The Ivy Restaurant, West Street

After what seems five very long months, stalwart fans of the infamous Ivy restaurant, West Street are eagerly awaiting the restaurant's reopening.
The West End restaurant London restauranteurs, socialites and in-the-know tourists have long populated has just undergone a complete re-design, in effort to give the crumbling bastion of London's twentieth century social history a much needed update, bringing with it a reinvigorated clientèle. As The Ivy prepares to celebrate its centenary, every detail has been up for redesign – including those iconic wooden entrance doors.
Extensively redesigned by Martin Brudnizki, the new Ivy was inspired by remnants of the old, and as such has retained much of its original design – along with some necessary updates. The wood panelling and harlequin stained glass windows still remain, as does the Ivy's penchant for incorporating works of British artists into the design (new works from Maggi Hambling, Damien Hirst and Ian Davenport now dominate the rear). 
The design renovations have been extensive. Where the bar once stood blockading vision the restaurant is now open plan, allowing for a clear view throughout its entire space, and the original stained glass windows have been enhanced with silver mirrored panels.
The new Ivy aims to maintain an intimate atmosphere, with an altered table layout, as well as the introduction of curved banquettes and four-seater booths. In addition to the new pieces, select works of art from the Ivy's previous collection remain, including works by Peter Blake, Eduar do Paolozzi and Barry Flanagan.
With all of its new touches offering new and loyal clientèle a stylish and updated dining experience, we're keeping our fingers crossed that the Ivy's new menu will be on par with the design. The Ivy London reservations line is now open – we anticipate a crowd.