Harden's says
The Ivy brand expansion reaches Edinburgh; in the group's first Scottish venture, Eric Garnier (former co-owner London's Racine) will oversee the New Town restaurant, which will open all day and boasts a mezzanine terrace and bar as well as 130-cover dining area.
Harden's survey result
Summary
What does it say about the culinary tastes of the British middle classes that this spin-off chain, with about 40 locations based on the original Theatreland icon, has been such a rip-roaring success? True, there’s some “great people-watching” at the “always buzzing” Chelsea Garden venue (which has one of SW3’s best gardens). And, without doubt, those branches in Kensington, Tower Bridge and Kingston also particularly stand out amongst the rest for their “super atmosphere”. In general though, the knock-off look of their locations “isn’t a patch on the original on West Street, yet pretends to be exactly the same”. And when it comes to their brasserie dishes: although its many followers tout them as “acceptable, albeit nothing special”, their rating-average identifies them as “underwhelming tick-box fare”; all offered by service that’s very “indifferent”. And yet they are “always busy”! In June 2024, it was announced that billionaire Richard Caring had successfully sold his entire Ivy restaurants stake. Now that he is laughing all the way to the bank, it will be interesting to see if ratings reverse, continue or deepen their southward trend.
Summary
There’s no doubting the “wonderful location, especially in summer” at this outpost of Richard Caring’s brasserie empire, where the “lovely décor” inside is matched by a pretty garden. While caveats remain over the service and food (Caring’s venues are “never knowingly under-priced”), for the majority the overall package is “solidly pleasing” (“even for a non-chain- lover”).
Summary
As the name suggests, this outpost of Richard Caring’s Ivy empire is at its best for “summer dining in the lovely garden, with beautiful plants”. The food, though, is generally felt to be rather “underwhelming” for the price – a common complaint with this chain – but, nevertheless, as a venue, it serves a purpose.
Summary
“There is always a buzz” at this Thames Valley offshoot of the famed London celeb haunt (so much so that it “can be just too loud” at times). As per many of its siblings, it does attract rather middling ratings for its food, but there are those who say “it’s always a joy to eat here”.
For 33 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 Marlow Garden?
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £19.17 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £12.20 | £27.50 | £8.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.25 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Opening hours
| Monday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Thursday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Friday | 8:30 am‑12:30 am |
| Saturday | 9 am‑12:30 am |
| Sunday | 9 am‑10:30 pm |
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