If there’s one restaurant that stands out in Windsor for festive dining this season, it’s The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie. Just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle – close enough to catch glimpses of the Changing of the Guard from select window seats. From the moment you approach the grand entrance its adorned with oversized snowmen that greet you with frosty cheer, it’s clear that Christmas has officially arrived at The Ivy.
Inside, the ambiance is as enchanting as the exterior promises. The brasserie is an ode to opulence, with period features like grand fireplaces, art-deco detail throughout and oversized windows offering glimpses of Windsor Castle. While the holiday decorations – rich, vibrant, and thoughtfully detailed – creates an atmosphere of festive elegance. Even the menu is a delight, beautifully illustrated with playful snowmen that set the tone for a joyful dining experience.
We had the privilege of sampling the new festive set menu, which officially launched on Thursday. Designed to evoke the spirit of the season, this curated menu offers festive classics with The Ivy’s signature twist. Available as a two- or three-course option, the dishes are crafted to be both nostalgic and innovative, ensuring something for everyone.
To start, the twice-baked Ivy stilton and walnut cheese soufflé was a standout. A cheese lover’s dream, it was so perfectly balanced and indulgent that we couldn’t resist asking for the recipe to replicate this at home on Christmas Day. For a lighter option, the smoked salmon was delightfully fresh and flavoursome, while the salt and pepper squid tempura delivered a satisfying crunch. The robata grilled chicken skewers rounded out the starters with vibrant flavours that felt both comforting and celebratory.
For mains, the menu truly shines. The turkey ballotine offers a modern take on a traditional Christmas dinner – with apricot, cranberry, and pork stuffing, pigs in blanket, smashed Brussel sprouts and parsley mash, topped with cranberry chutney, and a rich truffle sauce, it’s everything festive dining should be, presented in a sophisticated Ivy way. For seafood lovers, the pan-fried fillet of sea bass served with creamed potato, samphire, tomato concasse, and saffron sauce was aa taste sensation.
Plant-based diners are also in for a treat with the foraged wild mushroom and truffle linguine. Vegan-friendly yet decadently rich, this dish combines a wild mushroom sauce with plant-based cream cheese, pine nuts, rocket, truffle, and even gold flakes for a touch of glamour.
No festive meal is complete without dessert, and The Ivy’s options are nothing short of showstopping. The star of the menu is undoubtedly The Ivy Snowman, a picture-perfect creation that you’ll want to share with your social media followers. This creamy vanilla parfait with chocolate brownie, milk foam, pandan sponge cake, honeycomb, and popping candy is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
For a more classic finish, the flambéed Christmas pudding brings warmth and tradition, served with almonds, redcurrants, and vanilla cream. The Christmas crème brûlée with winter berry cinnamon compote and shortbread offers a festive twist on a favourite, while the Ivy chocolate bombe; a melting dome of indulgence paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, honeycomb, and warm caramel sauce – a Ivy crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie doesn’t just deliver on festive dining, it also excels in seasonal cocktails that are as delightful as the décor. Start your celebration with the pomegranate & spiced Pear bellini, a sparkling blend of prosecco with pomegranate and spiced pear purée that’s as refreshing as it is festive. For a more decadent option, the mince pie sour is a real showstopper, featuring Singleton 12-year whiskey, Noix des Peres Chartreux, minced pie, vanilla, lemon, and aquafaba for a rich, velvety texture. And for chocolate lovers of the classic festive mint chocolate, the After Eight cocktail is a creamy indulgence that captures the classic mint chocolate flavour with a sophisticated twist. Cheers to Christmas in a glass!
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without crackers, right? The Ivy Brasserie has ticked that box with their own signature branded ones naturally – served with every festive set course.
The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie delivers a festive dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating with family before catching a panto show at Theatre Royal, catching up with friends, or simply soaking in the festive spirit, The Ivy is the perfect destination this Christmas.
The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie, 31 High St, Windsor SL4 1PQ
Two courses, £55 and three courses, £60
