Yahoo News The gorgeous restaurant with impressive view of dazzling Guildford Castle diners can spot from their seat
Located in the heart of Guildford sits The Ivy Asia. The snazzy restaurant is already a mecca for Instagram fans what with its bold, ornate décor, theatrical dishes and lavish menus.
But this Christmas it's offering diners something extra special - a sneak peek of Guildford Castle's first winter light trail. Open now until January 5, Illuminate will be transforming all aspects of the castle into a winter spectacle.
Situated in the Tunsgate Quarter, a stone's throw away from the historic monument, diners at The Ivy Asia will be mesmerised by the dazzling glow of the castle and no doubt will want to take a photo of the festive backdrop while they are there.
READ MORE: Interactive map shows the Surrey areas where you are most likely to have your car stolen
Well I certainly did. I was invited to the Asian restaurant this week to try some of its Christmas delights available now until December 31. The eatery has launched a festive set menu, a Christmas themed afternoon tea, limited edition cocktails and a Boxing Day brunch.
The Midori Espresso Martini (£13) was a highlight for me and a fun twist on the classic cocktail. It had lots of snowy foam on top and cinnamon roll syrup which satisfied my sweet tooth.
I also adored the prawn har gow dumplings which consisted of a row of four mighty steamed buns smothered in truffle yakiniku sauce, spring onion and black truffle - utterly divine. Customers visiting The Ivy Asia this winter can expect turkey with a difference, as one of the mains on the set menu is Indonesian spiced turkey curry with turmeric, lemongrass, ginger and chilli. Classic veg have also been given an Asian twist with wok fried kimchi brussels sprouts available, and youngsters will adore a dark chocolate reindeer mousse with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
The festive set menu is available Monday to Friday until 5pm and Sunday to Tuesday from 5pm. The decadent Christmas themed afternoon tea is available every afternoon from 3pm to 5pm and features the likes of aromatic duck spring rolls, sesame-crusted prawn dumplings, spicy avocado maki rolls and pandan and white chocolate choux buns.
And if you do want to venture out of the house on Boxing Day, the restaurant's special brunch offering includes a tiger prawn and sambal omelette with kimchi, crispy shallots and chives (£16.95), sesame and honey fried chicken waffles with miso butter and lime (£15.95), and char siu pork belly and kimchi egg fried rice with red chilli and crispy wonton (£23.75).
As well as the food and drink, the décor at The Ivy Asia has been given a festive uplift with sparkly baubles hanging from the restaurant's incredible indoor pink blossom tree. Dazzling in every direction from the floor, ceiling and, of course, out of the window, the eatery will no doubt attract even more social media fans wanting to capture that perfect festive shot.
Top tip, for the best view of the castle, request a table by the window!
How to book a table at The Ivy Asia this Christmas:
Address: Tunsgate Quarter, Guildford, GU1 3QY.
Parking: Castle Car Park is two-minutes walk away.
Public transport: Guildford train station is around 10-minutes walk away.
Book: Call the restaurant on 01483 958880 or book online
Available: Festive menus (two courses £35pp or three £40pp) are available now until December 31. Festive afternoon tea menu (£33.95pp) and Champagne afternoon tea menu (£43.95pp) are available all week from 3pm-5pm.
