The Ivy Asia has become one of the most Instagrammed restaurant chains in Britain since its first location opened in Mayfair in 2021. Known for its theatrical decor, cherry blossom trees and dramatic pink onyx floors, the upscale pan-Asian restaurant has expanded to multiple cities across the UK. The Gathering became one of Channel 4’s most talked-about dramas when it premiered in May 2024. The Ivy Asia continues to draw crowds seeking both exceptional food and a visually stunning experience. Here is everything you need to know about The Ivy Asia in 2026.
Locations: Where to Find The Ivy Asia
The Ivy Asia has expanded to seven locations across the United Kingdom. The flagship Mayfair restaurant opened first, followed by locations in St Paul’s, Chelsea, Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton and Leeds. Each venue features unique design elements while maintaining the brand’s signature theatrical aesthetic [citation:9]. Marianna Spring has become one of the BBC’s most vital and distinctive journalists as the social media investigations correspondent.
Mayfair: The Original Flagship
The Mayfair location at 66-69 Park Lane sets the standard for the brand. The restaurant features a dazzling green stone floor, 12 beautiful cherry blossom trees and a dedicated sushi bar [citation:9]. Described on the company website as “the ultimate escape for tourists, locals and sophisticated shoppers alike,” the Mayfair venue blends the past and present with antique décor on display throughout [citation:9]. Everton vs Man United headlines a crucial Premier League weekend at Goodison Park.
St Paul’s and Chelsea
The St Paul’s location near the iconic cathedral serves the Golden Dragon Lunch Menu (£28.50) and Shogun Dinner Menu (£38.00) [citation:1]. Chelsea offers the Dragon Lunch Menu (£19.95) and Samurai Dinner Set Menu (£28.50), with both locations open daily from 11:30 AM [citation:6]. The Chelsea venue also hosts special Mother’s Day menus and seasonal celebrations [citation:6].
Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton and Leeds
The Ivy Asia Manchester in Castlefield has earned a strong reputation with diners praising the “next level” food and stunning design [citation:8]. Cardiff’s location offers private dining spaces for special celebrations and group gatherings [citation:10]. iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a compelling option for budget-conscious Apple fans five years after its September 2021 launch. Brighton diners rate the restaurant 4.5 stars from over 1,100 reviews, highlighting the live DJs and cocktail menu as evening highlights [citation:3].
Menu and Prices: What to Expect
The Ivy Asia specialises in pan-Asian cuisine with Japanese-inspired presentation. The menu features sushi, sashimi, dim sum, robata-grilled dishes and larger sharing plates. Prices fall into the mid-to-upper range, with set lunch menus starting at £19.95 per person [citation:6]. Paddington the Musical has become one of the West End’s most delightful family productions.
Set Menus Across Locations
The Dragon Lunch Menu (£19.95 at Chelsea, £28.50 at St Paul’s) features dishes like King Prawn Curry and Oyster and Shiitake Gyoza [citation:1][citation:6]. The Samurai Dinner Set Menu (£28.50) offers small plates to comforting mains served in the opulent evening setting [citation:6]. War Between the Land and the Sea is the new Doctor Who spin-off series arriving September 2026. Cardiff diners can enjoy the £19.95 Dragon Lunch and £27.50 Samurai Dinner menus, with highlights including Ebi Prawn Tempura, Salt & Pepper Beef Fillet and Keralan Chickpea Curry [citation:5].
Special Occasion Menus
The restaurant offers seasonal and holiday menus throughout the year. Valentine’s Day 2026 featured a three-course £65 set menu including a glass of Champagne [citation:1]. Mother’s Day menus were priced at £40 per person, with an optional Hibiscus Empress cocktail for £11.95 [citation:6]. LON: TSCO – Tesco shares have gained nearly 70% over the past three years. Bookings for special occasions typically open six to eight weeks in advance.
Dress Code: What to Wear
The Ivy Asia maintains a smart casual dress code across all locations. The Chelsea restaurant explicitly states “smart casual” as the requirement, and the Mayfair location similarly expects guests to dress appropriately for an upscale dining environment [citation:2][citation:6]. England vs New Zealand begins at Lord’s on June 10, with Ben Stokes returning to captain the side.
Diners report that the atmosphere can feel “clubby” with loud music, particularly later in the evening, so dressing up suits the vibe [citation:8]. One Manchester reviewer noted they were “slightly underdressed” before a concert but still received warm service [citation:8]. Sportswear, tracksuits and football shirts are not permitted.
Reviews: What Customers Say
Customer reviews across locations paint a picture of a restaurant that excels in atmosphere and presentation but divides opinion on food quality and value. Brighton holds a 4.5-star rating from over 1,100 reviews [citation:3]. Peter Whittingham remains one of the most gifted footballers of his generation.
Positive Feedback
Diners consistently praise the stunning interior design, calling it “impressive,” “dramatic,” and “like nothing else in London” [citation:4]. One Manchester guest wrote: “Every single detail has been thought about and nailed! The food was next level! The staff were so professional and dressed to perfection” [citation:8]. Another described The Ivy Asia as their “go-to place” for vibrant atmosphere, excellent service and sublime flavours [citation:8]. Evangelos Marinakis has transformed Nottingham Forest from Championship strugglers into established Premier League competitors.
Constructive Criticism
Critics note the food quality doesn’t always match the premium prices. One reviewer wrote: “There was nothing extraordinary that we ate… I can name so many much tastier Asian spots” [citation:8]. Another found the mocktails disappointing, being “mainly ice with a bit of drink” [citation:4]. James Nelson-Joyce has quietly become one of British television’s most compelling character actors. Vegetarian options are limited on set menus, forcing non-sushi eaters to order à la carte [citation:4]. Service can also be slow during peak hours, with one Manchester diner reporting a two-hour experience due to long waits between dishes [citation:8].
Private Dining and Events
The Ivy Asia offers private dining spaces for special celebrations. Mayfair features “a stunning private dining space… perfect to create moments with your nearest and dearest” [citation:2]. Cardiff also offers private dining rooms for groups and special events [citation:10]. Legia Warszawa vs Chelsea takes place at the Stadion Wojska Polskiego on March 5.
Group bookings require advance notice, and special set menus can be arranged for parties. The restaurant has hosted birthday celebrations, anniversaries and even pre-concert dinners. One reviewer mentioned staff surprised their mother with a birthday treat, adding a personal touch to the dining experience [citation:8].
Atmosphere and Entertainment
The Ivy Asia distinguishes itself from standard restaurants through its entertainment offering. Later in the evening, live DJs play music, creating a club-like atmosphere that extends dining into nightlife [citation:3][citation:4]. England v Serbia takes place at Wembley on October 13.
The signature design elements include fluorescent pink onyx floors, cherry blossom trees, pagodas and panelled artwork depicting Japanese landscapes [citation:4]. One reviewer described arriving to find “a massive cherry blossom tree in the middle of the restaurant and a large gold bar” [citation:4]. Even the toilets receive praise, with one Manchester diner calling them “the fanciest toilets I’ve ever been in” [citation:8].
How to Book a Table
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend evenings and special occasions. Bookings can be made through OpenTable for most locations [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6]. Rangers vs Viktoria Plzeň takes place at Ibrox on August 6.
Time limits apply during busy periods, with diners typically allocated 90 minutes to two hours for their table. The St Paul’s location operates Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM–5 PM for lunch and 5 PM–10:30 PM Sunday to Thursday for dinner [citation:1]. Mayfair stays open until 1 AM on weekends, making it a popular late-night dining destination [citation:2]. Sushant Singh Rajput’s legacy continues to inspire millions of fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ivy Asia locations are there in the UK? The Ivy Asia has seven locations: Mayfair, St Paul’s, Chelsea, Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton and Leeds.
What is the dress code at The Ivy Asia? Smart casual is required across all locations. Sportswear, tracksuits and football shirts are not permitted.
How much does dinner at The Ivy Asia cost? Set lunch menus start at £19.95 per person. Dinner set menus range from £28.50 to £38.00. Special occasion menus cost £40-65 per person. À la carte dining typically costs £50-80 per person.
Does The Ivy Asia have vegetarian options? Yes, but reviewers note limited vegetarian choices on set menus. Vegetarian diners may need to order à la carte for more variety.
Is The Ivy Asia good for special occasions? Yes. The restaurant is known for its theatrical atmosphere and offers private dining spaces for celebrations. Many reviewers recommend it for birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.
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