What It’s Like to Have Christmas Lunch at The Ivy in the UK -

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During my holiday trip to the UK, I made it a point to seek out as many Christmas experiences as possible, from festive markets to seasonal meals. One place that truly stood out was The Ivy, and here is everything you need to know.

Why The Ivy Collection Stands Out

Christmas at The Ivy is especially well known across the UK, with many locations becoming a go-to spot for festive dining during the holiday season.

The restaurants lean fully into Christmas, from the décor and atmosphere to the seasonal menus, which is part of what makes The Ivy Christmas experience so popular year after year.

During this time, The Ivy offers a dedicated Christmas set menu, giving guests a classic holiday meal in a setting that feels polished but still comfortable, which is exactly what drew me in during my visit.

For more things to do, read 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season!

My Christmas Lunch at The Ivy

Walking into The Ivy during the holiday season immediately feels festive, with Christmas decorations throughout the dining room that make it feel warm and special without being over the top.

From there, the experience continues at the table with seasonal cocktails, a dedicated Christmas set menu, and classic dishes that feel right for the occasion.

Cocktails from The Ivy’s Midnight Express Menu

The Christmas cocktails were one of my favorite parts of dining at The Ivy during the holiday season, and the Midnight Express menu really leans into festive flavors and playful presentation.

The Ivy Midnight Express cocktail menu available during the Christmas season

I ordered two cocktails from the Christmas menu, both of which felt fun, seasonal, and very on theme for the setting.

The first was the Snowman Colada, made with Ron Santiago de Cuba Añejo 8 years old, coconut, pineapple, mango, chai, and chantilly.

It was creamy and lightly spiced, with tropical notes balanced by warm flavors that made it surprisingly fitting for a winter drink.

Festive cocktail from The Ivy Midnight Express Christmas menu

I also tried the Santa Baby, a sparkling cocktail made with Ketel One, Nuet Toddy, spiced berry, sparkling wine, and cotton candy.

This one felt more playful, both in presentation and flavor, and was a fun contrast to the richer dishes on the Christmas set menu.

Enjoying Christmas Cocktails in the UK

Both cocktails added to the overall Christmas at The Ivy experience and felt like more than just novelty drinks.

They were well-made, thoughtfully balanced, and fit perfectly with the festive atmosphere of the restaurant.

Entrées from The Ivy

For the main course, we ordered two dishes that felt rich and comforting, while still balanced enough for a long Christmas lunch.

The Truffled Chicken Milanese was a standout.

The crumbed chicken breast was crisp and golden, topped with a fried hen’s egg and finished with a generous drizzle of truffle sauce.

Truffled chicken Milanese with fried egg and salad mâche from The Ivy Christmas menu

Parmesan and salad mâche helped balance the richness, making it filling without feeling heavy.

The Foraged Wild Mushroom and Truffle Linguine leaned fully into seasonal flavors.

Foraged wild mushroom and truffle linguine from The Ivy lunch menu

The linguine was coated in a deep, earthy wild mushroom sauce, topped with toasted pine nuts, peppery rocket, and finished with freshly grated black truffle and gold flakes.

It felt indulgent and very fitting for Christmas at The Ivy.