The Ivy Tower Bridge

The extraordinary development of the Tower Bridge district keeps getting better. Alongside a brand-new 900-seat theatre, a branch of the Ivy Brasserie has opened as part of the Berkeley Homes mixed-use development close to City Hall. The riverfront-facing restaurant is a more casual version of the Covent Garden original, but the stunning views of Tower Bridge add to its wow-factor. An intimate alfresco terrace (which comes complete with blankets for colder nights) is perfect for those looking to get the full riverside experience. Once inside, you’ll find the brand’s well-groomed, colourful interiors. On our visit, polished waiters talked us through a huge, cuisine-leaping menu that features everything from the famous shepherd’s pie to a truffle chicken sandwich with chips. A starter of scallops came served in a sweet and creamy pea purée, topped with broad beans and lemon zest. Our main also impressed – a thick and rich helping of crab linguine, which we had with a side of indulgent truffle-and-parmesan-topped thick-cut chips. Come dessert, we skipped the Instagram-baiting chocolate bombe for a more traditional crème brûlée, with crisp shards of caramel cracking to reveal a thick custard base. With its super-slick service and stunning location, this incarnation of The Ivy has a slight edge over its counterparts – while critics may moan that The Ivy is predictable, at least it’s predictably good. 

Based right on the edge of the Thames, just beneath Tower Bridge, this outpost of The Ivy is a more casual affair that the original Covent Garden restaurant, yet it manages to maintain the feel of classiness that every restuarant in the Caprice Holdings chain has. Most importantly though, The Ivy Tower Bridge serves the comprehensive all-day menu that Ivy restaurants have become known for, and is a spot that's great for all tastes and occasions.

Featuring an outdoor terrace which during the summer gives diners the chance to enjoy their food while overlooking the Thames, the large windows of the restaurant also guarantee a stunning view of the water regardless of where you choose to sit. The interior of the restaurant is typically swanky, with pieces of modern art covering every wall, and colourful furnishings lighting up the large dining room.

There are a number of different food menus on offer, but the main event is the all-day à la carte menu. With a huge variety of dishes available, you certainly won't be short of choice. Starters include a classic steak tartare, duck liver parfait, as well as tempura prawns with salt and pepper squid. When it comes to main courses, there's everything from vegetarian plates such as chargrilled halloumi with giant couscous and smoked aubergine, to The Ivy's signature shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and a selection of steaks. On top of this, there's a short selection of sandwiches for people wanting a lighter bite. For pudding, you can expect crowd pleasers including vanilla cheesecake and a strawberry ice cream sundae.

The bar at The Ivy is just as impressive as the food offering though, and serves a number of different drinks. From house cocktails, and a big list of different gins, to an extensive list of wines by both the glass and bottle, you can be sure that there’s something here to suit all budgets.