All-day café from The Ivy group serving breakfast through dinner with afternoon tea. Multiple London locations offer glamorous settings, reliable British menu, and excellent people-watching.
The Ivy Café is the more informal, all-day offshoot of the Covent Garden institution, with branches across London rather than a single address. The format is a neighbourhood brasserie-café that keeps the polished décor, comfortable banquettes and attentive service of the main restaurant but pairs it with a broader, more affordable menu that runs from breakfast to dinner.
The cooking is British and brasserie-led. Breakfast and brunch dishes such as avocado toast, eggs Benedict and a full English sit alongside lunch plates, salads, burgers, fish dishes and desserts. Afternoon tea, one of the better-known draws, features sandwiches, scones and cakes served with a pot of tea or a glass of sparkling wine, and costs noticeably less than the tea service at grand hotels. Coffee, cocktails and a short wine list round out the drinks programme.
The atmosphere is stylish but easy-going. Rooms tend to be bright, with plants, patterned tiles and soft seating, and the clientele includes shoppers, families, couples and workers on long lunch breaks. Noise levels are moderate, rising at peak weekend brunch times. Dress is casual to smart-casual.
The listing shows daily opening from 08:00 until 23:00. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend brunch, afternoon tea and evenings, although some branches take walk-ins. Because the group operates multiple London locations, the exact menu, hours and availability vary by site, and the specific branch should be confirmed when booking.
The value proposition is straightforward: visitors get a taste of the Ivy style and brand at a mid-range price, without the booking pressure or prices of the flagship. It suits shopping breaks, family meals and relaxed catch-ups in central areas of London, and the all-day hours make it easy to fit around sightseeing in the United Kingdom's capital. For visitors comparing options, the café works well as a reliable fallback when the flagship is fully booked, and its menu covers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-conscious choices across the breakfast, lunch and dinner sections.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 08:00-23:00 |
| Reservations | Recommended |
| Address | Multiple London locations |
Signature dishes
- Avocado toast — $12
- Afternoon tea — $28
Location
Multiple London locations
51.5074, -0.1278 View on map
Highlights
- All-day menu from breakfast through dinner
- Afternoon tea at a mid-range price
- Branded Ivy style without flagship pressure
- Several London branches for easy access
- Brunch, cocktails and coffee in a stylish setting
Tips for visiting
- Confirm the specific branch, as menus and hours vary by location.
- Book ahead for weekend brunch and afternoon tea.
- Weekday lunch is quieter and easier to book.
- Afternoon tea is usually cheaper than at luxury hotels.
- Walk-ins are often possible at off-peak times.
When to visit
Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons for quiet; weekend brunch for atmosphere.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies by branch. Visitors needing step-free access should confirm with the specific location before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
How many locations are there?
The listing notes multiple London locations. Visitors should check which branch is closest and book accordingly.
Does it serve afternoon tea?
Yes. Afternoon tea is a highlighted offering, priced below grand-hotel versions.
Is it suitable for families?
Generally yes. The casual all-day format works for families, particularly at lunch and early evening.
What are the opening hours?
The listing shows daily opening from 08:00 to 23:00, though individual branches may differ.