After what seems like an age THE IVY is finally open and has got off to a great start. Located within the heart of Cardiff on The Hayes at St David’s, and catering for over 260 guests across two stunning floors, The Ivy Cardiff will offer sophisticated yet friendly all-day dining in a beautiful setting. Okay, you just want to see inside, so here is our first gallery from the launch event……….
First Floor 
Ground Floor
The Ivy Cardiff celebrated the opening of its first brasserie in Wales last night with a sophisticated evening of cocktails and canapes with entertainment from local saxophonist Jack Mac, DJ Scarlett, Ivy adorned performers and fire breathers.
The brasserie will be open seven days a week from morning until night, offering an idyllic location whatever the occasion. As well as the main restaurant and central bar situated on the ground floor, The Ivy Cardiff also features a stunning first floor bar complete with striking and colourful interiors, delicious cocktails, and a private dining space for up to 24 guests.
Alongside the eclectic dining and drinks menus, we’ll be able to experience beautiful interiors, with notable features including artwork inspired by Wales and Cardiff’s history, local topography and heritage, bold and colourful prints, and comfortable leather banquettes and soft furnishings.
Baton Berisha is the Managing Director at The Ivy Collection. He told us…..
“We are incredibly excited to be opening our first restaurant in Wales, bringing a touch of Ivy magic to Cardiff. The team – headed up by General Manager Josh Butler and Head Chef Bartek Byba – is fantastic and the restaurant itself will offer a beautiful destination for all occasions.”
This is a fantastic addition to St David’s and is a joint venture between Landsec and intu. Russell Loveland is the Senior Portfolio Director for Landsec. He told us…..
“We look forward to welcoming The Ivy Collection to Cardiff for its Welsh debut. This iconic restaurant is a fantastic addition to St David’s, its fine dining and unique atmosphere providing something new and exciting to the destination. We expect the internationally renowned brunch and all-day dining offer will be a firm favourite with the discerning Cardiff customer.”
THE IVY restaurant in London is incredibly famous and we’re fairly certain you’ll have heard of it. It’s been in more TV shows than you can imagine – including Ricky Gervais’ EXTRA’s. It’s the place where his character Andy Millman always thought he should be seen in. They are now, slowly moving out of London with their latest venture in Cardiff.
THE IVY’S most famous venue is the one in Covent Garden in London which has all the celebrity action. The setting in Cardiff is every bit as luxurious as their other locations around the country, particularly, London’s West End.
The Ivy – Covent Garden 
The Ivy Cafe – St John’s Wood
We now know what we can can expect here. They have long opening hours too.
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 – 1:30am
- Saturday – 09:00 – 1:30am
- Sunday and Bank Holiday – 09:00 – 1:00am
As guests sampled last night, you can get classic cocktails, eat modern British cuisine and we’re even told we can expect a little dash of live music to be served up every now and then. The food will be things you know and love, all served with THE IVY flair. Fluffy pancakes and Eggs Benedict for breakfast, through to fish and chips and THE IVY’S famous Shepherds Pie in the evening.
And the food………
Eggs Benedict 
Fluffy Pancakes
If that has got your mouth-watering then get your apron on and get into the kitchen. Caprice Restaurants – they own THE IVY have prepared that very recipe for us all to enjoy. We’ve made it and it is phenomenal. You can get it right here THE IVY’S SHEPHERD’S PIE.
Back to Cardiff. You will know the venue if you’ve been into St David’s, it’s where the recently closed Jamie’s Italian used to be. It’s now the new home for THE IVY. They told us earlier this year……
“Each location is “carefully handpicked to add to the local area.”
The wait is finally over, not only for the fantastic food and atmosphere but also because it’s so nice to see empty spaces filled in our region. More importantly though, jobs. THE IVY have created quite a number of positions, not only in the run up to completion but long after.
All focus is on Cardiff and we feel sure it’s going to be busy, especially in the run up to Christmas. We get asked in the office here for places to eat in London too and if you’re looking for something a little special, THE IVY Covent Garden is the place to do it. I’ll be honest, we’ve eaten there a few times, a couple at charity events. So, this is the SOUTH WALES LIFE quick guide on how to get into THE IVY LONDON and not break the bank.
- Sign up to their website, it doesn’t take long HERE
- Always book online. You can select a date and time far easier than a call HERE
- Look for the deals. They offer Theatre Specials and a set menu. HERE. Currently its around £24 per person.
- Be flexible. Go with a few times or dates and you’re far more likely to get a table.
One other thing. Despite what you may think, they are very relaxed. Yes, they have a standard but by no means elitist. Good honest dining, in lovely surroundings with friendly staff (from our experience).
We want to share one more picture from THE IVY Cardiff, it may seem strange but we think you’ll agree, it’s pretty stunning…..
THE IVY are based at 43 The Hayes. You can see what they have on offer in Cardiff right HERE. The menus, opening times and booking details are there for you to see right now.
