The Ivy Spinningfields

We were out visiting the Christmas Market a in Manchester and decided to visit The Ivy for a few cocktails. On arrival the production and styling of this venue is amazing so we thought we’d be able to enjoy a few drinks before heading home. We had a great seat at the bar and the place was buzzing. The seasonal cocktail list is limited and we wanted classics… We spotted a gentleman drinking what looked like a great Old Fashioned - perfect for the cold afternoon. Who ever made that cocktail certainly did not make ours… Probably the worst cocktail we’ve drank in Manchester and there’s been a few! The ‘Old Fashioneds’ arrived in a few minutes, clearly made with absolute no love, sugar syrup, half a glass of watery bad ice and a pathetic non existent garnish which the bartender put her fingers into the drink to try to squeeze yuk ! - If you don’t have time to make classic cocktails correctly maybe better to advise alternatives in busy times? However the best part of it was the price including ‘service’ £33 quid!!! Well sadly, just goes to show the best wrapped presents are sometimes very disappointing.

Our first time dining at the Ivy. A very busy and classy restaurant. Cocktails to start, they were very good. The ambience was also very good and the service was excellent from our server Sophia, and we were also looked after by Andrew on the evening. They were both tentative and knowledgable about the suggested dining options. The sea bass was very tasty and the burger was excellent. Thanks also for the lovely surprise profiteroles to celebrate our anniversary. The food was lovely and prices reasonable. We will be calling again.

Food was ok, the chicken Milanese was a bit tough, had a hard time running my knife thru it. The Xmas special desserts however were pleasant. Good vibes in the restaurant, especially when there’re the Xmas decors.