The Ivy Named UK's Favourite Restaurant Chain in 2026 Awards
In a surprising result that has sparked conversation across the dining scene, The Ivy has been crowned Britain's best-loved restaurant chain by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Food Awards for 2026. The historic establishment, which first opened its doors in 1917, secured the top honour ahead of the immensely popular runner-up, Nando's, which boasts a legion of devoted fans including global superstars like Beyoncé and Adele.
A Victory Amidst Controversy
Good Housekeeping described The Ivy as a "firm favourite amongst UK diners," praising the chain for scoring highly in categories such as accommodating allergies and special dietary requests. The award recognises the brand's expansion to 46 locations across the United Kingdom, including prominent sites in Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, and Belfast.
However, this accolade arrives alongside a wave of mixed feedback from customers. On social media platforms and review sites, some diners have expressed disappointment with what they perceive as declining standards. A particularly scathing review from a visitor to The Ivy's West End location in December 2025, posted under the username Inso D, lamented: "Once upon a time, The Ivy was a ritual… full of energy and confidence, where the food matched the reputation. This visit felt like an ending." The reviewer criticised a meal costing around £250 as "extremely disappointing," suggesting the venue was "trading heavily on its past."
Service Quality Under Scrutiny
Customer service has emerged as a significant point of contention. Notable complaints summarising this sentiment include phrases such as "die of old age before order is taken," "all show with no substance," and "I felt invisible." These remarks highlight a perceived gap between the chain's sophisticated reputation and the actual dining experience reported by some patrons.
Despite these criticisms, The Ivy continues to receive glowing endorsements from other customers. Tash C, who visited the Marylebone branch in late 2025, awarded a five-star review, stating: "It's a testament to any restaurant when the quality of service and the food does not drop during especially busy periods of time." She praised the "warmth of the staff" and the "quality service," emphasising that she "cannot recommend this venue enough."
Good Housekeeping's 2026 Food Awards Winners
The full list of winners from Good Housekeeping's 2026 Food Awards reveals The Ivy's strong performance across multiple categories:
- Favourite restaurant chain: The Ivy (Runner-up: Nando's)
- Best value restaurant: Wagamama (Runner-up: Nando's)
- Best restaurant for vegans and veggies: Wagamama (Runner-up: The Ivy)
- Best for dietary requirements: The Ivy (Runner-up: Rosa's Thai)
The Ivy's Culinary Offerings and Pricing
Focused on British cuisine, The Ivy's menu promises an "elevated" culinary experience, serving everything from brunch and cocktails to grilled classics and their signature steak dishes. While the chain maintains a reputation for sophistication, it does offer some reasonably priced items, such as a Wagyu Beef Burger for £15.00 or Mussels for £14.00, though these lower-cost options are noted as being somewhat limited.
The average price for a main course typically ranges between £18 and £40, with specific examples including a rib-eye steak at £27.00 and a fillet steak at £30.00. The dress code is described as "smart casual," with tailored shorts and short-sleeved shirts permitted during fine weather, though guests are reminded to be respectful as many diners may be dressed for a celebration.
The Rise of The Ivy Asia
A notable expansion within The Ivy's portfolio is The Ivy Asia, which offers pan-Asian cuisine in what is marketed as a "luxurious and theatrical setting." These eight partner restaurants, the first of which opened in Liverpool in 2023, present a more decadent dining experience. The menu is extensive, featuring options for afternoon tea, set lunch menus, and à la carte dining, alongside an "experience menu" starting from £65 per person.
Online reviews for The Ivy Asia have been largely positive. On TripAdvisor, a reviewer named Leevy Dines commented on the St Paul's location: "Ivy Asia St Paul's delivers an experience that feels polished from the moment you arrive. The room dazzles without tipping into excess, and the atmosphere strikes a rare balance between lively and genuinely comfortable." Another visitor, Rich G, simply stated: "Couldn't fault it, fantastic!"
Other Notable Award Surprises
The Ivy is not the only restaurant to receive a potentially surprising accolade. The Big Mamma Group, which owns establishments like Jacuzzi, Ave Mario, and Circolo Popolare, secured third place in the 50 Top Pizza Awards ranking. This achievement came despite customer reviews that frequently described its food as "good but not amazing," "average," or "overrated," illustrating the sometimes-divergent perspectives between official awards and public opinion.
The crowning of The Ivy as the UK's favourite restaurant chain underscores the complex and often subjective nature of culinary prestige, where historic reputation, expanded accessibility, and award recognition intersect with ongoing public debate about quality and value in the competitive dining landscape.
