Oh what a busy start to the year it has been! I feel like I’ve been running around non stop since the turn of 2019 so it was lovely to sit back and relax on Wednesday evening when we were invited for dinner at The Ivy, St. Helens, York. The Ivy opened in late 2017 in a beautiful opposing building in York’s St Helens Square overlooking the Mansion House. Since opening The Ivy has become a firm favourite with both the locals and tourists of York, so I was excited to visit again and be able to share it with you all. (I have popped a highlight video of our evening on my instagram)
We arrived a little before our table reservation and were shown to the decadent large gold and marble bar for a drink before heading over to our table. After browsing the extensive drinks menu, I chose the delicious Rhubarb Collins (Vodka, rhubarb, strawberry, lime, lemon, pink grapefruit & soda) whilst Dave went for his favourite – an Espresso Martini. The Ivy”s take on an Espresso Martini is served with a selection of syrups, enabling you to create your perfect blend, with hot cross bun, crème brûlée & amaretto infusions to choose from.
Once our table was set for dinner we were accompanied by Kristina to our window table that over looked both the Mansion House to the right and the restaurant to the left. The restaurant has been consciously curated with every detail considered – even the toilets are a thing of beauty – because let be honest, we all judge places on toilets, don’t we?! The luxurious green walls have been filled with an eclectic mix of pictures that are softly lit by night. The elegant dark parquet creates the perfect base for the crisp white linen tables and dramatic towering palms.
Starters:
We pondered the menu over a basket of bread, desperately attempting to narrow down our selections from the mouthwatering options. I opted for the selection of salt and pepper prawns and squid with a wasabi dip with Dave selecting the truffled orzo pasta . My squid and prawns where lightly battered and mildly seasoned meaning I could add my own heat with the wasabi dip – perfect for me as I like to be in control of the heat! Dave”s truffled orzo pasta was baked with sautéed girolle mushrooms, which he described as both rich and creamy (man of many words but I take the empty dish as a positive sign!)
Main Courses:
Following my starter I went for a further fish dish for my main choosing the Grilled tuna loin, which I accompanied with thick cut chips as recommended by Kristina. The grilled tuna loin is more of a substantial salad served with artichoke, tomato, green beans, Provençal olives and basil sauce which comes in a separate sauce boat. The perfectly grilled tuna was just the right balance to melt in the mouth without flaking with cutting. Dave picked one of the specials as his main, which was the mustard crusted lamb shoulder. The lamb shoulder came on a bed of cream mash and complimented with carrots, swede and red wine jus, he added a side of sprouting broccoli with lemon oil and sea salt. Lamb is one of Dave’s favourites so the pressure is was on, but the soft and tender lamb was made even better by the mustard crusting.
Desserts:
Now as many of you will know, I am a big pudding fan! Ok slight understatement I have a MASSIVE sweet tooth, so the dessert course has always been my favourite since childhood! However, I was feeling so full from the delicious starter and main that rather than going for the warm cappuccino cake with milk mousse and coffee sauce, I went for the lighter option of crème brûlée. The crème brûlée was delicious but maybe in hindsight not actually a lighter option haha. The large portion of creamy vanilla custard and caramelised sugar crust was served in a little (quite big actually) pan, and was very rich. I don’t usually leave any pudding but on this occasion I was defeated and had to get Dave to help me finish it! He had obviously chosen another of his favourites from The Ivy – THE CHOCOLATE BOMBE! For those of you who don’t know, the chocolate bombe is a melting chocolate bombe with a centre of vanilla ice cream and honeycomb centre. The bomb is melted by the theatrical pouring of a hot salted caramel sauce over the chocolate shell and has just a one word endorsement from Dave which says it all – DE-LICIOUS!!!
Dave’s Dinner Thoughts:
“Beautifully presented restaurant with a relaxed feel that created a great atmosphere for our midweek dinner. All three courses tasted amazing, from the melt in the mouth lamb to the delicious contrasting salty caramel mixed with warm chocolate and creamy vanilla ice cream. Well worth booking in if you happen to be in York and wanting a memorable meal.”
After dinner (and unable to move with full tummies) we were convinced by the lovely Kristina to sit back and enjoy a hot drink in the cosy surroundings, before heading out into the bleak January darkness. As we know, I am a BIG tea drinker so I naturally had the Ivy 1917 breakfast blend with the coffee lover (so off brand Dave – god!) having his beloved americano.
I have been to The Ivy, St. Helens Square, York a few times since it joined the York restaurant scene, both as a couple and with friends for brunch, and it has definitely become one of my York go-to places when people message me for recommendations. Like the evening menu, the brunch has a wide selection of tasty dishes that work equally well for a special occasions or just a casual Sunday catch up with friends. I will definitely be back again soon as I am desperate to try out that cappucino cake (amongst the other dishes I have earmarked on the menu!) Make sure you let me know about you trip!
The Ivy, St Helens Square York
Instagram – @theivyyork
Web – theivyyork.com
Facebook – The Ivy York – St Helens Square
Open:
- Monday – Saturday: 8am-12.30am (Last booking 10pm)
- Sundays & Bank Holidays: 9am-12.30am (Last booking 9pm)
*Our Ivy York experience was complimentary thanks to the wonderful people at The Ivy St. Helens Squarem York in return for coverage on my blog. I again thank them this great experience and it goes without saying that opinions in this review are 100% my own (and seconded by Dave)! I will add that we have eaten at both The Ivy York & Leeds before as a non sponsored post. When you have chance you MUST check it out for yourself!
Jack D March 
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