The word on the street is that this glorious weather we’re having isn’t just a blip. We’re talking months of sunshine ahead of us … or so I hope (if I haven’t just jinxed it).
So it only makes sense to mention King’s Road’s latest restaurant opening, The Ivy Chelsea Garden which boasts the largest restaurant garden in London and which I visited last week for lunch.
Stepping inside you can only be impressed with the renovation of the building. Both Joudie and I had grown up along the King’s Road and so the restaurant’s former interior as Henry J. Beans was firmly imprinted on our minds.
But every inch of The Ivy Chelsea Garden feels like a transformation. From the bar … 
… to the gorgeous inside seating area, which differs in style as you walk around. The whole place has a light and airy feel about it and you truly feel like you have been transported off the King’s Road and into a world of its own.
As for the garden, neither Joudie or I remember the original garden looking so big. The outside space feels like an absolute delight to walk around and …
… there are even quieter nooks to sip a glass of something special in.
As for lunch, I started off with a glass of Prosecco whilst Joudie ordered a Bloody Mary with Sipsmith Gin. 
Joudie ordered the tuna carpaccio which I think was the winner amongst our starters. 
I chose the crispy duck salad which I thought was ok but nowhere near as good as the tuna.
For main, we both ordered the whole lemon sole with a side of zucchini fritti. 
But the highlight of my lunch had to be the diary-free panna cotta, which was a set coconut cream pudding with chilli infused shaved pineapple. I’ve been mourning the loss of panna cotta in my diet since I discovered I was dairy intolerant so I was more than pleased to see this dish on the menu, which passed with flying colours.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden is a great addition to the King’s Road and a beautiful place to dine. Although, I wouldn’t be entirely honest if I didn’t mention that I did experience some teething problems with the albeit friendly service. Hopefully this is all down to ‘early days’ because I’m already planning my return.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden, 197 King’s Road, London SW3 5ED.
The duck salad looks so good and that lemon sole…wow! I’ll have to add this to my foodie bucket list. In terms of service teething problems, hopefully they’ll take note, it’s early days. Great review.