LOOKING for luxury and sophisticated glamour, but with a focus on accessibility? It has to be famous celebrity haunt The Ivy.

The Advertiser's Ben Russell recently took a trip to the newly opened restaurant, right in the heart of Birmingham city centre, to enjoy dinner.

Open seven days a week, from dawn until dusk, the restaurant has an extensive all-day menu of breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, weekend brunch and dinner.

While booking a table on a Saturday night is advised, the restaurant holds back a number of tables each day for walk-in diners, so those living and working locally can drop in at their leisure.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

Inside, The Ivy Collection’s signature green colour palette is contrasted with striking burnt orange banquettes and polished marble floors.

Menus are all-encompassing, featuring a selection of modern British classics and internationally inspired dishes such as, The Ivy Collection shepherd’s pie, a truffle chicken sandwich and seasonal grilled fish, as well as light and healthy brunch options, delicious afternoon teas and an extensive cocktail menu.

My partner and I visited on a Thursday night and were looking forward to some delicious food.

We were not disappointed.

To start, I had the sea scallops with pea puree with broad beans and crispy shallots.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

The scallops were cooked perfectly with a sublime smokiness running through them, paired with that hint of sweet, fresh peas to cut through the luxurious richness of its partner.

The lemon zest and sea cress was just the right amount of dressing.

My wife had the tempura prawns with pickled mouli, cucumber, edamame and a tea sauce which both looked and tasted stunning.

For the mains I had aromatic duck curry with lemongrass, chilli, cashews, and jasmine rice.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

I was rewarded with succulent, moist duck, and a curry which was fresh, had great flavour and just the right amount of heat.

My better half went down the route of slow roasted lamb shoulder with mustard and herb crust, creamed potato, garlic, spring veg and a rosemary sauce.

Meat falling off the bone, beautiful presentation, and almost enough to make me wish I'd opted for the same. Almost.

We were told there was only choice for dessert, despite all of them sounding delicious, and that was the chocolate bomb - a melting chocolate bomb with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb centre with hot salted caramel sauce.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

We had one with two spoons and never thought we'd finish it, then I took one taste before finishing every last morsel without a hint of guilt or regret.

For drinks we had a selection throughout our visit but highlights included the colourful cocktail Candy Floss Fizz, which is fairy floss and Prosecco and rum, and the Ivy Craft Lager, brewed especially for The Ivy by Harviestown Brewery.

The entire evening was tremendous and nothing was too much trouble for the more than accommodating staff.

The Ivy has a reputation for being one of the hottest new 'in places' for top class dining - and it's a reputation well deserved.

To book a table, visit theivybirmingham.com.