There have been so many rumours about when The Ivy Oxford was opening. The project has taken a long time to come to fruition. Can you talk me through the journey of The Ivy coming to Oxford?
We’ll be opening our doors on Tuesday, November 5. We’ve been interested in opening a restaurant in Oxford for some time and we’re very lucky to be located in the heart of the city on the High Street.
From choosing the location to ensuring the restaurant was completed to a high specification, it has taken a fair amount of time.
However, the team are very excited to begin welcoming locals, visitors and tourists to the restaurant over the coming weeks.
What can customers expect?
Guests can expecta touch of ‘Ivy magic’ in the heart of Oxford. We’ll be open all day, seven days a week, and we can’t wait to become part of the local community.
And food-wise – tell me about the chefs and their vision?
Our menus are all-encompassing, including dishes for those looking to enjoy everything from lunch, light bites, afternoon tea, dinner and weekend brunch. We pride ourselves on being able to provide something to suit all occasions and tastes, whether guests are looking to join us for a working lunch with colleagues, post shopping afternoon tea or celebratory dinner with friends and family.
Will you be serving the classic dishes as well?
Yes, we will be serving classics including the iconic Ivy shepherd’s pie and chicken Milanese. As well as our à la carte menu and specials (which are updated fortnightly), we will also be opening with an extensive cocktail menu and wine list. Our talented bar team will be serving a number of locally-inspired cocktails including The Parson’s Pleasure which features locally-sourced Cotswold Gin, Cocchi Americano, lavender & earl grey syrup and lemon, topped with Ivy Champagne.
The decor is also a high point – tell me about that and how it evolved?
Martin Brudnizki Design Studio consulted on our interiors, creating a stylish yet laid-back environment. The brasserie’s walls are adorned with bold and colourful artwork referencing the local area and inspired by literature, Oxford’s botanic garden and academia.In addition to the main restaurant and bar, guests will also be able to make use of a striking private dining room, seating 24 seated guests and offering an ideal location for private events, celebrations and birthdays.
Tell me a bit about you?
I would consider myself to be a very normal, hard-working mum who is in a very fortunate position to work for such a great company and with so many amazing colleagues. I have always loved travelling and meeting new people and I’m very lucky that my role allows me to do both in a working environment. I have fallen in love with Oxford and am excited to get the restaurant open.
And if you can sum up The Ivy in one sentence what would it be?
Effortless glamour for every occasion.
What is the ethos?
To deliver a sophisticated dining experience, with a relaxed and accessible atmosphere.
Why do you think expectations are so high? / Is there a pressure to live up to the hype of the original Ivy in London?
The Ivy Collection prides itself on offering consistent and friendly service, striking interiors, and delicious food and cocktails. Naturally, those living and working in the area will have high expectations for what the restaurant can bring to the area. We’ve got a great team behind us in Oxford, including our General Manager Kristina Hromosyak and Head Chef Wojciech Niesluchowski.
It’s a brave time to open a new restaurant. Is that a worry?
The Ivy Collection is continuing to grow across the UK and we’re confident that there is still a need amongst consumers for all day dining in a beautiful yet accessible setting.
Do you worry about opposition from The Westgate?
We have been interested in opening a brasserie in Oxford for some time now and our team carry out a large amount of research on the area to ensure it’s a good fit. We hope to be adding to the local area and existing restaurant offerings already available in Oxford city centre.
The Ivy Oxford, 120-121 High Street, Oxford – 01865 416333
