The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells image

The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells

Restaurant Breakfast restaurant Cocktail bar Brunch restaurant Tea house Fine dining restaurant Restaurant brasserie British restaurant Modern european restaurant Modern british restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Cocktail bars in Tunbridge Wells


Address

46-50 High St, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XF, United Kingdom

Website

ivycollection.com

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (15) good (11) experience (10) time (10) table (10) staff (9) delicious (9) meal (9) restaurant (9) great (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Ruslan D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great visit for breakfast. Have a good high class experience from the meet and great to servings. However, to stay top notch kitchen must adjust with the quality of cooking. Every dish we ordered was overcooked and dry. Taste of the ham was a little bit winded and sour. Black pudding was extremely overcooked and bread bun under egg Benedict was old enough to taste like a brick. Lack of food quality really negatively affects the experience. Food should be as great as service, or the experience is suffering negative. Nice place but need improvement at the kitchen.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda N. 2 years ago on Google
    Had lunch, two courses and a couple of cocktails. We were sat at the bar as we hadn’t booked, the bar stools were comfortable and I quite enjoy watching the bar staff mix cocktails. The starters and both mains were delicious. The sweet potato and chick pea curry was so light and full of flavour. The service was impeccable and all staff were professional and smartly dressed. The bar staff are very knowledgeable and know wha drink to recommend to your taste. Would definitely visit here again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steve W. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was good, ambience was nice and overall would recommend. A few reasons why I can't rate it 5 stars.. 1) some of the tables are very close together which can be a bit uncomfortable. 2) The waiters / waitress's although very pleasant and competent aren't really that attentive. For example, not pro-actively asking if we would like another drink even though our glasses were empty for quite some time, our gin arriving with mint in, even though we asked for no mint. Overall though a very pleasant meal and I am being a bit picky!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matt B. 5 months ago on Google
    Came for lunch on Sunday, front of house was lovely and the restaurant is stunning. Like every Ivy, a great menu with good food and drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie S. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a really wonderful experience at the Ivy. The food was really delicious and the service outstanding. It has been decorated in such a sumptuous way, with the restaurant walls covered with all manner of pictures, which are really eclectic, wherever you sit there will be something different to look at. I thought it might feel too crowded or busy, but it works incredibly well and the bathrooms are really beautiful, making you feel like you are in a really luxurious venue. They really pay every attention to detail. The food was delicious we had the steak tartare and from the specials board a rather unusual shepherd's pie, which was made with grouse and was decadent, but just the right portion size for lunch (not too much). For dessert we shared the apple tart, which with real flair was flambeed at the table with Calvados. This is a place to go if you want an experience as well as food. We will definitely be going back again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dina K. 9 months ago on Google
    This is the most disappointing Ivy of all I visited across the UK. For some reasons hostesses think it's their personal restaurant and they get rid of all customers that don't fit into their personal understanding of the money bag. I'm traveling often across the UK and I love having lunch/dinner at Ivy where available. For the last couple of months I had lovely meals at Ivy in Tunbridge Wells but every time, I mean EVERY TIME, I show up at the restaurant asking for a table, hostesses say they are fully booked for the whole day. I then just go online and book a table literally in front of hostesses. Usually there are several immediate timeslots available at least. The hostesses then make very unhappy face to make sure I feel unwelcomed and ask to free the table at certain timeslot. They then allocate me the table next to the toilet. While there are at least 7 similar tables being free. I spent around 2 hours dining and the tables remained free. Waiters are lovely and they do not show similar behaviour. I spend around £100 every time for a meal and I'm not sure why I'm being treated this way. I carefully observed every time how other customers are being treated at the entrance and it looks like it's a common approach for the hostesses. While talking politely, their face expressing disgust and they just turn people around. Their attitude is outrageous and not appropriate for such a famous place. I strongly believe that the management will see higher profits if they invest a bit in training of the hostesses. Or maybe increase their salaries so that they feel more respected and they will not need to disrespect the customers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Vicky b. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was amazing, no complaints there. The surroundings were beautiful, however the service was not what I would have expected. Felt ignored, took 20 minutes to just get someone to take our order. No one offered to take our coats, but we're taking everyone else's. The most polite member of staff was the barman who sorted our bill out as it was taking too long and had to get back to the car.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth Cattorini (Delta C. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was amazing, could not fault it one bit. The atmosphere had the right "look" but the tables are so close together and the music really loud that everyone was needing to shout in order to speak to each other. So not really a great combination. The waiters could have paid attention a little more to the guests a little better as it did take a little while to grab the attention of anyone. I do like the Ivy, but there are a few key things that need improvement.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michele B. 9 months ago on Google
    Had a great lunch with friends at the Ivy in Tunbridge Wells. Definitely recommend the monkfish curry
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Donald G. 1 year ago on Google
    Just arrived home from a very mediocre meal at the Ivy TW - in terms of service and ambience rather than the food, which was good (4/5). No room at the bar or table when we arrived at 8pm for an 8.15pm sitting, not the oasis of excellence and calm I was seeking. Drinks took a while to arrive and I had to go and get my own ice from the bar for my cider after losing my patience following a ten-minute wait post the request for ice. I felt sorry for our waitress who had served 230 covers since her shift started at 3pm, this says it all in terms of service - not asked the entire evening if everything was okay and nothing mentioned about the birthday booking - my son's 18th. The owners need to reduce the # of covers by at least one third to reach the level of standard expected from an establishment using the Ivy name. Disappointed and won't return.

  • 5/5 Elle A. 5 months ago on Google
    Had afternoon tea for friends 40th food and drinks where spot on. Lovely coffee and delicious cocktails. It was however over booked. Our table was late and then we were rushed to leave. A massive lack of table service. Table wasn't cleared until we left which is a massive disappointment for me personally. All service was delivered with a smile and politeness. It just wasn't particularly enjoyable with the lack of service and timings. Which is a shame as it was meant to be special treat for my friend.

  • 5/5 Natasha G. 5 months ago on Google
    Fantastic afternoon tea with a quirky Alice in wonderland theme. The food was beautifully presented and equally delicious. The room was well decorated and fun. Service was a little slow and didn’t check on us often, but when they did it was good

  • 5/5 Gary J. 5 months ago on Google
    A lovely place to spend an early lunch. Booking a table on a Saturday is a must. We didn't and was given a "leave by" time on arrival that didn't really impact on our meal but meant we were clock watching. The staff were attentive, friendly and helpful though I wasn't sure if this was due to our having not booked a table. The food was delicious and the set menu made it affordable though there was an issue with over charging for a starter that we did not have. Despite our issues on the day, this is a great place to eat and we will look forward to returning on our next visit to Tunbridge Wells.

  • 5/5 Tinali G. 8 months ago on Google
    I love Ivy restaurants, and this was no exception. Even my kids love eating brunch at Ivy. They love the decor. The staff was very polite and helpful. Also they saved a jumper that we left until we realised it was missing.

  • 5/5 Kenneth V. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent service (a rarity these days) and the prices are very, very reasonable - both in absolute terms and also relative to most other restaurants in the same price range. If there's one place that merits the 'discretionary' service charge that gets slapped automatically onto your bill these days, it's this one. Don't miss out on the fried zucchini and the arancini for starters. The ice cream bubble dessert was a pleasant surprise too. There I was expecting a boring ice cream (even though that's what I fancied) and they turn up with this work of art which even had a chocolate brownie buried inside it. Decadent and most delicious.

  • 4/5 Chris H. 9 months ago on Google
    We enjoyed our visit for afternoon tea around the coronation. We had been less than impressed by some of the English tea-rooms we had visited and after many missed opportunities we gave this one a chance. Not all Ivy eateries do afternoon tea so were glad this one did. The options were good enough and the fresh, and well-under the London tea-room tariffs. We split the afternoon tea and added a cream tea for the extra scones and cappuccino as it would have been too abundant. I'll leave a cash tip next time for the staff..

  • 4/5 Nick G. 8 months ago on Google
    An Elegant Affair with Room for Improvement - The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells: ################ Dining at The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells was an experience filled with sophistication and elegance. From the moment we stepped in, the immaculate design and attentive staff set the stage for an evening of indulgence and enjoyment. The restaurant's charm, coupled with the company of good friends, made for a delightful atmosphere to savor the culinary delights on offer. The Ivy's ambiance was undoubtedly one of its highlights, with a perfect blend of classic and contemporary elements that exuded an inviting allure. The tasteful décor and attention to detail showcased the establishment's commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. As our order was taken, the menu held a diverse selection of dishes, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. My eyes were drawn to the tantalizing hamburger, which seemed to promise a deliciously satisfying treat. However, my excitement was somewhat dampened when I discovered that customizing the doneness of the meat wasn't an option. As someone who appreciates a tender, medium-rare patty, I was surprised to learn that The Ivy serves its burgers exclusively well-done. This was particularly unexpected for a restaurant of such prestige, where one might expect the flexibility to tailor dishes to individual preferences. Despite my disappointment, I decided to request a different preparation for my burger, hoping that the kitchen would accommodate the alteration. To my dismay, the waiter politely explained that customizing the burger's cooking level wasn't possible. This rigid approach to preparing the dish felt out of place in a restaurant known for its attentiveness to guests' needs. Nevertheless, I opted to experience the burger as presented and was greeted with an aesthetically pleasing dish. The burger was well-presented, accompanied by a selection of sides that complemented the main course. The flavors were pleasant, and the ingredients seemed of high quality. However, the well-done patty lacked the succulence and juiciness that I typically look forward to in a premium hamburger. It's a pity that the restaurant's strict adherence to cooking the burger prevented me from fully enjoying this particular dish. In conclusion, The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells is an establishment that clearly prides itself on attention to detail, ambiance, and excellent service. The staff's attentiveness and the restaurant's immaculate design create an alluring environment for dining with friends. However, the limited flexibility in preparing certain dishes, such as the hamburger, left me yearning for more customization options to suit individual tastes. While I appreciate the overall experience and the restaurant's commitment to excellence, I do hope that The Ivy considers offering more flexibility in preparing its dishes in the future. This would undoubtedly elevate the dining experience and maintain the restaurant's well-deserved reputation as a premier destination for fine dining in Tunbridge Wells. ****************************** ######🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻 I have just seen the reply to my detailed review, and I'm certain it was from an Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is quite disappointing that no one in the managing director's team took the time to respond with a genuine explanation.

  • 5/5 Eliana “EllieMann” M. 1 year ago on Google
    We were celebrating a birthday. Although some of us had already been it was my first time. Fantastic atmosphere, very well decorated ( the ladies cloakroom is absolutely gorgeous ) Food was very well cooked and fresh, I had the steak and it was succulent and soft, Service was attentive and prestine, Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Susan S. 1 year ago on Google
    A group of us came for Sunday Summer High Tea and it was absolutely delicious. The chairs and benches are comfortable. The tea was well presented. The tea pots silver and stylish. The Gluten Free, GF and Dairy Free and vegetarian options were as delicious as the standard options, brought on a lovely stand for 2 people each. The toilets were clean and beautiful. Service was excellent.

  • 5/5 Atlas 1 year ago on Google
    Booked for a birthday meal with the family after receiving many recommendations for The Ivy. We managed to get booked for just after five so make sure to book well in advance if you want prime meal time reservations. Very difficult to choose what to have as so much appealed to me, but settled on the twice baked cheese soufflé and the chicken Milanese. The soufflé was incredible, definitely something you will want to have if you are a cheese lover like myself. I could easily have eaten two of them! The chicken Milanese was served with a truffle sauce which wasn't too overpowering and balanced the meal quite nicely. I tried a bit of the fishcakes too and was very impressed with the flavour. A very nice touch bringing out a special birthday dessert for my mother, it definitely caught her off guard! Service was excellent, very polite, and attentive when we needed it. The decor of The Ivy is beautiful too, definitely makes the visit extra special and makes it feel like it's not just a restaurant you are visiting!

  • 5/5 Tracy H. 1 year ago on Google
    Just had a meal here tonight. The service was excellent from start to finish. Our waitress - Anna - was knowledgeable about the food and wine, excellent at making us feel welcomed and brilliant at her job. The ambience of the restaurant was lovely and the decor was beautiful and colourful. We felt like we were in the highest end restaurant that exists. The food was out of this world. I had the best vegetarian meal I've ever had. Well done, The Ivy and team at Royal Tunbridge Wells. I hope your other restaurants are as good as this one.

  • 5/5 Wendy H. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely loved it. Service was fantastic. Food was amazing. The ivy has many great restaurants that I have eaten in but, I have to say this was one of the best.

  • 5/5 Kim R. 1 year ago on Google
    Love that there’s an Ivy in TW. We came for dinner on a Monday evening & it was very busy! They’ve got a very extensive menu.. a la carte, 2 or 3 course set menu, & “market specials”.. think it’d be difficult not to find something you like. Service was good, food was very nice.. would come back again. ☺️

  • 5/5 Irada In U. 1 year ago on Google
    Food is cooked by high quality standard, scrumptious, staff are professional service, but Pernod should be served with cold water please, highly recommended

  • 4/5 Marco A. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here for my birthday as a group of four people. Atmosphere was nice it was busy but it was that good energy vibes kind of thing. Food was really good I had the onion soup and then duck curry. attention to service was great but it was booked in advance and nothing was mentioned about the birthday no big deal I enjoyed my time there will definitely come back…


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Last updated:
()