The Ivy Temple Row launched to much fanfare in England’s ‘second city’ Birmingham last year. As it approaches its landmark first birthday, it was time to put its breakfast menu to the test.
Location of The Ivy Temple Row
Nestled between Birmingham’s upmarket business quarter Colmore Row and shopping area Grand Central, the Ivy Temple Row is perfectly located for commuters and shoppers alike. It’s a stone throw from Birmingham Snow Hill station and mere minutes away from Birmingham New Street Station—which connects the city to London and beyond.
Interior and Atmosphere at The Ivy Temple Row
As soon as we stepped into the lobby, we were taken in by the Ivy Temple Row’s old school glamour and attention to detail. It’s hard to deny the visual impact of this restaurant: the super-high ceilings and vast windows create a bright and modern dining space; whilst the art-deco inspired fittings with blends of gold, orange and green screams elegance. A long, sweeping bar glistening with gold acts as the ground floor’s focal point; with additional seating (and The Archer, a bookable private dining space) available upstairs.
Yet despite its sophisticated decor and upmarket reputation, the atmosphere manages to remain relaxed and unpretentious. A testament to this is the sheer range of diners it attracts. Despite it being a little past 10.30am on a weekday morning, the restaurant was already heaving with a mix of smartly dressed businessman, casually dressed shoppers and a smattering of ladies who brunch.
The Ivy Temple Row Food and Menu
The breakfast menu (available from 8-11.30am in the week, 8-11am on Saturdays and 9-11am on Sundays) offers a mix of light bites, egg dishes and, of course full, breakfasts. I opted for The Ivy Vegetarian Breakfast (£12.50) with gluten-free toast; a mix of tangy grilled halloumi,two poached to perfection eggs, super crispy potato hash along with plum tomatoes, flat mushrooms and beans.
My companion opted for the meat-based equivalent: The Ivy Full English (£13.50) which they summed up succinctly as ‘simply cooked to perfection.’ With two plump and juicy cumberland sausages, crispy streaky bacon, black pudding, beans, roast tomato, mushrooms, fried eggs and crunchy seeded granary bread; this dish leaves you saited without being overly full—with the quality of the meat produce in particular standing out.
Those who don’t have such hearty appetites will be impressed with the variety of health-conscious options on the menu. From green juice to dairy-free coconut yoghurt with berries and gluten-free organic granola, the menu is equally as appealing for health-conscious foodies and those with additional dietary requirements.
Verdict
With a superb central location, stunning art-deco decor and unfussy atmosphere, The Ivy Temple is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat to start your day. The quality of the food is exceptional and its extensive breakfast menu ensures even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.
Jenna Farmer is a freelance journalist and blogger. She writes regularly for Top Sante, The Independent and Metro Online- as well as running her own blog A Balanced Belly about gluten-free, healthy travels and her pregnancy journey.
