We’ve all heard of them, and most of us have visited one of these iconic London restaurants, but not many of us know the backstory of The Ivy Collection that celebrates it’s 100th anniversary this year.

Originally based near Shaftesbury Avenue in London, The Ivy has been serving customers for decades and its popularity has never dimmed.

100 years ago The Ivy was opened by Abel Giandellini, in the existing location. If you believe the rumours got its name from a remark made by the actress Alice Delysia when Giandellini was apologising to another customer about the building work that was being undertaken to ensure the building become ‘of the highest class’.

With only 100 seats available, and all cameras and smartphones strictly prohibited – The Ivy has quickly become one of London’s most exclusive and allusive celebrity haunts. So much so, in fact, that the famous ‘The Ivy’ in Los Angeles was named after the West Street eatery, despite being in no way affiliated.

As well as The Ivy which is a stand-alone restaurant, there are also 2 more styles of eateries that The Ivy Collection has in its repertoire; these being The Ivy Grills and Brasseries & The Ivy Cafes.

The Ivy Cafes are located away from the hustle and bustle of Central London, and are instead in thriving villages around the capital, including Richmond and Wimbledon and offer a more informal relaxed dining style.

The Grills and Brasseries are an extension of the luxury of the original restaurant, with locations not only across London but ranging as far as Cheltenham, Bristol and Edinburgh, with new restaurants being planned for Dublin, Leeds and Hampshire.

20 years after the release of the original cookbook, head chef, Gary Lee has collaborated with Director and former maitre d Fernando Peire to tell the history of the restaurant, with unheard stories and secrets a well as signature recipes.

For more information visit www.the-ivy.co.uk/