The fancy Surrey restaurant with gold cutlery I anxiously took my 9 month old baby to
As a new mum, I live in leggings and baggy jumpers, but it was time to get dressed up and put on some heels for the first time in what felt like decades. This week I was invited to The Ivy Asia in Guildford to try its new afternoon tea, and as someone with an incredibly sweet tooth, it was an offer I could not refuse, even with a baby in tow.
Located next to the Tunsgate Quarter in the heart of town, it is one of the most highly rated restaurants in the area according to Tripadvisor, and in my opinion, one of the fanciest. If you've never been before, expect plenty of bling, ultra plush décor (even in the bathrooms) and waiters dressed to impress.
It's far from the coffee shop scenes I've been spending most of my days with the NCT girls the past nine months, and I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive it would not be child friendly. However, the restaurant's website reassured me that it was suitable for children and high chairs were available.
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The restaurant's new Moon Festival Afternoon Tea pays homage to the harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture and is available daily until October 20. Diners can delve into the annual tradition that celebrates the harvest and the joy of togetherness with loved ones, while indulging in an array of delicious sweet and savoury offerings and enjoying a stunning thematic installation that transforms The Ivy Asia into a tribute to the full moon.
Throughout the restaurant, lanterns of all size and shapes, which symbolise beacons that light people's path to prosperity and good fortune, are on display. And on Saturdays, guests are immersed in a delightful evening of live entertainment, including DJ’s and musicians.
I parked in Castle Car Park, just two-minutes walk from the restaurant, and as soon as I approached the glass doors to the stunning venue at 3pm someone was there to greet me and escort me to the welcome desk. The entrance was lavish and ornate and the marble flooring took my breath away.
My nine-month old baby immediately caught the attention of many of the members of staff as she has just learnt how to wave and point. Thankfully, they were overjoyed by their young dining guest and couldn't be more friendly and helpful.
A high chair was brought to our table before I even sat down and I was even asked if she would like a pillow to comfort her back as she is quite diddy for her age. I brought a few snacks to occupy her during my visit, but once she saw my shiny gold spoon her plastic blue one was thrown on the floor.
Of course she wanted it, so I gave in and passed it to her worried she might shout and disturb our fellow diners if I hadn't. So picture this, not even one year of ages and she's got gold cutlery in her hand, a sumptuous red cushion behind her and lots of ladies cooing over her - the little princess.
I was quite anxious bringing her to such an establishment, but needn't have been as she settled in wonderfully. The elaborate décor, extravagant floor and swanky furniture kept her occupied, not to mention the background music and incredible scents coming from the food placed down before us.
The new afternoon tea was spectacular. Served on an ornate three tiered black stand, smoke was drifting from a wooden box laden with mini sugar studded doughnuts, while the decadent looking treats were decorated with beautiful edible flowers. It was a feast for the senses.
The delicious savouries included aromatic duck spring rolls, spicy avocado maki rolls and sesame-crusted prawn dumplings, accompanied by mini pots of hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sesame sauce. The sweet delights were golden brownie mooncakes, dark chocolate mousse choux buns and mouth-watering jammy doughnuts (my favourite).
My other favourites had to be the prawn dumplings, they were juicy and utterly divine, as well as the ultra fluffy steamed vegetable bao buns. I also tried one of the three limited edition cocktails made up of Ketel one vodka, rose extract, lemon, lychee, fresh raspberries and aquafaba.
Served in a martini glass, the gorgeous pink drink cost £10 and was magnificently sweet. I devoured the entire afternoon tea alongside a lovely creamy latte, and would happily return to enjoy it again.
I sat by the window overlooking Guildford Castle, so it was a picture-perfect spot. No trip to anywhere with a child would be complete without a visit to the bathroom, and even the toilets were stunning.
They were definitely among the poshest baby changing facilities I have ever been to that's for sure. The food, atmosphere and service were excellent and I was really surprised, and impressed, at just how baby-friendly The Ivy Asia was.
Moon Festival Afternoon Tea menu
Aromatic duck spring rolls
Vegetable dumplings with citrus ponzu
Salmon cream cheese and cucumber maki rolls
Spicy avocado maki roll
Sesame-crusted prawn dumplings
Steamed vegetable bao buns with yakiniku sauce
Dark chocolate mousse choux buns
Plum and cinnamon doughnuts
Honeycomb and white chocolate cheesecake
Golden brownie mooncakes
Includes a choice of teas, infusions or coffees
How to book a table at The Ivy Asia in Guildford
Book: Call the restaurant on 01483 958880.
Price: Moon Festival Afternoon Tea costs £29.99 per person or £39.95 per person with champagne.
Available: Daily until October 20 from 3pm to 4.45pm.
Address: Tunsgate, Quarter, Guildford, GU1 3QY.
Parking: Castle Car Park is two-minutes walk away.
Public transport: Guildford train station s around 10-minutes walk away.