The Ivy Harrogate Garden — Restaurant in Great Britain

Booked a table for 8 people on Saturday evening 21st January for a very special family members birthday. We had requested a round or oval table but where given a rectangular table with a bench seat on one side so when someone sitting there needed to go to the toilet the people sat there plus the person on the end of the table all had to shuffle out and stand to allow that person out. Very inconvenient. We had taken a birthday cake for the special birthday person but told it can be presented but cannot be cut or eaten on the premises. So back in the cool bag and take it home. To order and see the menu it was necessary to put the flashlight on our phones to view the menu as the lighting was non existent, two candles on the table. Two people ordered the Burger which was extremely bland. Two ordered Salmon and the comment was tasted better from Sainsburys finest and the accompanying sauce was a watery orange colour and not pleasant. What was it supposed to be? One ordered Shepherds pie which the comment was is that it? Thought it was a child’s portion, no veg just a pot of gravy. Waitor should ask - Would you like any side dishes Sir? Sides dishes was not mentioned when ordered. Another person ordered the Truffle Sausages which was a special that evening. Sorry nothing special very bland. The other meals ordered were OK and eaten as all were very hungry. We asked for a wine list which was provided but then the staff to come back later and ask what would we like when we’d finished our meal. Too late was the cry. No member of staff at anytime came to the table and asked was everything OK. We found the staff arrogant and disinterested. When presented with the bill noticed the 12.5% Service Charge but didn’t see at the bottom of the bill because of the poor lighting it was discretionary. Should have used the flashlight to see and have the Service Charge removed as it was very poor service. Maybe we were unlucky but not a good dining experience, the special birthday person was very disappointed which left a bad taste, a bit like the food. Will not be back and would not...

We had a sublime time this evening celebrating a number of milestones (e.g., birthday, anniversary, new job, finishing a doctoral degree - all rolled into one). From the first welcome at the door to the fond farewell on our exit, we had an unforgettable experience.

There is often an expectation that restaurants like the Ivy are of a high quality and reputation, but we have been to similarly 'esteemed' places/chains and have left feeling underwhelmed. So, as one should, we always tread carefully regardless with our feedback and try to keep our expectations fair and balanced. Needless to say, our expectations were very much surpassed and we are very grateful to the staff for such a wonderful evening and service.

The food was excellent and was served promptly along with our drinks on arrival, even with it being a busy Friday night. We had a lovely waitress called Scarlett who really made our experience special. She was polite, courteous, very self-aware, attentive, and genuine. She struck the perfect balance between catering to our needs and giving us time to enjoy our evening. No task was ever a chore or inconvenience to her, whether it was levelling the table, taking our plates, accommodating special requests, to even replacing the chocolate bombe for another one (without us asking) to ensure it hit the spot.

All in all, a wonderful experience and atmosphere. Lovely background music, visual aesthetics around the room, and no issues at all (major or minor) that come to mind. Fantastic service and a memorable evening for us. Thank you so much and we will be back for the next...

Lovely food! BUT Service very amateur for what is reputed to be the best restaurant in Harrogate. I do not normally complain but this birthday celebration venu was my suggestion. 2 30 Sunday afternoon and plenty of staff and a very quiet restaurant. No one at the door to greet us. Shown to our table and no one offered to take our wet coats until I asked the waitress who indicated a coat rack around a corner. I had been told the waitress would advise us on the gluten free dishes. Instead we were casually told to scan the QR code. That assumes that everyone has a phone capable of executing this process - infortunatlely my friiend did not, but luckily one of our party was able to do so as there was no alternative offered. We ordered drinks and food. No drinks arrived. 2 hot starters arrived followed eventually by the 2 cold starters. By which time the hot starters had cooled and it was obvious that our drinks had been forgotten. We had to remind the waiter who looked surprised and we received a half hearted apology. Main courses arrived - minus 2 of the side dishes! The waitress checked our order and came back with the wrong fries. Eventually the correct additional 2 side dishes arrived by which time we were well into our main courses. Deserts were nicely served, although the automatic service charge added to our bill seemed inappropriate. We halved it as the waitress was pleasant but perhaps not well trained. No sign of a senior member of staff. The food couldn't be faulted but the level of service highly disappointing for such a...