The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie is a premium all-day dining destination located in the historic former Bank of England building on Castle Street. Officially opened in November 2024, the restaurant offers a sophisticated blend of British classics and internationally inspired dishes, including their signature Shepherd’s Pie and the value-driven “1917” set menu. The venue features a grand main dining room with a capacity for 180 guests, a vibrant bar area showcasing local spirits, and the exclusive Penny Lane and Amazon private dining rooms. Following its successful launch, the brand expanded further in late 2025 by opening The Ivy Asia Liverpool on the upper floors, introducing its iconic emerald-green floors and Pan-Asian fusion to the city’s Cavern Quarter.
This guide provides everything you need to know about dining at The Ivy Liverpool, from its opulent Grade-I listed interiors and seasonal menus to practical advice on dress codes and reservations.
Historic Castle Street Location
The Ivy Liverpool is situated at 31 Castle Street, occupying one of the city’s most architecturally significant landmarks. The building, formerly the Bank of England’s Liverpool branch, has been meticulously restored to preserve its grand neoclassical features while adding The Ivy’s signature Art Deco-inspired glamour.
Choosing this location places the restaurant at the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district, just a short walk from the Town Hall and the Liverpool ONE shopping complex. The restoration process involved uncovering original masonry and integrating bold, colorful artwork that pays homage to Liverpool’s rich maritime and musical heritage.
The Ivy Brasserie Menu
The Brasserie menu is designed for all-day versatility, serving everything from early morning breakfasts to late-night cocktails. Signature dishes that have become synonymous with the brand include the crispy duck salad, lobster linguine, and the famous Ivy Shepherd’s Pie made with slow-braised lamb and beef.
For those seeking lighter options, the menu includes a dedicated vegetarian and vegan section featuring seasonal risottos and plant-based burgers. The “Taste of Winter” and other seasonal menus ensure that the ingredients remain fresh and relevant to the time of year, often incorporating locally sourced produce from across the North West.
The Iconic 1917 Menu
To honor the year the original Ivy opened in London’s West End, the Liverpool Brasserie offers a specially curated “1917 Menu.” This fixed-price offering typically provides two courses for £19.17 or three courses for a small additional supplement, making luxury dining more accessible.
The 1917 menu usually features a rotation of classic starters like soup of the day or truffled arancini, followed by mains such as pan-fried white fish or steak frites. It is available during specific midweek windows, typically from Monday to Friday, providing an ideal option for business lunches or early evening meals.
The Ivy Asia Expansion
Located directly above the Brasserie, The Ivy Asia Liverpool opened in Autumn 2025 to bring a theatrical Pan-Asian experience to the city. This separate concept is defined by its stunning green malachite floors, life-sized samurai statues, and cherry blossom installations.
The menu at The Ivy Asia focuses on sharing plates, featuring high-end ingredients like wagyu beef, black cod, and specialty sushi platters. It provides a higher-energy atmosphere compared to the Brasserie, often featuring live DJs and a more “night-out” feel, particularly on weekends.
Private Dining: The Penny Lane Room
For those hosting special events, The Ivy Liverpool features the “Penny Lane Room,” a private dining space that seats up to 16 guests or hosts 25 for standing receptions. The room is named in honor of the city’s musical legacy and features bespoke wallpaper and elegant furnishings.
A second space, the “Amazon Room,” offers a vibrant oasis of blues and greens with a reflective agate floor, perfect for slightly larger intimate gatherings. These rooms are frequently used for corporate lunches, birthday celebrations, and wedding breakfasts, offering a tailored menu separate from the main restaurant.
Breakfast and Weekend Brunch
The Ivy is a popular destination for breakfast in Liverpool city centre, serving from 8:30 AM on weekdays. The breakfast menu ranges from “The Ivy Full English” to lighter choices like avocado on pumpernickel toast or buttermilk pancakes with berries.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant transitions into a lively brunch spot. The weekend brunch menu often includes “Eggs Royale” with the house-cured smoked salmon and a selection of brunch-specific cocktails, such as the Peach Bellini or the Ivy Bloody Mary.
Afternoon Tea Experience
Afternoon Tea at The Ivy Liverpool is served daily between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, offering a luxurious mid-afternoon break. The service includes a three-tiered stand featuring savory sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and a selection of miniature cakes and tarts.
Guests can choose between the standard Cream Tea, the full Afternoon Tea, or the Champagne Afternoon Tea for a celebratory touch. The tea blends are specifically selected to complement the sweets, with the “Ivy 1917 Blend” being a perennial favorite among regular diners.
The Bar and Signature Cocktails
The central bar at the Brasserie is a focal point of the restaurant, designed for both pre-dinner drinks and late-night socializing. The drinks menu highlights several Liverpool-based distilleries and breweries, including Liverpool Gin and Love Lane Brewery.
Signature cocktails often put a modern twist on classics, such as the “Salted Caramel Espresso Martini” or the “Hot Honey Margarita.” The bar staff are trained in traditional mixology, ensuring that even off-menu requests are handled with the “unrivalled service” for which the brand is known.
Venue History
The Ivy Liverpool occupies a Grade I listed building designed by architect Charles Robert Cockerell in the 19th century as the Bank of England’s first regional branch outside London. Vacant for over 20 years and briefly used by activists in 2015, it gained approval for restaurant conversion in August 2023, opening as The Ivy Brasserie by late 2024. Its “masterpiece of Victorian architecture” features stark interiors contrasting Liverpool’s ornate banks, with minimal changes preserving original details.
Restoration highlighted the building’s commanding scale on Castle Street, symbolizing Liverpool’s trading past. External updates include a branded awning, brass signage, and planters, blending heritage with The Ivy’s upscale vibe. This marks the third North West location after Manchester sites, expanding the chain’s legacy from London’s 1917 original.
Architectural Highlights
Step inside to marble floors, burnt orange banquettes, and sumptuous Art Deco details that elevate dining to theatrical levels. The interior’s stark elegance—void of heavy gilding—showcases high ceilings and preserved banking features like grand counters turned into bar areas. A 16-person private dining room adds intimacy amid the 180-cover capacity.
Externally, the Castle Street facade dominates with powerful neoclassical lines, drawing eyes in Liverpool’s commercial heart. Planters and subtle signage maintain listed status while signaling luxury. Light floods through large windows, enhancing the opulent yet approachable atmosphere.
Interior Design Features
Wood-paneled accents and custom lighting create cozy nooks within vast spaces. The bar area gleams with polished surfaces ideal for pre-dinner drinks. Every element nods to The Ivy’s heritage while suiting modern brasserie needs.
Menu Overview
Expect classic British brasserie fare with twists: starters like crispy calamari or whipped goat’s cheese, mains including The Ivy shepherd’s pie and grilled sea bass. Desserts shine with sticky toffee pudding and seasonal treats, paired with extensive wines and signature cocktails like the Ivy Garden. Prices reflect luxury, with mains around £20-£35.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options abound, such as truffle arancini or plant-based burgers. Festive menus ramp up for holidays with turkey wellington and mulled wine pairings. Brunch draws crowds with avocado on toast and bottomless prosecco.
Signature Dishes
Shepherd’s pie remains a standout, rich with lamb and topped with buttery mash. The afternoon tea—scones, sandwiches, and pastries on three-tier stands—pairs perfectly with tea or champagne upgrades. Cocktails like the Ivy Negroni use house-infused botanicals.
Dining Experience
Service blends efficiency with warmth, with staff trained in The Ivy’s celebrity-hosting polish from London roots. Ambiance shifts from lively lunches to romantic dinners, with live piano occasional in lounges. Portions satisfy without overwhelming, emphasizing quality ingredients.
Reviews praise the buzz without chaos, ideal for dates or groups. Private spaces suit corporate events or birthdays. Noise levels stay conversational, thanks to clever acoustics in the historic shell.
Afternoon Tea Details
Indulge in a relaxed afternoon tea on three-tier stands: fresh scones with clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and petite sweets like macarons. Choose teas from a premium selection or coffee, with champagne add-ons for flair. Priced around £45-£60 per person, it’s served daily from 12pm-5pm.
Classic or high-tea options cater to preferences, with vegan adaptations available. The setting—marble and velvet—makes it Instagram-worthy for celebrations. Book ahead, as slots fill fast.
Private Dining Options
The 16-seat private room offers exclusivity with tailored menus for events up to 50 guests across spaces. Customizable for weddings, corporate dos, or family gatherings, it features AV setup and dedicated service. Minimum spends apply, starting around £1,000 for evenings.
Larger groups use semi-private bar areas. Festive packages include canapés and flowing drinks. Perfect for Liverpool’s event scene.
Location and Accessibility
Nestled on Castle Street in Liverpool city center, it’s steps from Lime Street Station and major buses. Walk from the Albert Dock in 15 minutes or drive with nearby NCP parking. Merseyrail connects easily from suburbs.
Wheelchair access via ramps meets modern standards, with lifts to all floors. Cycle racks and electric charging nearby support green travel.
Practical Information and Planning
Opening hours run daily: brunch 10am-12pm, lunch 12pm-3pm, dinner 5pm-10pm (later Fridays/Saturdays). Afternoon tea slots from 12pm-5pm. Prices: starters £10-£15, mains £20-£35, tea £45+, cocktails £12-£15. Book via theivy.london or app; walk-ins possible but rare.
Reach it by train to Lime Street (2-min walk), bus from anywhere central, or taxi/Uber (£10 from airport). Expect polished service, 90-120 minute meals, and a dress code leaning smart-casual—no sportswear. Tips: reserve 2-4 weeks ahead, arrive early for bar seats, request window views.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did The Ivy Liverpool open?
The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie officially opened its doors on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, followed by the opening of The Ivy Asia on the upper floors in late 2025.
Do I need a reservation for the Brasserie?
While the bar area often accommodates walk-ins for drinks and light snacks, table reservations are highly recommended for lunch and dinner, especially on weekends and during graduation seasons.
What is the 1917 menu?
Named after the year the original Ivy opened in London, this set menu offers a selection of classic dishes at a fixed price (typically £19.17 for two courses), available during specific weekday windows.
Is there a dress code for The Ivy Liverpool?
The official dress code is smart-casual. Most diners opt for a polished appearance, though smart jeans and trainers are permitted. Sportswear and flip-flops are generally discouraged.
Can I book a private room for a party?
Yes, the restaurant features two stunning private spaces: the Penny Lane Room (seating 16) and the Amazon Room (seating up to 40), both available for celebrations and corporate events.
Is The Ivy Liverpool child-friendly?
Absolutely. The restaurant welcomes families and provides a dedicated children’s menu alongside high chairs and accessible facilities for those with strollers.
What are the signature dishes at the Liverpool location?
The most popular choices include the Ivy Shepherd’s Pie, the Crispy Duck Salad, and the theatrical “Chocolate Bombe” dessert.
Does the menu include vegan and gluten-free options?
Yes, The Ivy provides comprehensive, separate menus for both vegan and gluten-free diners, ensuring a high-quality experience regardless of dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of The Ivy Liverpool at 31 Castle Street represents a significant milestone in the city’s hospitality evolution. By transforming a historic Grade I-listed landmark into a multi-story dining destination, the brand has successfully blended architectural heritage with modern, high-energy glamour. Whether you are visiting the Brasserie for a relaxed breakfast, utilizing the value of the 1917 menu for a business lunch, or ascending to The Ivy Asia for a theatrical dinner among the emerald-green floors, the venue offers a level of versatility rarely seen in the city center.
As of 2026, The Ivy has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Castle Street circuit. Its commitment to “unrivalled service” and a “something for everyone” menu ensures that it remains a top choice for both local residents and the city’s growing number of international tourists. By honoring Liverpool’s culture through bespoke private dining rooms like the Penny Lane Room, the restaurant feels less like a chain and more like a permanent fixture of the Liverpool landscape.
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