Last night I had a ticket to one of the hottest nights in Cheltenham Town. The weather might have been minus something and there was ice on the paths but I headed out none the less to The Ivy Cheltenham. It was the opening press event and I couldn’t wait to have a look inside and experience Cheltenham’s newest eatery.
I remember the former bank before it was transformed into The Ivy and was always impressed and mesmerised by the building. It is a Grade 1 listed building in the stunning Montpellier area of Cheltenham. If you are a visitor to Cheltenham this is the area you must not fail to visit. The Ivy Cheltenham will dominate the stretch due to its imposing building. There are also other luxurious hotels in the near vicinity.
Last night as we approached The Ivy you cannot ignore it’s surroundings, especially at this time of the year when fairy lights adorn the trees and everything looks wonderfully festive.
The wow factor hits you as you enter the impressive venue. As you enter you are welcomed into the dining area. this is open all day every day although getting a table initially will be challenging I imagine! You can book online.
There is a range of tables from roundtables, tables for larger groups and intimate tables for two. We were welcomed with champagne which was free flowing and made me sad I had driven! The atmosphere was lovely and all the staff we engaged with were helpful, friendly and there to wait on us hand and foot. As you can see I felt very at home in such elegant surroundings. I wore a pinafore dress and a cashmere sweater in sapphire along with my vionic boots.
Beyond the dining area is a large bar with seating. This is the magnificent part of the building and the original features have been retained. This is the area I remember from it’s former banking days, although you would never now know what it once was. The stunning ceiling bounces light around and again makes you feel that you are somewhere very special.
As we wondered the bar we tried the delicious canapes that were on offer. They gave me a taste of what to expect when eating there. We had lobster and the most divine desserts.
No trip to a restaurant is complete without a visit to the ladies washroom which is often a measure of luxury! They did not disappoint although I would have liked a seating area in their like you see in some of the London luxury bathrooms.
The Ivy Cheltenham is set to become a hot new venue and I can only imagine how it is going to be when it is the Cheltenham Gold Cup Week in March. As readers know Gold Cup is a highlight of my year and this year I will be heading The Ivy afterward, hopefully, to drink more champagne with my winnings!
I spent the evening with my friend Louise and you can read her write up here and also the lovely Zaphire who is launching the Cotswolds Blogger Awards.
Disclosure: I was invited to the opening night but all thoughts are my own.
