The Ivy Market Grill

Horrible experience here. I am a coeliac disease sufferer and was told that I can't order anything on the menu and that I can't make substitutions 'for my own good'. We were also treated really badly and rudely by staff. I had bought a drink from outside which I was almost finished with and was told I can't drink it there. This is fair enough, however I had a few sips left and the way I was told was appalling. I was already seated and spending money on other food and drinks in the establishment, and finished off the outside drink in 2mins, so I don't understand what the issue was. Please see below for more about dietary restrictions.

Very disappointed in the new procedure that the Ivy staff advised has been put in place for allergens. As someone who has both molluscs and coeliac I usually carefully select where I am eating with confidence … and have enjoyed regular meals at Ivy restaurants all over London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh but doubt I will return after my experience on 13th June. I was aware my favourite vegetable curry was no longer suitable for me due to a change in recipe so that was fine. What I found absolutely ridiculous was that I ordered the salmon starter and was informed by 2 different staff and presumably a manager that I could not have it as it had a small slice of rye bread … I asked if they had gluten free substitute … advised no longer allowed to change the menu so I asked if it could be left off the plate … ‘No’ … so I had to watch my husband enjoy his starter as there was nothing they could offer me his first response was to simply leave as the staff had taken about 15 mins to work out if they could indeed persuade the chef. So they also lost £16.75 on their decision to simply not place the rye bread on the plate ? My main meal was delicious the shepherds pie gf option but again not a great choice on menu on a warm day. With so many allergens these days I must say I find the Ivy change in policy makes no sense whatsoever and I certainly would not rush back when alternatives like Browns offer a full Gluten Free Menu as do so many others not making the customer feel awkward or fussy in any way … we do not choose to have allergens we have serious health issues if we eat in my case shellfish or gluten so having some choice in a restaurant or just using simple common sense would help.

Had a delicious meal at the Ivy Market Grill Covent Garden. Festive atmosphere, extremely good food, catered to allergies and all with exceptional service from Sana, who was so attentive to my Mum's gluten allergy and had a radiant smile on her face every time she came to the table. Can't recommend enough.