Escape to London

The refined surroundings of The Ivy at the boulevard, jumeirah emirates towers, will take you to Central London, minus the travel time

It’s 1.30pm on a Sunday afternoon and the UAE is hard at work, driving the economy. As people pump black gold from offshore oil rigs, unpack artwork for the latest exhibition, clean up shopping mall washrooms or floor it down the Sheikh Zayed Road delivering vital goods that are apparently too important for speed limits be obeyed, I’m happily seated in the salubrious environs of The Ivy awaiting a lunchtime companion. The restaurant is a far cry from the rat race, but work never stops — not even at The Ivy.

This relatively new addition to the Dubai restaurant scene has created waves, regularly requiring reservations be made days in advance, but on the day we visited to try the new ‘Business Lunch’ it was only half-full — or half-empty, depending on your way of thinking — with the clientele appearing to be a fair mix of tourists and business people.

The setting is art deco chic; featuring classic stained-glass windows, racing green leather seating and oak panelling, which evokes its original sister restaurant in London, one that has been doing business for nine decades.

The formula works just as well in the Gulf as it does in the UK, offering diners a refined environment to chew over their business or holiday plans.

The ‘Business Lunch’ 
itself comprises two courses for Dh150, with two choices for starter, three for mains. The options are kept simple, making it easy for those in a rush, but the bruschetta followed by the butternut squash risotto will appease your desire for great taste, whilst not leaving you too full to complete your workday.

Round it off with tea or coffee and you’ll have escaped the full force of the working week for an hour or more in an environment that drops you straight into Central London. And then you exit into the sunshine of the Gulf. What’s not to like?

wknd@khaleejtimes.com

In seven words: Refined surroundings evoke the London restaurant perfectly

What we liked: The interior design

What we didn’t like: The lack of side plates

Restaurant best for: Escapism

Cost for one: Dh150 (Business Lunch)

Did you know: The Ivy restaurant in London opened 94 years ago

Contact: The Ivy, The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, 04-3198767

• Food and Dining