Some say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, helping to set the tone for whatever lies ahead—whether that’s a day of meetings, errands or the school run. Others dismiss it as an unnecessary delay, something to be sacrificed in favour of an extra ten minutes in bed. We at EatDrinkYorkshire have always planted our flag firmly in the former camp, particularly when breakfast is done well.
While eating at home is undeniably convenient, there are moments when something a bit more special is called for. With that in mind, the introduction of The Ivy’s new breakfast offer (Breakfast and a hot drink for £14.95) across its Yorkshire sites held promise of such an upgrade, so we paid a morning visit to its Leeds restaurant to see whether it held the answer…
After being promptly shown to our table within the delightfully decorated restaurant, we were left to peruse the new breakfast menus, which it quickly became apparent provided a variety of options to cater for every taste and level of hunger. These ranged from sourdough or gluten-free toast and mini pastries, through to light & healthy options and culminating in more substantial fare.
As we were feeling fairly famished after our long journey to Leeds (all the way from distant Wakefield!), we plumped for the mains, with the signature ‘The Ivy Full English Breakfast’. Consisting of smoked streaky bacon (nicely crispy), Cumberland herbed sausages (succulent), fried free-range hen’s eggs, potato rösti (delicious), black pudding (an option our reviewer’s companion opted not to go for), roast plum tomato, grilled flat mushroom and baked beans, this ticked every possible box. As if that little lot wasn’t enough, it also came served with a choice of white or granary toast.
With so many different elements it can be hard to get them all right but The Ivy hit top marks on all of them, helping to create a wonderfully hearty breakfast worthy of such an illustrious restaurant name.
The pescetarian in our party, meanwhile, opted for the Eggs Royale with The Ivy Cure Smoked Salmon, although serious consideration was also given to the Moroccan Spiced Halloumi, which comes served in fragrant ras el hanout tomato sauce with a poached free-range hen’s egg, Greek yoghurt and chilli. Maybe next time.
Thankfully the quality of the Eggs Royale ensured we weren’t left regretting our decision, with the classic toasted muffin being generously layered with delicate smoked salmon, perfectly poached eggs and creamy hollandaise sauce.
To compliment our meals we went for a Latte and a deliciously chocolately Mocca that our fellow reviewer believes is the best she’s ever had. Given her love of Moccas, it is certainly not praise to be taken lightly!
Throughout our stay we were well looked after by the waiting staff, with the restaurant filling up with diners as the morning proceeded, helping to create a lovely relaxed vibe in beautiful surroundings. This particular reviewer certainly appreciated the Wind in the Willows-themed menus that helped unlock some happy childhood memories.
Our Verdict
All-in-all a wonderful morning of breakfasting done right in a fantastic location. The new breakfast offer provides fantastic value given that it has something for everyone in surroundings that just exude high-end luxury and decadence. We’ll definitely be back soon to try out that Moroccan Spiced Halloumi!