“One of the restaurant’s most popular areas and pièce de résistance is its extensive terrace and garden, which sits at the back of the building, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the King’s Road.” The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Located on the famous Kings Road in Chelsea the botanical themed Ivy Chelsea Garden seemed like the perfect spot for a summer afternoon tea in the garden. Having previously visited for dinner (read more about that HERE) I was excited to return to sample the alfresco experience.
The outdoor terrace, which is designed like an English country garden, has different areas but unfortunately diners are squashed inside one a small conservatory area which was the first disappointment. Tables are too close together and our request to move to a neighbouring bigger table to accommodate the tiered afternoon tea plate was denied. Once our ordered was eventually taken we waited ages for drinks and then the food itself to arrive, the disinterested attitude of the staff was frustrating and quite frankly discourteous.
Three variations of afternoon tea are available daily from 3pm – 5pm, all reasonably priced especially considering the SW postcode. The basic option is scones accompanied by a selection of teas or coffee, the quintessential afternoon tea with sandwiches and sweet treats and a more indulgent champagne version, we selected the latter. On a positive note both the savoury and sweet items were tasty, there was a good selection of sandwiches but unlike most other venues savoury replenishments was not offered. While my fellow diner enjoyed a truffled chicken brioche roll, marinated cucumber and dill finger sandwich and smoked salmon on dark rye style bread with cream cheese, the vegetarian alternatives were a mozzarella and tomato brioche roll, cucumber finger sandwich and cream cheese topped with avocado on dark rye.
The garden theme was strong with the desserts with a chocolate and salted caramel mousse served in miniature terracotta plant pots, a raspberry cheesecake and bite sized crème brûlée filled doughnuts. The warm fruit scones, served with Dorset clotted cream and strawberry preserve, were moist and moorish, the accompanying fresh strawberries were an added bonus.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden is a stunning venue but my evening visit was far better than the afternoon tea in terms of service and overall experience, however the food was good on both occasions.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Location: 195 -197 King’s Road, London SW3 5EQ
Telephone: 020 3301 0300
Website: theivychelseagarden.com
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am – 11pm, Sunday 9am – 10pm
Stations : Sloane Square (Circle & District Lines) or South Kensington (Piccadilly & District Lines)
Read more in previous post The Ivy Chelsea Garden | London
All the views are all my own. Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of theivychelseagarden.com