The Ivy london...what to wear?!

[RoryGillmoresEvilTwin]

I'm going to the Ivy in a couple of weeks and I have no idea what to wear!
Is there a dress code?

Help!

BIWI is spot on about the liver though!

£16.75 for the burger

Londoners don't really dress up to go out for dinner unless it is a very special occasion eg a big birthday/Christmas party.

I would agree with this for 99.9% of occasions but The Ivy is the one exception for Londoners I know. People make an effort, especially for weekend evenings. The only people I've seen in The Ivy who are dressed down at these times are usually actors who've been working that evening (on stage) and have come out for post-work drinks/dinner. We had drinks there recently with the leading man of one of the big West End shows and he was in his jeans. But the poor guy had just done a matinee and an evening show (so was ready for a drink!) and was literally straight off stage and over to The Ivy. There'll probably be more actors there on Sun when the OP goes as most of my theatre friends tend to socialise more on a Sun eve as Mon is often their day off.

Is it the proper Ivy ie not brasseries? If yes then business casual is usually the way to go. They can often find excuses not to honour reservations, especially on a weekend and if filming etc is going on nearby or someone famous is waiting for a reservation, so don’t really give them the option.

The Ivy is the one exception for Londoners I know. People make an effort, especially for weekend evenings.

I would guess a lot of the people making an effort at the weekend aren't necessarily Londoners but people who have come into town to celebrate and want to dress up as it's a special event. Personally, I probably wouldn't dress up for dinner at the Ivy just because it's the Ivy but then I'd most likely be going for supper after an afternoon shopping or visiting a gallery or seeing a film so I'd be dressed to do that. The OP will be fine as long as she isn't in her sweaty jogging pants post-run like a PP They aren't going to turn her away for wearing DMs, I doubt anyone else will notice or care what she is wearing, there will always be someone who isn't dressed up to the nines, even at the Ivy (whether it's an off duty actor or me), she should just wear what makes her feel best.

Everyone in Manchester gets dressed up to the nines, so I wouldn't wear anything too "glam" unless you want to look like a Cheshire housewife?

Obviously if you are going to the Manchester one - crack on!

Your post clearly says London.

I would guess a lot of the people making an effort at the weekend aren't necessarily Londoners

Yes that's true. But they dress up for almost everywhere (which is fine, if that's what they enjoy). Whereas I'm writing about Londoners who go to The Ivy such as myself and my friends. I don't go there all the time but quite a few of my friends are regulars as well as being members of The Ivy's private club.

@runoutofnamechanges and @Fizzywinegum no of course I wasn't meaning to be derogatory about the other Ivy cafés! Sorry if you took it that way.

What I meant, and it would have been better phrased as, 'original'. Over the last few years they've been launching lots of Ivy cafés all over the place - we have one here in Wimbledon. The menu seems the same (at least the classics like shepherd's pie and the burger were on the menu at The Ivy in central London as well as Wimbledon), and the decor is just as beautiful.

Being completely honest, I'm not really fussed about going but my friends are so I'll suck it up. All I can say is this burger better be life changing! 😂
I won't be too dressy because I don't do it well and look uncomfortable, but I do do smart casual well so will go for that.

Thanks for all the input.

My dd goes quite regularly - it’s her godfather’s favourite. She usually goes straight from work - so smart but not glamorous, iyswim.

@RoryGillmoresEvilTwin

Frankly I'd not bother with the burger! There's a lot more interesting stuff on the menu!

They do a starter salad of duck, pomegranate seeds, melon etc. It. Is. Divine.

DH had the macaroni cheese and describes it as “nice”. I think I had a starter with a side order of champagne.

I adore the Ivy - it’s relaxed and comfortable so wear what you like

I’ve been to the ivy a few times and honestly, I’m not sure why you’re not bothered about going. I m lucky enough to have eaten in some really good restaurants and I think the Ivy manages to be one of the best in terms of providing good food, excellent service and a really comfortable welcoming manner.
If someone offered to take me there is. E delighted.( I’d also eat pretty much anything except the burger )

• I’d be delighted