The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells

We love The Ivy for special family meals. Our fussy children can always find something familar on the menu, and adults have a good choice of more exciting food. The dishes are tasty and made with fresh ingredients that are prepared with care, particularly the vegetables. The attentive staff always make it feel like a special occasion.

A lovely place to spend an early lunch. Booking a table on a Saturday is a must. We didn't and was given a "leave by" time on arrival that didn't really impact on our meal but meant we were clock watching. The staff were attentive, friendly and helpful though I wasn't sure if this was due to our having not booked a table. The food was delicious and the set menu made it affordable though there was an issue with over charging for a starter that we did not have. Despite our issues on the day, this is a great place to eat and we will look forward to returning on our next visit to Tunbridge Wells.

Came for an afternoon tea. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The restaurant felt a little cramped, we have been in an ivy before in Scotland and it was larger. The food was lovely. My wife couldn’t have cream. But they provided a coconut cream instead. It was fantastic. We’d take a tub of that stuff home. Really nice food would go again.

Excellent service (a rarity these days) and the prices are very, very reasonable - both in absolute terms and also relative to most other restaurants in the same price range. If there's one place that merits the 'discretionary' service charge that gets slapped automatically onto your bill these days, it's this one. Don't miss out on the fried zucchini and the arancini for starters. The ice cream bubble dessert was a pleasant surprise too. There I was expecting a boring ice cream (even though that's what I fancied) and they turn up with this work of art which even had a chocolate brownie buried inside it. Decadent and most delicious.

An Elegant Affair with Room for Improvement - The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells: ################ Dining at The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells was an experience filled with sophistication and elegance. From the moment we stepped in, the immaculate design and attentive staff set the stage for an evening of indulgence and enjoyment. The restaurant's charm, coupled with the company of good friends, made for a delightful atmosphere to savor the culinary delights on offer. The Ivy's ambiance was undoubtedly one of its highlights, with a perfect blend of classic and contemporary elements that exuded an inviting allure. The tasteful décor and attention to detail showcased the establishment's commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. As our order was taken, the menu held a diverse selection of dishes, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. My eyes were drawn to the tantalizing hamburger, which seemed to promise a deliciously satisfying treat. However, my excitement was somewhat dampened when I discovered that customizing the doneness of the meat wasn't an option. As someone who appreciates a tender, medium-rare patty, I was surprised to learn that The Ivy serves its burgers exclusively well-done. This was particularly unexpected for a restaurant of such prestige, where one might expect the flexibility to tailor dishes to individual preferences. Despite my disappointment, I decided to request a different preparation for my burger, hoping that the kitchen would accommodate the alteration. To my dismay, the waiter politely explained that customizing the burger's cooking level wasn't possible. This rigid approach to preparing the dish felt out of place in a restaurant known for its attentiveness to guests' needs. Nevertheless, I opted to experience the burger as presented and was greeted with an aesthetically pleasing dish. The burger was well-presented, accompanied by a selection of sides that complemented the main course. The flavors were pleasant, and the ingredients seemed of high quality. However, the well-done patty lacked the succulence and juiciness that I typically look forward to in a premium hamburger. It's a pity that the restaurant's strict adherence to cooking the burger prevented me from fully enjoying this particular dish. In conclusion, The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells is an establishment that clearly prides itself on attention to detail, ambiance, and excellent service. The staff's attentiveness and the restaurant's immaculate design create an alluring environment for dining with friends. However, the limited flexibility in preparing certain dishes, such as the hamburger, left me yearning for more customization options to suit individual tastes. While I appreciate the overall experience and the restaurant's commitment to excellence, I do hope that The Ivy considers offering more flexibility in preparing its dishes in the future. This would undoubtedly elevate the dining experience and maintain the restaurant's well-deserved reputation as a premier destination for fine dining in Tunbridge Wells. ****************************** ######🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻 I have just seen the reply to my detailed review, and I'm certain it was from an Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is quite disappointing that no one in the managing director's team took the time to respond with a genuine explanation.