Lunch at The Ivy is always a polished affair, and the restaurant’s Brighton outpost offers the signature style of The Ivy Collection – art-filled décor, elegant art deco style central bar, welcoming service and delectable menu. Culturalee’s visit to The Ivy in the Lanes felt especially fresh as we sampled dishes from the restaurant’s new spring menu – a seasonal showcase that delivers elegance and indulgence in equal measure.
We began with two standout starters: a creamy Buffalo Burrata with pesto and a red pepper tapenade, and a beautifully presented crab with avocado tian. The latter arrived as a true showstopper, served with on an ornate silver crab decoration with sliced radish, tomato and coriander.
For mains, we opted for Ivy classics done exceptionally well – a perfectly cooked Sirloin steak and delicious Scottish smoked haddock and salmon fishcakes served on a bed of crushed peas and topped with a poached hen’s egg and herb sauce. A generous portion of truffle fries and a side of green beans struck were the perfect side orders.
To complement the meal, we shared a bottle of The Ivy’s own-label rosé. It was everything you’d hope for from a Provençal wine: crisp and dry, with a gentle fruitiness and a hint of sun-soaked warmth that paired beautifully with both courses.
Although the dessert menu was undeniably tempting – particularly the indulgent chocolate bombe and the giant cookie with bourbon ice cream – we stopped at two courses and rounded off the meal with: an oat milk cappuccino adorned with a delicate Ivy leaf pattern and a rich, smooth double espresso.
The setting, as ever, is part of the charm. The Ivy Brighton mirrors the signature aesthetic familiar from its London counterparts, blending classic and contemporary with ease. A Parisian-style bar anchors the room, while art prints and ornate wallpaper line the walls, creating a space that feels both vibrant and refined. Even the bathrooms deserve a mention, featuring a playful yet elegant octopus-patterned wallpaper.
Service throughout was warm, attentive, and effortlessly professional, enhancing what was already a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Every dish was executed with precision, and there was a clear sense of care in both the food and hospitality. A faultless lunch that captures the essence of spring – fresh, flavourful, and just a little bit indulgent. The Taste of Spring menu is amazingly good value at £27.95 for two courses and £32.95 for three.
Spring is such an energising time in our kitchens. As the days grow longer and the first seasonal produce begins to shine, there’s a real sense of optimism that naturally finds its way onto the plate. For our new spring menus at The Ivy Collection, we wanted to celebrate that feeling – lightness, colour and vibrancy – while still delivering the depth of flavour and theatre our guests expect from us.
From beautifully fresh seafood and bright, herb-led dishes to indulgent touches like truffle and honey, each plate is designed to reflect the sounds, scents and tastes of the season. It’s about creating dishes that feel uplifting and joyful – perfect for enjoying in our gardens and terraces as everything around us comes back into bloom.”
Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection
The Ivy Collection brings the renowned dishes and inimitable service of the original West Street restaurant to a select group of sophisticated brasseries and neighbourhood cafés, in 45 handpicked locations across London, the UK and Ireland. In Brighton there is the choice of The Ivy in The Lanes or Ivy Asia. Find more information and make bookings here.
