There is no better way to sample The Ivy Collection’s Golden Summer Menu than on a warm July day at The Ivy’s seaside outpost in Brighton. The new Mediterranean inspired menu evokes the flavours and aromas of European high summer, and takes diners on a culinary journey through Europe.
Culturalee started with The Ivy’s delicious signature appetiser Arancini rice balls, followed by starters of Golden Fried Calamari with chilli and lime crème fraiche, and a palatte-cleansing salad combining the sun-drenched flavour of Heirloom tomato with Watermelon and plant-based cream with a toasted pistachio and Nocellara olive topping. We started with summery cocktails and can highly recommend The Ivy Royale, a refreshing long drink blending Tanqueray gin with strawberry, elderflower, garden mint, and wild honey, all topped off with a dash of Ivy Champagne. We also dived into a Champagne Colada, a tropical blend of Santiago de Cuba Carta Blanca Rum, pineapple, mango, coconut and lime, topped with The Ivy Champagne and finished with edible gold.
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For main course, we tried the Chilli and Sesame Glazed Aubergine served with steamed rice, coriander and avocado, andthe Tranche Steak and Chips with peppercorn sauce and watercress. The aubergine is an adventurous way of serving a vegetarian dish full of unusual flavours, while for carnivores the Tranche Steak transports diners to a Parisian Brasserie.
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The Pièce de resistance were the desserts: Crème Brûlée au Vanille which was served with a lit flame on top, adding a touch of drama to the occasion and Mediterranean Gold, a delectable combination of coconut, passion fruit and mango in a crisp chocolate shell inspired by golden sunsets over the Mediterranean.
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Other highlights of the Golden Summer Menu include; Rabbit Croquettes served with a French mustard sauce; Brioche-crumbed Chicken Escalope, pan-fried and topped with shaved Grana Padano, sharp capers and a citrus crème fraiche; and charred Cypriot Halloumi on a bed of warm coral lentils, toasted pine nuts and a vibrant salsa verde.
Apart from delicious food and cocktails, the experience is heightened by the attentive staff and sumptuous surroundings, the 19th Century French Brasserie style central bar lends a dramatic feeling to the interior, with colourful furnishings, comfy banquettes, mirrors, curated art and textured wallpaper all adding to the ambience.
A European summer has never just been about the destination – it’s about the feeling. It’s the long lunches that become afternoons, dining outdoors in the sunshine and taking time to enjoy great food with the people around you. That’s exactly what inspired our new Golden Summer Menu. We’ve brought together some of our favourite seasonal flavours from across Europe to create a lunch menu that encourages you slow down, savour the season and enjoy a little everyday escapism, wherever you’re spending the summer.” Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection
The Golden Summer Menu was inspired by Britain’s growing appetite for long lunches and everyday moments of escapism and is available across The Ivy Collection’s restaurants nationwide – including 38 outdoor terraces.
The menu is perfect for long lunches with family, friends and loved ones. Priced at £19.95 for two courses it’s amazing value as well as beautifully presented and delicious to devour. Available from 20th July until 1st September. Book a table here.
