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After work in the city, we caught the train to Battersea and headed to the new Ivy Brasserie on Northcote Road. The exterior left me speechless - inside of an old bank and with the most gorgeous brickwork, I was so taken aback by the lavish look of this restaurant and bar.
Heading inside, we were greeted with such warmth by the staff who asked us if we wanted to use the cloakroom before showing us to our table.
We were seated around the edge in the cutest corner - which was my dream, as I honestly cannot stand sitting in the middle. But that being said, there were no true "middle" tables - instead, most were around the edge or flanked with plants which would divide you from the other tables nearby.
The decor was absolutely stunning - so floral and forest-like, and filled with personality and flair. As somebody who adores busy decor, this restaurant was so inviting, warm and homely.
Once we were seated, I ordered the South Side cocktail which was an ode to the new Battersea location. It had honey and pear and tasted divine. Meanwhile, my boyfriend ordered The Ivy's craft lager, which arrived in an ice cold jug.
We didn't want a starter as we knew we would be having hefty main courses, so we went ahead and ordered the Sirloin Steak 8oz, which was a piece of hand-selected 21-day aged premium beef. We both opted for peppercorn sauce and thick cut chips. He had his cooked medium and I had mine cooked well done. The steak costs £29.95, the sauce £4.25, and the chips were £6.25.
One of the waiters encouraged us to try a bottle of red wine with our main meal. Both myself and Chris were hesitant as we're not really wine drinkers, but after being introduced to a heady red – we now have a new favourite, for sure. We were recommended the Nero d'Avola, Colomba Bianca, Vitese, Sicilia, Italy, which is £54 a bottle.
Pouring a glass to try, I took a sip and was delighted - so rich, heady and full-bodied... I loved it. Myself and Chris thought that the wine accompanied the steak perfectly.
The steak was amazing - cooked so beautifully and so tender. The chips were fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and the peppercorn sauce was creamy and rich with a kick of pepper. The pea shoots on the side of the steak were refreshing and added a nice fresh taste to the meal.
Sipping our wine as we ate, we loved the way in which the wine accompanied the steak. We polished off the bottle after dinner and were so incredibly content.
Despite being full, we knew we had to try what was on offer in terms of desserts. Chris went for the Chocolate Bomb, £12.25, and I opted for the Sticky Toffee Pudding, £10.50.
The desserts were SUCH show-stoppers.. absolutely amazing and so unexpected. Chris' chocolate bomb was accompanied by a steaming jug of caramel, which when poured enabled the dome of chocolate to cave in on itself. And my sticky toffee pudding was enclosed beneath a cloche, which when lifted saw billowing smoke - which was scented of caramel - tantalise my tastebuds. And the glimmer of golden flecks on the dessert really added a little something extra.
Full of flavour and incredibly scrumptious, the desserts were such winners and so worthy of being on The Ivy's menu of delights.
To round off our evening, Chris had an Espresso Martini and I was the boring old lady I am and had a latte.
We were so full, yet so content after our visit at The Ivy. The staff were so welcoming and attentive, the drinks were so flavourful, the main courses were so delicious and satisfying, and the desserts were so indulgent and delicious.
The Ivy's brasserie on Battersea's Northcote Road may be small, but it packs the most elegant of punches. Intimate and welcoming, luxurious and lavish, indulgent and homely – I think I've found my new favourite spot for date night!
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