Harden's says
On a site that has changed hands a few times over the past couple of years (previously La Rive and Capanna, RIP), The Ivy group has chosen Cobham for the expansion of its grills-and-brasseries brand. Maybe the position of the Chelsea FC training ground just up the road had something to do with the decision?
Harden's survey result
Summary
Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan was – as of mid 2025 – rumoured to be on the verge of buying a £1 billion stake in Richard Caring’s restaurant empire, of which this famous brasserie chain is the crown jewel. Presumably, he’s more interested in ‘rolling out’ the brand in The Gulf and beyond rather than dropping by for a Salmon Fishcake and ‘Ivy Chocolate Bombe’, but if he’d asked the opinion of our annual diners’ poll, we’re not sure that he’d sign on the dotted line. “How can a restaurant with this heritage produce such uninspired, tick-box food?” is a question merited by its poor ratings, ditto what explains the “very slow and disinterested service”? The answer may be that “you don’t come here for the food, obviously” but for the “gorgeous” interior design and “picturesque” locations that continue to underpin their appeal. Let’s hope for the Sheikh’s sake that the middle classes of the Arab World are as undiscerning as those from the UK!
Summary
This Surrey branch of The Ivy’s stylish national brasserie offshoot is an “incredibly popular” sort of place, where the most appealing location to eat is the Orangery. From providing one reporter’s “worst dining experience of the year” to another’s “dazzling delight”, it continues to split opinion, but the majority verdict is that “the atmosphere and ambience (which “exude fun and enjoyment”) excel more than the food” (which is “acceptable but nothing special”).
Summary
A “buzzy, colourful atmosphere” reigns supreme at this Surrey offshoot of The Ivy’s flashy brasserie chain, with a beautiful orangerie the best of the seating options. As for the food, “it is perfectly acceptable” but “this place lives off the name for sure” and is “very expensive for what it is” (not that this necessarily deters repeat visitors, who “return for its lovely ambience”).
Summary
“A fantastic space” – “buzzing, colourful and friendly” – this Surrey branch of Richard Caring’s national outfit is “still a cut above most chains”, according to fans. But “it’s a shame they’ve become so ubiquitous” – and a bigger shame that “the usual Ivy fare” is too often such a “disappointment”. Top Tip – “ask for a table in the conservatory”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Ivy Cobham Brasserie?
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £20.95 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £13.50 | £29.40 | £11.00 | £11.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Opening hours
| Monday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am‑9:30 pm |
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