked in banana leaf with a miso glaze and served alongside a salad of spring onion radish and herbs with a yuzu mayonnaise. However, top trumps go to the dessert. We were absolutely smitten with the chocolate bombe, with a centre of milk foam, vanilla ice cream and honeycomb which melts underneath a torrent of hot salted caramel sauce. 

The Ivy seemed poised to take over the country, but they've already taken over the City, as their newest restaurant has already become wildly popular.