Ivy Liverpool has arrived as one of the most talked-about openings in the city’s recent dining scene. Nestled in the historic former Bank of England building on Castle Street, The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie brings the signature theatrical glamour, botanical interiors, and indulgent menu the Ivy Collection is known for — while also adding distinctly Liverpudlian touches and a new option for everything from brunch to special events.
Why this guide — and who it’s for
Whether you’re a local looking for a new place to celebrate a birthday, a visitor planning a weekend in Liverpool, a hospitality student researching brand-led openings, or an event planner scouting private-dining spaces, this guide gives you everything you need. You’ll get clear definitions of what Ivy Liverpool.
What is Ivy Liverpool?
A short, clear definition
Ivy Liverpool is The Ivy Collection’s brasserie-style restaurant located on Castle Street in Liverpool city centre. It’s a full-service venue offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, private dining, and event spaces — all presented in the opulent, botanical-infused style the group uses across its national portfolio. The venue transforms a listed, historic bank building into a 180-seat dining destination that combines heritage architecture with contemporary hospitality.
Where it sits in The Ivy Collection
The Ivy Collection includes a range of Ivy-branded concepts — from The Ivy original in London to Ivy Brasseries, Ivy Cafés, and The Ivy Asia concept. The Liverpool venue is part of the brasserie strand: lavish, design-forward, and geared toward a broad audience that spans everyday diners and celebratory guests. The Brasserie concept typically features an all-day menu with classic dishes, elevated comfort food, and refined cocktails.
The building and its story: history meets hospitality
The historic setting
The Ivy Liverpool occupies a striking, Grade-listed former Bank of England building on Castle Street. The site — designed by noted architect Charles Robert Cockerell for the Bank of England — carries the weight of Liverpool’s commercial history, and the Ivy’s conversion sought to retain and celebrate the building’s architectural features while retrofitting it for modern dining. Local planning decisions and heritage approvals were an important part of the opening story.
Adaptive reuse and regeneration
This Ivy opening is a case study in adaptive reuse: long-vacant central properties can be revitalised through culturally sensitive interventions that maintain historic facades and key interior elements while adding hospitality infrastructure — kitchens, accessible routes, and mechanical systems. The project attracted specialist financing and planning collaboration, showing how investment can simultaneously restore a landmark and create economic activity for surrounding businesses.
The dining experience: what to expect
Interior and ambience
Expect bold, theatrical interior design: botanical murals, statement chandeliers, lush banquettes, and curated artwork that together create a warm, glamorous atmosphere. The Ivy Collection often blends green, gold, and floral motifs to make interiors feel both luxurious and approachable — the Liverpool site follows that narrative while referencing local culture in chosen artworks and decorative details. Guests frequently describe the setting as an experience in itself, suitable for date nights, family meals, and celebratory bookings.
Menu highlights and culinary style
The Ivy Brasserie menu leans into modern British brasserie classics and seasonal dishes with refined plating and shareable options. Typical menu items across the brand include signature starters, grills, fish dishes, seasonal mains, indulgent desserts, and a robust afternoon tea offering. Expect vegetarian and vegan options, a dedicated children’s menu in many locations, and signature cocktails that lean theatrical — garnishes, house-made syrups, and balanced flavour combos. Always check the live menu before visiting for seasonal updates.
Service and pacing
The Ivy Collection trains staff to provide polished, attentive service: thoughtful table-side presentation, knowledgeable wine and cocktail recommendations, and flexible pacing suitable for long meals or quick lunches. The brand’s aim is to offer consistent hospitality that feels elevated without being unapproachable.
Practical guide: planning your visit (step-by-step)
Decide the occasion and the best time to go
Casual brunch or coffee: mid-morning weekdays or weekend mid-mornings.
Business lunch: weekdays between 12:00–14:00 when the kitchen runs dedicated lunch covers.
Evening dinner or celebration: book between 18:00–21:30; weekends are busiest and require planning.
Afternoon tea: afternoons; check the venue’s afternoon-tea times and availability.
Tip: festive periods (November–December) and bank holidays fill quickly — book weeks in advance if you have a specific date.
Make a booking
Visit The Ivy’s official reservations page or use major booking platforms for typical reservations.
For private dining, use the venue’s private-dining enquiry form or phone the restaurant directly. Liverpool’s Ivy has specific private dining rooms for groups up to 16, and larger event capabilities — enquire early for weekends.
If you need special arrangements (dietary needs, accessibility, highchairs), add notes when booking or call the venue.
Getting there and parking
Location: Castle Street, central Liverpool — near landmarks such as the Georgian Quarter, Liverpool ONE, and the Albert Dock.
Public transport: Moorfields station and Liverpool Lime Street are walkable depending on your starting point.
Parking: Nearby NCP locations and street parking exist, but city centre traffic and event nights may make taxis or rideshares a simpler option. Plan extra time for arrival if dining at peak times.
Arrival and what to bring
Dress code: smart casual is the safe choice for The Ivy; some guests prefer dressier outfits for evening celebrations.
ID: bring photo ID if you plan on ordering alcoholic drinks and you look under the venue’s age threshold for serving alcohol.
Payment: major cards accepted; tipping practices align with the venue’s policy.
During your meal
Ask for recommendations: staff can guide cocktail pairings, wine flights, and signature dishes.
Try the classics: many guests sample a signature starter, a protein main (grill or fish), and a dessert or afternoon tea.
Share plates: The Ivy Brasseries often encourage sharing for a richer experience; mix small plates and mains for variety.
After your meal
Private events: if you’re planning a party, follow up with the private-dining team for deposits and menu finalisations.
Feedback: reputable venues welcome comments — use in-person feedback or follow up via their contact form if you had a notable experience.
Private dining, events, and celebrations
Rooms and capacities
The Ivy Liverpool offers at least one dedicated private-dining room, with flexible layouts for seated dinners and standing receptions. The main restaurant capacity is suitable for medium-large bookings; smaller private rooms are ideal for birthdays, business dinners, or intimate celebrations.
Booking and planning checklist (step-by-step)
Enquire early — weekends and holiday seasons fill first.
Provide attendee numbers — organisers should give realistic headcounts early for staffing and menu planning.
Decide on menu style — set menu, sharing platters, buffet, or canapé reception.
Confirm accessibility and AV needs — if you need projectors, microphones, or accessible seating.
Sign and return contracts / deposits — venues typically need a deposit and signed terms for large bookings.
Cost considerations
Private dining pricing varies by menu choices, drinks packages, room hire fees (if applicable), and timing. Ask for a written quote and cancellation terms. Confirm gratuity handling (automatic service charges vs discretionary tipping).
Accessibility and inclusivity
The Ivy Collection publishes accessibility information for its sites: many brasseries offer ground-floor access, accessible restrooms, and staff trained to assist guests with mobility needs. If you or an attendee uses a wheelchair, needs step-free access, or requires dietary accommodations (allergies, religious dietary needs), call ahead to ensure the venue can meet your requirements. The Ivy Liverpool highlights that its main restaurant and bathroom are fully accessible.
Sustainability and local sourcing: what to expect in 2025
Brand-level sustainability efforts
Across the hospitality sector, 2024–2025 saw increased attention to supply-chain transparency, reduced food waste, and energy-efficiency retrofits during restorations of listed buildings. Large restaurant groups like The Ivy Collection increasingly publish sustainability statements and seek to source seasonal produce, reduce single-use plastics, and improve waste management systems. Expect seasonal menus, traceability of certain high-impact ingredients, and operational choices aimed at lowering environmental footprint. Guests often ask about provenance and sustainability when ordering; staff can usually advise on sustainable choices.
Practical tips for eco-conscious diners
Choose seasonal mains and plant-forward dishes to lower the meal’s carbon impact.
Decline single-use items (straws, disposable condiments) where possible.
If you’re hosting a large event, ask the venue how they manage food surplus and whether they work with local charities for donations.
Recent trends (as of 2025) and why The Ivy Liverpool matters
Why this opening is timely
City centre regeneration: Liverpool continues to prioritise reactivating heritage buildings for hospitality use; The Ivy is a high-profile example that attracts tourism and local spending.
Experience-led dining: In 2025 diners continue to seek Instagram-friendly interiors combined with consistent service — The Ivy’s botanical, theatrical design meets that demand.
Hybrid concepts: The growth of The Ivy Asia and other Ivy spin-offs shows a trend where established brands diversify their offer to reach different dining occasions — Liverpool’s market benefits from both the Brasserie and potential Ivy Asia formats.
Consumer behaviour in 2025 that affects visits
Booking in advance: Post-pandemic dining patterns stabilised around pre-booked dining for premium spots; spontaneous walk-ins are more challenging for popular places.
Value and experience: Diners weigh price against experience — an opulent interior and attentive service can justify higher checks for many customers, particularly for special occasions.
Health, wellness, and dietary variety: Demand for plant-forward, allergen-aware menus continues to grow; venues that clearly label and accommodate dietary needs attract broader audiences.
Real-life examples: coverage from launch and early operation
Launch night and media coverage
The Ivy Liverpool celebrated a high-profile opening event in November 2024, with local press coverage noting the restored interior, launch atmosphere, and strong demand for festive bookings that year. Photography and press pieces highlighted the building’s illuminated facade, a star-studded guest list at the launch, and the restaurant’s capacity to host sizable seasonal gatherings. These early days set the tone for the venue’s public profile in Liverpool.
Early customer responses
Initial reviews and user-generated content praised the décor, service style, and menu variety while noting that prices reflect the brand’s premium positioning. Social shares of interior shots and cocktails helped boost interest among visitors and influencers, translating into steady bookings for the months following the launch. For new openings, balancing high demand with consistent service is typical; early feedback is often focused on the guest experience flow, from booking to table turnover.
Comparing Ivy Liverpool with other dining options in the city
How Ivy Liverpool differs from independent local restaurants
Scale and polish: The Ivy offers consistent brand-level training, curated interiors, and menu engineering designed for broad appeal — independent restaurants may offer more experimental or hyper-local menus but with more variable scale.
Event and private-dining infrastructure: Larger rooms and branded event packages make The Ivy a good choice for corporate bookings or larger family celebrations.
Price point: Typically higher than many local independents due to brand positioning and central location.
When to choose independents instead
For hyper-local seafood and small-team kitchens working seasonal produce, independent restaurants can offer unique tasting experiences and closer chef–customer interaction.
If you prefer a less formal setting or want to support smaller businesses, choose local eateries on Hope Street, Bold Street, or the Baltic Triangle for variety.
Money matters: pricing, value, and saving tips
Typical check estimate
Breakfast / coffee & pastry: £6–£15 per person.
Brunch / lunch: £15–£30 per person for a main and drink.
Dinner with starter, main, dessert, and drink: £45–£90 per person depending on wine and cocktail choices.
Private dining / events: Variable; request a quote for bespoke menus and packages.
How to get better value
Look for set-menu or heritage-menu offers — midweek set-price menus can provide good value for two courses.
Share plates and sides across the table to sample more while controlling spend.
Reserve during off-peak times for potential lower costs and quieter service.
Safety, etiquette, and best practices
Dining etiquette tips
Arrive on time for reservations; if delayed, call the venue.
For large tables, confirm dietary restrictions in advance to save time.
Respect dress recommendations; smart casual is safe.
If you require quieter seating, ask when booking.
Health & safety
Restaurants conform to local food-safety regulations and hygiene standards. If you have severe allergies, alert the restaurant before arrival and on arrival to ensure kitchen procedures minimise cross-contamination risk.
How to use The Ivy Liverpool for business
Business-lunch checklist
Book a quieter time and request a table away from high footfall areas.
Preselect a short set menu to keep the meeting on time.
Confirm AV or privacy needs for presentations; private dining rooms are better for confidential discussions.
Check corporate billing options and whether the venue can supply an invoice or cater to expense policies.
Networking and client entertainment
The Ivy’s polished environment makes it suitable for impressing clients while remaining comfortable enough for conversation. Use private dining for extended networking events or the main restaurant for more casual client lunches.
FAQs
What is the address and opening hours for Ivy Liverpool?
The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie is located on Castle Street in Liverpool city centre. Opening hours for The Ivy Liverpool can vary by season and day of the week; typical hours include breakfast through late evening service, but always check the venue’s official site or call the restaurant for up-to-date hours and special holiday hours.
Do I need to book in advance, and how do I reserve a table?
Reservations are strongly recommended for evenings and weekends, especially for celebrations or larger groups. You can book directly via The Ivy’s reservations page or platforms such as OpenTable; for private dining, contact the restaurant’s events or private-dining team for an enquiry and quote.
Is Ivy Liverpool suitable for dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)?
Yes — The Ivy Collection typically offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options and can accommodate many allergic requirements if informed in advance. For severe allergies, contact the restaurant before your visit so the kitchen can prepare safely.
Can I host a private event or party at Ivy Liverpool?
Yes. The Ivy Liverpool offers private dining rooms and event spaces suitable for birthdays, business dinners, and other celebrations. Contact the private-dining team for capacities, menus, pricing, and availability. Book early for weekends and holiday periods.
What makes Ivy Liverpool different from other Ivys and other Liverpool restaurants?
Ivy Liverpool combines the Ivy Collection’s signature design and menu style with the regeneration of a listed, historic bank building in central Liverpool. Its scale, polished branding, and private-dining capabilities distinguish it from smaller independents, while its menu and experience aim to be accessible for multiple occasions — from casual dining to special events.
For more UK stories, trends, and surprising insights, explore these related reads:
https://liverpooldaily.news/ibis-styles-liverpool/
https://liverpooldaily.news/pullman-hotel-liverpool-the-visitors-event-planners/
https://liverpooldaily.news/royal-court-liverpool-theatre-experience/
https://liverpooldaily.news/holiday-inn-liverpool-visitors-families-and-business-travelers/
Final Thoughts
Ivy Liverpool brings a high-profile, design-led brasserie experience to Liverpool’s city centre — marrying the city’s architectural heritage with a modern hospitality concept. Whether you’re planning a birthday dinner, a business lunch, or just an indulgent afternoon tea, the venue offers polished service, private-dining options, and an interior that’s built for memorable moments.
For those interested in the intersection of urban regeneration and hospitality, The Ivy’s conversion of a listed bank building is a compelling example of how historic spaces can be repurposed responsibly while creating new cultural and economic value. If you plan to visit, book early, check the latest menus, and come ready to enjoy the interior, the drinks, and the seasonal dishes that the Ivy Collection is known for.
To read more, Liverpool Daily News
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