The menu is available until October 31.
Last night, Niche Magazine’s Marketing Director Sally Smith headed out of the city and over to our neighbouring county of Birmingham to try out The Ivy Temple Row's Halloween cocktails.
Walking through the bustling city you could feel that autumn had arrived with the dark nights settling in early and the crisp evening air indicating Halloween is just around the corner. A perfectly splendid build-up to The Ivy's spooky-inspired cocktails that awaited us.
With face mask on and hands sanitised, it was a treat to open the door and walk into the warm and wonderful Ivy restaurant in Temple Row.
The restaurant
The vibrant restaurant set over three floors has a real outdoor living feeling. With trees throughout and scatter cushions across the booths, you were transported to feel as if you were on holiday.
While sitting down to take in the bright and contemporary artwork across the walls, Becky came over and introduced herself as our hostess for the evening.
The drinks
We were soon up to date with the ‘back by popular demand’ Halloween special cocktails.
It did not take long to decide on the Toffee Apple Martini. Packed full of flavour, this Bacardi spiced rum treat was paired with Calvados apple brandy liqueur, caramel and apple juice and presented in the perfectly balanced toffee rimmed glass.
Created by the restaurant's talented bar team, Halloween cocktails will be available from Monday, October 26 to Saturday, October 31.
The starters
For starters, we opted for one of the Market Specials of Twice-baked cheese soufflé; gratinated mature Cheddar, Gouda and Edam cheese soufflé with a cheese sauce and grated black truffle. I can only say it is a shame this is not on the everyday menu as it is a treat that should be appreciated by all.
Our second starter was a more traditional one of seared Atlantic scallops. Within this were small samphire tempura which highlighted the flavours while adding another crunchy texture to the dish.
The mains
With a range of mains to choose from, we required help from Becky who talked us through what would complement our starter choices but also leave enough room to indulge in desserts.
You can never go wrong with a Rib-eye on the bone and a portion of chunky chips. Perfectly pink and a Béarnaise sauce to bring all the traditional flavours together packing a punch. Our second choice was the Roasted lamb rum which was balanced exceptionally.
The deserts
As we sat and enjoyed this great evening out - something which previously would have been taken for granted is now considered a luxury night out amid the recent pandemic - we had seen numerous deserts being delivered to tables around us.
We did not want to miss out and so indulged to feel the whole thrill of the evening.
Desserts were chosen and the small wait of anticipation that was required while they freshly prepared the apple tart was fine. It was all worth it when Becky arrived to flambé this for me. The citrus flavours alongside the delicate crunch of honeycomb was traditional yet elevated to another level.
To round it off, what would a trip to The Ivy be without ordering a chocolate bombe. A perfect sphere packed full of flavour, we sat and watched as it melted away from the hot salted caramel sauce.
The brasserie will be adding a delicious, Halloween-inspired desert to its menu, available on October 31 only. The Poison Apple will feature an apple parfait, tempting chocolate brownie, candy floss mist and a rich blackberry sauce.
With some little tricks on these dreadfully delightful treats, we would highly recommend treating yourself this Halloween with a trip to The Ivy Temple Row.
