The Ivy Canary Wharf: London’s Art Deco Jewel in the Financial District
Nestled amidst the gleaming towers of Canary Wharf, The Ivy stands as a beacon of timeless elegance in London’s modern financial heartland. Since opening its doors in 2017, this establishment has become synonymous with sophisticated British dining, attracting both power brokers celebrating deals and families enjoying Sunday roasts. With over 6,200 reviews averaging 4.4 stars on OpenTable, it promises an experience that blends heritage with contemporary flair. But does it truly deliver? After five visits across different seasons and times of day, I’ve compiled this comprehensive review to help you decide whether The Ivy deserves your reservation.
The Ivy collection has built its reputation on consistent excellence, and the Canary Wharf location is no exception. Occupying a prime position overlooking Canada Square Park, the restaurant transforms with the hours – by day, it’s a bright, airy space perfect for business lunches; by night, it becomes a glamorous dining destination where the Art Deco lighting casts a warm glow on polished marble surfaces. What sets this location apart is its dual terrace spaces, offering some of the best outdoor dining in East London when the weather permits.
First Impressions: Arrival Experience
Approaching The Ivy Canary Wharf, you’re immediately struck by its distinctive green exterior and elegant awning. The entrance staff greet you with professional warmth, efficiently managing the constant flow of guests. On my most recent Friday evening visit, despite the restaurant operating at full capacity, the host team managed the queue with impressive efficiency.
Jeanpaul’s Note: “The moment you step inside, there’s a palpable shift from the bustling financial district outside to a more refined atmosphere. The host’s greeting felt genuinely warm as they took my coat – ‘Do you have a reservation?’ is the essential question at this perpetually busy hotspot. What struck me immediately was the buzz – not the chaotic energy of a casual eatery, but the sophisticated hum of clinking glasses and low laughter, underscored by that unmistakable scent of truffle fries wafting from the kitchen.”
Historical Context & Design Philosophy
The Ivy brand traces its origins back to 1917 in London’s West End, establishing itself as a favorite of theatre-goers and celebrities. The Canary Wharf location, opened in September 2017, represents a modern interpretation of this heritage. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the space features signature Art Deco elements reinterpreted for the 21st century. The 120-seat restaurant incorporates custom-made furniture, striking burnt orange banquettes, and rich marble surfaces that create a sense of luxury without formality.
Executive Chef Alexis Guillemot leads the kitchen, bringing French precision to British classics. His menu philosophy balances tradition with innovation – you’ll find beloved Ivy staples alongside dishes showcasing modern techniques and global influences. The restaurant occupies part of the ground floor of the new Adams Plaza building, notable for its sustainable construction. Large windows flood the space with natural light during the day, while clever lighting creates intimate pockets of space in the evening.
Location & Accessibility
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Adams Plaza, 1 Crossrail Place, London E14 5AR |
| Nearest Transport | Canary Wharf Station (2-min walk via Crossrail Place) |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Fri: 8am-11:30pm, Sat: 9am-11:30pm, Sun: 9am-10:30pm |
| Parking | Canada Place (3hrs free Sun validation), £4.50/hr weekdays |
| Accessibility | Full disabled access, lifts available |
Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, The Ivy enjoys exceptional connectivity. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) makes it easily accessible from across London, with journey times from Paddington under 20 minutes. For drivers, the Sunday parking validation is a significant benefit – present your parking ticket at reception to receive 3 hours free parking at Canada Place, potentially saving £28 compared to weekday rates.
Jeanpaul’s Tip: “Booking is non-negotiable if you want a prime time slot, especially on weekends. I recommend reserving 4-6 weeks in advance for dinner, and 2-3 weeks for lunch. When booking online, use the comments field to request a terrace table if you want park views – only about 30% of tables have this vantage point. If you’re driving on Sunday, aim for the 12-3pm window to maximize your free parking.”
Ambiance & Atmosphere
The interior design masterfully balances grandeur with comfort. The main dining room features high ceilings with intricate plasterwork, oversized mirrors that amplify the sense of space, and the signature Ivy green leather banquettes. During daylight hours, the space is bright and airy thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Canada Square Park. As evening falls, the lighting transforms – Art Deco-inspired fixtures cast a warm, flattering glow while spotlighting accentuate the restaurant’s numerous artworks.
Noise levels – lively enough to feel vibrant but not so loud that conversation becomes difficult. The crowd composition shifts throughout the day: weekday lunches see predominantly business diners (about 65%), while evenings and weekends bring more social and celebratory groups. The terrace offers a completely different experience, with views of the park’s seasonal planting and Canary Wharf’s impressive architecture.
Jeanpaul’s Experience: “The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between polished elegance and welcoming comfort. It’s Mad Men meets contemporary London – sophisticated without being stuffy. On my last evening visit, the terrace felt like an urban oasis, with the city lights reflecting off the surrounding towers. The main dining room’s retro glamour almost makes you expect Don Draper to stroll in. That said, tables near the bar can get quite busy – for a more relaxed experience, request the raised section near the back.”
Culinary Journey: Menu Deep Dive
The Ivy’s menu celebrates British classics with contemporary execution and international flourishes. Executive Chef Alexis Guillemot’s French heritage shows in precise techniques, while ingredients are predominantly sourced from the British Isles. The menu changes seasonally but maintains signature dishes that regulars expect.
Starters & Sharing Plates (£9-£16)
The crispy duck salad (£14.75) remains a menu staple for good reason – featuring watermelon, pomegranate, and cashew nuts in a light lime and ginger dressing. For seafood lovers, the salt-cured sea bass (£12.50) with blood orange and radish offers bright, clean flavors. Vegetarians are well-served by the baked goat’s cheese (£9.75) with caramelized walnuts and beetroot.
Main Courses (£16-£36)
The Ivy’s shepherd’s pie (£16.50) has achieved near-legendary status – a comforting blend of minced lamb and beef topped with smooth potato purée. For something more decadent, the truffle chicken sandwich (£18.50) elevates a lunchtime classic with generous shavings of black truffle. The showstopper is undoubtedly the dry-aged rib-eye steak (£32.50), served with bone marrow sauce and optional truffle fries (£6 supplement).
Afternoon Tea (£36.50-£49.50)
A highlight of The Ivy experience, the afternoon tea features a tiered presentation of delicate finger sandwiches (including the excellent truffle chicken), warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of exquisite patisserie. The champagne afternoon tea (£49.50) includes a glass of Pommery Brut Royal. Standout items include the passionfruit tart and chocolate dome with salted caramel.
Jeanpaul’s Verdict: “The steak tartare (£14.50) remains my forever favorite – hand-chopped with the perfect balance of capers, cornichons, and Worcestershire sauce. However, last month’s dressed crab special (£16.75) was an over-seasoned disappointment. The truffle fries are worth every penny of the £6 supplement – crisp, golden, and generously perfumed with truffle. For dessert, don’t miss the chocolate bombe (£9.50) – its theatrical presentation as hot caramel sauce melts the chocolate shell never fails to impress.”
Drinks & Wine List
The cocktail menu features both classics and innovative creations. The Ivy Spritz (£12.50) offers a refreshing take on the Aperol spritz with added notes of elderflower. For something stronger, the espresso martini (£14) is exceptionally smooth. The wine list spans over 150 bins with a focus on Old World regions. Markups are standard for London – expect to pay £35-£55 for quality mid-range bottles that retail at £12-£20.
Service Analysis
| Service Aspect | Rating | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Attentiveness | 4.8/5 | Water glasses consistently refilled |
| Knowledge | 4.6/5 | 92% positive mentions of wine recommendations |
| Pacing | 4.0/5 | 22 minutes average between courses |
| Error Resolution | 4.9/5 | Problems resolved within 10 minutes |
Service at The Ivy maintains the brand’s reputation for professional yet personable hospitality. Staff demonstrate excellent product knowledge, particularly regarding wine pairings and dietary accommodations. On my visits, servers remembered preferences from previous visits and made thoughtful recommendations. The pacing generally feels well-judged, though during Saturday brunch rush, some timing issues can occur.
Jeanpaul’s Experience: “During my anniversary dinner, when my companion’s steak arrived slightly overdone, the situation was handled masterfully. The manager personally came to our table, apologized sincerely, and had a perfect replacement at our table within 12 minutes – accompanied by complimentary champagne. However, during a busy Saturday brunch, service felt rushed – we once received dessert before finishing our mains. The staff are clearly well-trained, but during peak times, the system seems stretched.”
Competitive Landscape
| Aspect | The Ivy Canary Wharf | Boisdale of Canary Wharf | Big Easy Canary Wharf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Art Deco elegance | Traditional Scottish | American BBQ casual |
| Price Point (3 courses) | £55-£65 | £60-£70 | £40-£50 |
| Specialty | Modern British | Scottish/Steakhouse | Barbeque & Lobster |
| Outdoor Space | Park-view terrace | Limited | Large terrace |
| Private Dining | Pavilion Room (24 guests) | Multiple options | Events space |
| Sunday Parking | 3hrs free | No validation | No validation |
Positioned as a premium casual restaurant, The Ivy occupies a unique space in Canary Wharf’s dining scene. It offers more formal service and refined cuisine than Big Easy’s barbecue-focused offering, while being more accessible than Boisdale’s club-like atmosphere. The combination of its terrace location, consistent execution, and the Ivy brand cachet makes it particularly appealing for business entertaining and special occasions.
Final Verdict
After multiple visits and analysis of thousands of reviews, The Ivy Canary Wharf delivers a consistently strong experience that justifies its popularity. The restaurant excels in atmosphere, service, and presentation, creating a sense of occasion that few competitors match. While not breaking new culinary ground, it executes British classics with precision and flair.
The Ivy’s greatest strengths lie in its versatility – equally suitable for business lunches, family celebrations, and romantic dinners. The terrace provides one of Canary Wharf’s best outdoor dining experiences during warmer months, while the interior offers a glamorous retreat year-round. The Sunday parking validation is a significant advantage for drivers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning Art Deco interior | Can feel crowded at peak times |
| Excellent terrace with park views | Premium pricing |
| Professional, attentive service | Limited vegan options |
| Generous Sunday parking validation | Inconsistent pacing during brunch rush |
| Consistent quality across menu | Some signature dishes never change |
Jeanpaul’s Final Take: “The Ivy delivers exceptional atmosphere and reliable quality, making it perfect for business lunches and occasions where ambiance matters as much as cuisine. While not breaking culinary boundaries, it executes classics with finesse. For romance, request booth #14 – the most private table. The people-watching and park views justify the premium pricing, but for innovative dining, explore elsewhere. Would I return? Absolutely – but selectively for when the setting matters as much as the food.”
DineWithJp Rating: Food 4.5/5 | Ambiance 4.7/5 | Service 4.5/5 | Value 4.0/5 | Overall 4.4/5
Practical Tips & Booking Advice
To maximize your experience at The Ivy Canary Wharf:
- Booking Strategy: Reserve 4-6 weeks ahead for prime dinner slots, 2-3 weeks for lunch. Use OpenTable and check regularly for cancellations
- Best Tables: Request 14, 23, or 24 for intimate booths; tables 101-108 for terrace views
- Value Times: Pre-theatre menu (5-6:30pm, 2 courses £27.50) offers best value
- Parking Hack: Pre-book Canada Place via JustPark for Sunday visits – saves £28 vs drive-up rates
- Dietary Needs: Notify in advance – the kitchen accommodates most requests with 24 hours notice
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the dress code?
A: Smart casual. No sportswear after 6pm. Smart jeans acceptable, but avoid rips or distressed styles. Jackets not required but common in evenings.
Q: How does Sunday parking validation work?
A: Present your Canada Place parking ticket at reception for 3 hours free validation on Sundays only. Validation available for lunch and early dinner reservations (12-5pm).
Q: Is afternoon tea worth it?
A: At £36.50, it’s competitively priced for central London. The quality is excellent, particularly the pastry selection. Best enjoyed as a leisurely 2-hour experience.
Q: Are children welcome?
A: Yes, until 7pm. High chairs available. Children’s menu (£9.50 for 2 courses) offers good value.
Q: Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
A: Comprehensive vegetarian options. Limited vegan choices (4 mains). Gluten-free menu available with advance notice. Nut allergies well-managed.
Q: What’s the cancellation policy?
A: 24 hours notice required. Late cancellations incur £20/person charge for dinner, £10 for lunch/afternoon tea.
