The chaos of Wimbledon Tennis is now over and an element of tranquility in Wimbledon Village resumed. On June 11th in the heart of the village The Ivy Cafe opened its doors and what a very welcome addition this is. I love this venue. Inside and out it has been carefully considered and designed in the most tasteful style. The Martin Brudnizki Studio remains the in house consultant who is responsible for this art deco inspired interior. There is an impressive antique pewter bar and the walls are adorned with beautiful prints all hung with notable frames and imagery. There is great attention to all detailing and the tableware and glasses are all of a heavy expensive feeling quality and add to the stylish and elegant feel. The setting uses leather banquette seating and comfortable dining chairs and there is a peaceful al fresco small garden and dining area tucked away at the back of the restaurant.

Upstairs above the main dining restaurant is private dining room. The Danby Room this pays homage to Wimbledon House where the Early of Danby lived in 1678 and boasts an enviable view of the clock tower in Wimbledon Village. The walls here are with pictures depicting this historic house and its gardens and will seat up to 20 guests. There is a separate kitchen team who cater purely for this so that neither the private guests or the diners downstairs suffer as a result of extra guests. Here you can enjoy and intimate private experience with a good range of seasonal menus for entertaining your friends or special celebrations.

All the staff were charming and cheerful without being over attentive. The garden theme is carried through to the girls lovely crispy spring floral dresses. We began our lunch with a  wonderful cocktail designed by the Executive bar manager Jeremy Evans. I had The Ivy Cafe Royale with a rose water accent and Alasdair the London Spritz made with Earl Grey Gin and both were delicious. The menu was created by Executive Chef Sean Burbidge who has joined the team at the Ivy from Petrus. A really well considered menu with such a choice and wide variety that it was difficult to choose what to try first. There are the traditional Ivy classics, shepherds pie, chicken liver parfait and the lobster risotto but an array of other temptations. Alasdair had the best bang bang chicken ever and the wasabi prawns with salt and pepper squid were outstanding. The courgette fries which we tasted were also divine and the puddings mouthwatering ! Every course was delicious and the menu offers everything from breakfast, brunch, elevenses or simply light snacks, lunch, afternoon tea and dining. This is a venue for a special occasion, ladies lunch or simple weekend treat. A very welcome addition to dining in Wimbledon Village and needless to say is pretty booked up but do not be put off by this, make a reservation and have a date to look forward too. Well worth the wait!!