In the centre of Chichester, The Ivy Brasserie is instantly recognisable thanks to its trademark green canopy, a familiar beacon on the cobbled pedestrianised shopping street. A handful of outdoor tables line the frontage, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of the city centre on a brighter day, while inside promises glamour whatever the weather.
An interior made for lingering lunches
Step inside and you’re greeted by a vibrant, uplifting space that feels both grand and welcoming. Art deco influences run throughout, from the curved lines and polished surfaces to the rich colour palette. Globe ceiling lights cast a warm glow across the room, reflected beautifully in the tiled and mirrored surfaces that frame the restaurant. Interesting artwork adorns the walls, while real plants are everywhere, softening the space and adding a fresh, almost tropical feel.
Our comfortable booth was positioned facing the stunning bar, a real focal point of the room. The lighting here is particularly striking, with softly glowing shelves, statement mirrors and small mirrored tiles running along the edges, catching the light and adding drama without feeling over the top. It’s the kind of setting that immediately makes lunch feel like a treat.
A spring menu full of promise
We visited to sample the recently launched Taste of Spring menu, which offers excellent value at £27.95 for two courses or £32.95 for three. The menu showcases seasonal flavours while retaining the comforting, indulgent touches The Ivy is known for.
Fresh, elegant starters with flair
To start, the crab and avocado salad was as theatrical as it was delicious. Fresh crab meat was lightly dressed with herbs and lemon, served alongside toasted flatbread in a flamboyant silver crab with a Bloody Mary dressing that was poured at the table.
It was eye‑catching and genuinely tasty – a great way to kick off the meal (photo above inset).
The Buffalo burrata delivered rich, creamy indulgence, paired with red pepper tapenade, black olives and pesto. The zingy acidity of the red pepper provided the perfect contrast to the silky burrata, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy and keeping the flavours beautifully balanced.
Comforting mains done properly
The Ivy’s renowned fish cakes lived up to their reputation. Moist inside, generously packed with chunky salmon and smoked haddock, served with a runny egg and smooth pea purée. A fresh tomato salad on the side acted as a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the fish, adding brightness and acidity. My steak was cooked perfectly, with a delicious chargrilled flavour that spoke of confident cooking. The thick, juicy sirloin was served with bold mustard mayonnaise and fluffy‑inside, crisp‑outside triple‑cooked chips – simple, satisfying, hard to fault.
A “healthy” dessert… almost
We opted for frozen berries for dessert – though any health claims quickly disappeared when warm white chocolate sauce was poured over at the table, melting the berries and ice cream into something gloriously indulgent. No regrets.
Service, value and final thoughts
Service throughout was superb, with a team who strike the perfect balance between friendly and professional. Drinks are equally well considered, with an excellent selection of wines and an impressive range of both alcoholic and non‑alcoholic cocktails.
With its stylish setting, strong seasonal menu and excellent service, The Ivy Brasserie Chichester is highly recommended — whether for a special occasion or a spontaneous city‑centre lunch. By Editor Kris Thomas.
89-91 East St, Chichester, PO19 1HA
Reservations | Information: 01243 273310
www.theivycollection.com
Monday–Friday: 8am–10pm Saturday: 8am–10.30pm Sunday: 9am–9pm
