Despite being one of the jewels in Brighton’s culinary crown, I had never had the privilege of visiting The Ivy in The Lanes, so as my partner and I approached the grand entrance lit by a chandelier, I was unsure what wonders to expect inside.
Fortunately, I was greeted by stylish decor and a smiling face that beckoned me in and offered to take my winter coat and bag.
We were quickly escorted to a table and presented with a menu full of lavish and sumptuous dishes to choose from.
For a starter, I opted for the roast pumpkin and butternut squash soup, which was deliciously rich and warming on a cold winter’s evening.
My partner chose truffled wild mushrooms to begin the evening, with a side of potato rosti and topped with a fried quail’s egg and grated truffle. He said the rosti had a crunch on the outside, which contrasted perfectly with the creaminess of the accompanying sauce.
As our mains arrived, we pulled the elegantly designed Christmas crackers, which came packed with a festive hat, a small trinket (I received a metal star cookie cutter), and a classic groan-inducing joke.
My choice of a goose and turkey shepherd’s pie was a wonderfully festive take on a British classic, topped with a pig in a blanket. The meat was full of flavour, with a smooth and buttery mash and a selection of peas, sugar snaps and baby shoots.
The roast chicken dish chosen by my partner was equally delicious, drizzled in a mushroom sauce with Brussels sprouts and roasted chestnuts.
However, it was my choice of dessert, the chocolate bombe, which left me spellbound. I was left mesmerised as the waitress poured the viscous salted caramel sauce over the bombe, causing the centre to melt away.
I got stuck in with my spoon and was enamoured by the airiness of the ice cream and the chocolate that dissolved on the tongue, alongside a sauce that dazzled my tastebuds.
As I devoured the rest of the dessert, I found the honeycomb centre of the bombe, giving a satisfying crunch. It was, without a doubt, one of the best desserts I have ever had at a restaurant.
My partner opted for Santa's On His Way - a velvet sponge with cream cheese frosting, depicting Father Christmas stuck in a chimney. The dessert was so delicately designed it would not have looked out of place in a Bake Off challenge.
While dining, we made sure to also indulge in the restaurant’s range of festive cocktails. A particular favourite for me was the Popping Cracker Royale - described as “Santa’s faithful friend”.
The fruity concoction of passion fruit, spiced mango and lime was beautifully accompanied by prosecco, with a candy floss topping providing a little nod to the child-like wonder we are all delighted by during the festive season.
The evening was made complete by two warm mince pies to bring to an end an extravagant festive feast.
As we both spilt back out into the street under the glare of the Christmas lights along the neighbouring street, I knew that this was a festive experience to remember.
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