If you’ve managed to escape all the hype regarding The Ivy venturing over into good old Yorkshire… well, I’m not really sure just quite where you’ve been?! Londons finest hit up Harrogate and York a few months ago now, and we’re also being treat to a restaurant opening in Leeds later in 2018 too. Now obviously, if they serve afternoon tea I’m there… but with so many of my own afternoon tea favourites already falling strong in Harrogate, how did this one compare?
The Ivy has a prime location spot in Harrogate, just a few doors down from Bettys, it’s a hard one to miss. Traditional, tasteful yet modern decor have turned this space into one super stunning dining venture. There’s a breathtaking bar lining the walkway, and this is separated just nicely from the upmarket table layout, giving diners the ideal amount of space and privacy.
Afternoon tea is served daily between 3 and 5pm, and is priced at £17.95 per person; or £25.95 with a glass of champagne – the standard price expected for an afternoon tea offering in Harrogate. Savoury offerings include a truffled chicken brioche roll; a marinated cucumber and dill finger sandwich and smoked salmon on gluten-free dark rye with cream cheese and chives. This is accompanied by the usual fruit scone, fruit preserve and clotted cream; then sweet treats include raspberry cheesecake; chocolate and salted caramel mousse (delicious!) and a crème brûlée doughnut each. This all comes with a pot of tea as standard, but I opted for one of the G&T offerings from the cocktail menu to enjoy with mine.
The food served was nicely portioned, although no offering of extra if required (I find this to be a lovely touch when I go for afternoon tea, even if it’s rarely utilised – it’s still nice to be offered), and it was super fresh and tasty, with a good mix of sweet and savoury; and the fruit / chocolate dessert offering was also well thought out. This is a very traditional afternoon tea, so perhaps lacks some imagination compared to other offerings on the market right now; but that being said, if you choose to dine here, traditional is I assume what you’re looking for – and they do get that just right. Would I return? Yes. I probably wouldn’t venture out of my way to come back here especially for the afternoon tea, but it’s a solid choice if you are in Harrogate – and the service and surroundings give it that extra special touch.
The Ivy: 7-9 Parliament St, Harrogate HG1 2QU
