This Christmas season, The Ivy Collection is inviting guests to step into an Alpine winter wonderland with the unveiling of its festive menus. Launching in restaurants nationwide from 13th November, the menus include a variety of seasonal selections for breakfast and all-day dining, as well as two and three-course Festive Set Menu and Boxing Day Brunch. Diners can expect festive blooms, Alpine scenes, some live music, and the odd appearance from Santa Claus across the season.
The deliciously decadent Festive Set Menu delivers all the magic of Christmas Day – minus the washing up. Guests can select two (from £55) or three courses (from £60), complete with crackers for that ultimate Christmas celebration. With each restaurant beautifully decorated for the season, and The Ivy Snowman installations in selected restaurants, The Ivy Collection restaurants make the perfect spot to have catch up with friends and family or have a break from Christmas shopping, while still soaking up all the festive cheer and excitement the next few months have in store.
Highlights from the Festive Set Menu include a creamy, twice-baked Stilton and Walnut Cheese Soufflé to start, followed by a succulent Turkey Ballotine for main, served with an apricot and pork stuffing, a pig in blanket, sprout and parsley mash, cranberry chutney, and a rich truffle sauce.
To finish, guests can choose from a selection of fabulously festive desserts, including this year’s mascot for the festive season, The Ivy Snowman (with supplement) ; a vanilla parfait with chocolate brownie, served with milk foam, pandan sponge cake, and topped with honeycomb and popping candy. Alternatively, guests can take the traditional route with a classic Flambéed Christmas Pudding, served with almonds, redcurrants and a smooth vanilla cream.
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie has transformed itself into an Alpine winter wonderland, complete with The Ivy Snowman installation, glittering festive blooms, cosy decorations, and a smattering of yuletide cheer that could thaw even the chilliest Scrooge. Their new festive menu, part of The Ivy Collection’s seasonal offerings, is a masterclass in indulgence, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional winter favourites and innovative culinary delights. I arrived, sceptical of yet another “festive menu,” and left utterly convinced that The Ivy has struck the perfect balance between luxury and nostalgia.
The meal began with starters that felt like a warm embrace on a frosty evening. The Roast Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Soup was a velvet masterpiece. Its depth of flavour, thanks to the earthy sweetness of roasted squash and a delicate swirl of chestnut ricotta, was beautifully offset by pine nuts and the crisp, fragrant sage. It’s the kind of dish you imagine eating in front of a roaring fire after a day in the snow.
Meanwhile, the Salt and Pepper Squid Tempura was a more daring choice. Crispy, light, and served with a piquant miso wasabi mayonnaise, it was given a festive lift with sriracha and the zing of fresh lime. Coriander added a touch of brightness, making this a crowd-pleaser with a festive edge.
Mains brought The Ivy’s trademark finesse to the fore. The Goose, Turkey, and Duck Shepherd’s Pie could have easily been too rich, but it was perfectly balanced. Each forkful offered a symphony of succulently tender goose, turkey & duck combined with braised lamb and beef, seasoned with sage, orange zest, topped with fluffy mashed potato. A dollop of cranberry chutney completed the dish, making it a must-order for anyone craving comfort food with an elegant twist.
For pasta lovers, the Foraged Wild Mushroom and Truffle Linguine is a luxurious, plant-based delight that feels as decadent as its ingredients suggest. Silky linguine is coated in a rich wild mushroom sauce made with plant-based cream cheese, while the earthy truffle and a sprinkling of gold flakes add a touch of glamour. Pine nuts provide a nutty crunch, and peppery handpicked rocket brings a fresh, vibrant finish to this indulgent dish.
For the carnivores, the 8oz Himalayan Salt Wall Dry-Aged Sirloin Steak was a revelation. Cooked to perfection, it boasted a seared crust and tender, juicy centre that needed no embellishment – though the side of Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and cranberries was a welcome companion, offering a nod to tradition with a playful twist.
The sides at The Ivy Oxford Brasserie are more than an afterthought, with each dish offering a festive flair. The Garden Peas with Broad Beans and Baby Shoots bring a light, fresh contrast to the richer mains, with vibrant green hues and a crisp texture that tastes like a celebration of winter produce.
Meanwhile, the Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts and Cranberries are a seasonal standout, transforming the humble sprout into a show-stopping dish. The nutty crunch of chestnuts pairs beautifully with the tart burst of cranberries, creating a perfectly balanced medley that’s as comforting as it is festive.
Desserts were, as expected, theatrical. The Chocolate Bombe arrived like a gift, its molten caramel sauce causing the dome to collapse into a pool of decadence, revealing vanilla ice cream and crunchy honeycomb within.
But it was the Christmas Crème Brûlée that stole my heart. Its winter berry and cinnamon compote was a festive flourish that paired perfectly with the crisp caramelised topping.
The Children’s Menu at The Ivy Oxford Brasserie is a dream for families dining out, offering a variety of comforting yet elevated dishes to satisfy even the fussiest eaters. From the crispy Jingle Bells Breaded Chicken Escalope with sprouting broccoli to the classic Fish and Chips and the hearty Cumberland Sausages with creamy mash and rosemary-infused gravy, every dish is thoughtfully prepared. For pasta lovers, options like the rich Lamb, Turkey and Beef Bolognese or the simple yet satisfying Linguine Pasta and Tomato Sauce cater to every taste. With choices ranging from burgers to pan-fried hake, there’s something to delight every young palate. The Chocolate Sundae from the Children’s Menu is a whimsical treat, combining creamy vanilla ice cream, chunks of rich brownie, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, all topped with playful popping candy and a cloud of candy floss for a touch of magic.
To finish, Warm Almond Mince Pies with an indulgent brandy cream, candied orange and pine sugar proved that even the classics could surprise – light, fragrant, and utterly addictive.
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie’s festive offerings don’t just promise a meal; they deliver an experience. Whether you’re seeking a break from the frenzy of Christmas shopping or a glamorous setting for a celebration, this is your spot. With impeccable service and dishes that exude both joy and sophistication, this menu sets the benchmark for festive dining. Whether it’s a family gathering, an annual tradition that can’t be missed, or just the perfect magical setting for festive fun with friends, there’s something to suit all tastes this winter thanks to The Ivy Collection’s delightfully decadent festive menus.
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie
120-121 High Street, Oxford OX1 4DF
01865 416 333
ivycollection.com
