The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie has welcomed back guests with its new summer menu which didn’t disappoint when I went for a visit.
The restaurant in Cheltenham has launched its new ‘Summer of Love’ menu with a bespoke 1960s themed cocktail list including the aptly named Lazin’ On A Sunday Afternoon- a refreshing gin cocktail with Lillet Rose, Pink Grapefruit Juice, Fever-Tree Soda Water and Prosecco- definitely my favourite of the four I tried.
One thing I noticed during the visit was how happy the staff were- none were overwhelmed with tables and customers and so were able to give everyone an ample amount of their time, especially when discussing the new menu choices.
The general manager gave us run down of the entire new menu and initially we thought this might be helpful in making our choices for dinner- but he made them all sound so fabulous, I think it actually made the decision more difficult!
I settled on the twice baked cheese souffle followed by the Peruvian chicken. My guests ordered the pea velouté, duck liver mandarin parfait and roasted scallop starters- with main choices including the lemon sole, vela rib-eye and cote-de-boeuf.
The Roasted Scallops, with crispy potato rösti, pea puree, parmesan sauce and grated truffle as a starter,
looked amazing- the pate- which we all tried was voted the best anyone had had before, the cheese souffle was light, but indulgent- but the winning starter was the pea velouté.
Made from fresh raw ingredients and only heated to serve- the dish was summer in a bowl. I’m not entirely sure I have ever called a soup pretty before- but that was what it was. My guest likened it to a Willy Wonka experience- every mouthful tasted different to the last.
The Peruvian chicken main was a perfect light summer dinner- the chicken was served with an avocado salad and jalopeno sauce. The meal was a perfect mix of heat and refreshing flavours.
The veal was sold to us in the general managers menu breakdown. With promises of the most creamiest garlic mash around- the veal served with pomme aioli did not disappoint.
The lemon sole (sole meuniere) - was an elegant dish served with beurre noisette, capers and parsley. The freshly grilled fish. My guest ordered a side of creamed spinach as an accompaniment and said it was a gloriously excellent addition to her meal.
The cote de boeuf is aged for 21 days in Himalayan rock salt to give it the perfect taste and texture.
Served medium rare- my guest enjoyed this beautiful piece of meat alongside truffle fries.
Although it looked the most basic of the meals- he said it was sublime.
A flambe apple tart, The Ivy’s famous chocolate bomb and new summer addition the Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae were choices for dessert.
Although the flaming dessert at the table looked spectacular and the melting chocolate bombe is a very clever- nothing can top an ice cream sundae as my favourite pud! Served with vanilla ice cream with meringue, shortbread and a warm strawberry sauce, it was the perfect end to a very indulgent, delicious meal.
Keith Squire, General Manager at The Ivy Montpellier Brassiere says: “We are very excited to have reopened and to welcome back our regular diners and members of the community, who we have greatly missed over the last few months. Whether you’re looking for lunch and cocktails with friends or dinner with a loved one, there are plenty of delicious options to help you rediscover your love of dining this summer.”
Reservations can be made at theivycheltenhambrasserie.com/.
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