In my time in London I’ve worked in all corners of the city. Lucky me to have had the opportunity. I worked in Docklands while Canary Wharf was still a hole in the ground (sounds unlikely I know but seriously). There was no Jubilee Line and I got the Underground and (very unreliable) Docklands Light Railway (DLR) through the construction site every day to work – three hours a day (at least) spent commuting. If nothing else it made commuting the rest of my London life seem easy.
The Docklands of my Golf World Magazine working days doesn’t exist anymore as the sparkly megacity has grown up. And the Jubilee Line has totally transformed travel to this part of London since Canary Wharf station opened in 1999. And there are so many lovely places to visit. Like The Emirates Air Line (closest I’m getting to going on a plane for a while) which is a cable car link across the Thames connecting the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks.
There are incredible views from on high 90-metres above the windingly majestic river. I loved seeing all Dockland’s attractions laid out below me, including Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier, the O2 and the ExCel Centre, of course now the NHS Nightingale hospital built in two weeks to help with the Covid 19 crisis. It’s a short but exciting return journey that I highly recommend. Love a different perspective of London. Oh and it was a fabulous, hot and sunny summer’s day. Miss those.
Canary Wharf bound
After our uplifting voyage we headed back to North Greenwich tube station for the short (one stop) journey back to Canary Wharf. And to find a pub. We’ve recently rediscovered Weatherspoon pubs and their astounding good value. So we were delighted to find The Ledger Building set alongside one of the docks of the land, festooned with colourful blooms. And with lots of umbrellaed tables where we sat in the sun for a pre-lunch tipple.
And now it’s time for lunch. We headed along the dock to our destination: the newly opened Ivy in the Park. An oasis set in a vibrant green square with a few other eateries opposite and skyscrapers towering above. Like all the Ivy’s in the ever-expanding chain the decor is wow-makingly beautiful and unique. And there’s a lovely terrace where of course we had to sit on such a stunning day. We felt like we weren’t in London at all – in fact there was a touch of Singapore about it. Beautiful.
What’s on the menu
I’m a big Ivy fan and have visited a few of them in London. So I’ve had my share of menu envy, enough to now make a truly informed decision. The starter was an obvious choice. Duck liver parfait with caramelised hazelnuts, truffle, pear and ginger compote served with toasted brioche. This is the ultimate in yumminess and indulgence with all the ingredients coming together to create an incredible taste sensation. It’s so good and so rich that there’s enough to share with the rest of the table – which I did! Which made for four very happy people. My dream meal starter without any doubt.
Another top favourite which we ordered for the table to share: zucchini fritti, crispy courgette fries with a large jugful of lemon, chilli and mint yogurt. Perfectly prepared – piping hot with crunch.
Moving on to mains
Another of the Ivy’s all-time classics is their crispy duck salad which one of our party had as their starter. My day was made when we were informed it was also available in main course size portion. So that’s what I ordered. What joy to have a large plate of it – warm, crispy duck with five spice dressing, toasted cashews, watermelon, beansprouts, sesame seeds, coriander and ginger. Duck salads don’t get better than this – I am having rather a glorious duck-filled day.
Lucky my duck was fabulous – because to order it I had to pass on a schnitzel. Something I find extremely difficult. The chicken was crumbed with brioche and topped with a fried egg and parmesan and truffle cream on the side. Heavenly! For my next visit…possibly.
There’s a great fish choice at the Ivy. Like the delicious blackened cod fillet baked in a banana leaf with a soy and sesame marinade, citrus-pickled fennel, grilled broccoli and a chilli and yuzu mayo.
And then there’s the monkfish and prawn Keralan curry. We’ve been to beautiful Kerala in India (loved it so much) so can vouch for the fabulous authentic flavours of this rich and creamy luxury dish. All served with jasmine rice, shaved coconut and coriander and sweet potato crisps.
Time for pudding. And those of us who hadn’t had starters opted for the rum baba. A light and tasty sponge saved with Chantilly cream and raspberries. And a little jug of rum to soak it with. Beautifully delicate and perfectly alcoholic.
Well that was something of an epic summer day out. And so lovely to see how the Docklands area has grown out of that hole in the ground I used to pass on my way to and from work every day. Love the constantly changing face of my beloved home city.
Today’s price point
Lunch for our party of four which included two starters, four mains and two puds (and the irresistible zucchini fritti of course) came to just over £120.
Red and white wine starts from £27 a bottle and rose from £32.
The Ivy in the Park, Canary Wharf is at 50 Canada Square, E14.
I’d hoped to have visited this part of London for the World Travel Market. Like so much of 2020 it wasn’t to be. But I’ve noted the restaurant name for a future visit.
2020 is certainly a year to be forgotten! Glad you have noted it for a future visit – it really is worth it. Hope you get to visit London again soon.