Breakfast at The Ivy, Cardiff

*I was kindly invited to the Press night and breakfast at The Ivy in exchange for an honest review. 

Cardiff has really seen a boom in the recent years with regards to the foodie scene with a variety of independent eateries popping up as well as pop-up events, festivals and street-food markets. It's also attracted some high-end chains with the most recent being The Ivy.

I attended the press night which was packed to the rafters with guests being entertained with musicians, dancers and even fire performers - one way to make an entrance on the Cardiff scene that's for sure.  While I did get to try out some of their amazing cocktails & I know this will quickly become a popular jaunt for evening get-togethers but it didn't give much insight to what they plan to serve up and bring to the table as they say, so another visit was immediately on the cards.

Excitedly I was invited to their blogger breakfast and the chance to experience more of what makes The Ivy group so special. Firstly the interior is nothing like anything I've seen in Cardiff. It's colourful and fresh with a mix of botanical prints and 1920's speakeasy-inspired prints and the floor to ceiling floral tree on the first floor as well as the Venetian style statue in the bathroom certainly make The Ivy Cardiff unique. 

The breakfast took place in the private dining room upstairs which is a beautiful space filled with natural light and fits 24 for a more intimate experience. The breakfast menu has a fantastic variety without being overwhelming and has also thought carefully about having enough choices for every dietary requirement including vegan and gluten-free.

The breakfast started off with a good health kick from their freshly made Green juice which consists of avocado, mint, spinach, apple and parsley and was right up my street as I am a big fan of natural fruit juices. During the breakfast, I had a chance to catch up with fellow blogger, Kacie from The Rare Welsh Bit blog, as well as peruse the menu.

After juice, we were served up some mini breakfast pastries along with a decaf cappuccino and I loved The Ivy chocolate dusting detail. This was quickly followed by the Oat and Almond granola with raspberries and coconut yoghurt and despite it being dairy free it was incredibly creamy and felt really indulgent with a tangy kick from the raspberries - one of the best granola bowls I've had in a long time.

 Now I'm a big fan of the classic poached eggs and avocado combo but for the main dish I decided to go with the classic brunch favourite that is Hot buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries, greek yoghurt and strawberry sauce. The pancakes were very light and fluffy and a real treat and I certainly didn't regret my choice, although everyone's poached eggs looked good too.

From start to finish the service was professional with a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The Ivy is the type of place you don't want to rush but instead slow down for a second and enjoy the present, which is something we often don't do in this modern world. Will I be back, yes!