It has been the haunt of showbiz stars for the best part of a hundred years.
The Ivy in the heart of London’s theatre world has served everyone from Laurence Olivier to Sylvester Stallone to Kate Moss.
And now it is looking to open a restaurant in York.
In typical starry style, the Ivy announced its plans via Kylie Minogue on Facebook…
Hunt is on
Known for its impeccably discreet English service, attention to detail and impressive menu, the Ivy is famous around the world.
The Ivy Collection is expanding the brand beyond the capital, with new outlets already announced for Guildford and Cobham, both in Surrey.
It is backed by multi-millionaire restaurateur Richard Caring. Speaking to hospitality website site MCA last year, Mr Caring said he was planning to roll out the Ivy concepts across the country, with up to 10 sites under consideration.
Right now he is on the hunt for suitable premises in York.
A spokeswoman for the company told YorkMix:
There is no site confirmed at this stage.
There is only one snag – York already has an Ivy restaurant.
The Ivy Brasserie, part of the Grange Hotel on Clifton, is “a contemporary 2 Rosette eatery serving classic food with a French influence”.
And it has been part of the city’s fine dining scene for many years.
If the famous London restaurant wants to use the same name it could be a recipe for confusion…