The ’90s: an iconic era we find ourselves constantly revisiting, whether through fashion, music, culture or even food. From Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell gracing the streets of London to the Spice Girls becoming the soundtrack to a generation, the decade left an unmistakable mark on British culture. We can conjure up the images, the sounds and the unapologetic confidence that defined the era. But the question remains: do we ever truly get a taste of the ’90s?
Well, I was about to find out.
I had the pleasure of being invited to The Ivy West End to experience its limited-edition Cool Britannia menu, created to celebrate 30 years of one of Britain’s most iconic cultural moments. Inspired by the spirit of 1996, the menu promises a nostalgic nod to the dishes and dining culture that defined the decade. But beyond the Britpop references and the Spice Girls-inspired cocktails, I wanted to discover whether this trip down memory lane could deliver something just as memorable on the plate.
It was a chilly London evening, with a light drizzle falling over the city — rather fitting for an evening celebrating one of Britain’s most iconic eras. We made our way towards The Original Ivy in the heart of the West End, nestled among the bustling streets and colourful character of Covent Garden.
As we stepped inside, we left the cold behind and were welcomed by the warmth and buzz of the restaurant. It wouldn’t quite be an evening celebrating the ’90s without a little music. We were greeted by the sound of Whitney Houston, by a revival performer entertaining diners and adding to the atmosphere. It was one of those little touches that made the evening feel special, and I couldn’t help but think that the nostalgia was already off to a good start.
I found myself mouthing the lyrics to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You as we were whisked away to our table. Along the way, I couldn’t help but admire the architecture of The Original Ivy. There was something about the space that felt quite different from the modern restaurants we often see today.
“We mostly kept or preserved the original architecture as much as we could,” Ricardo, one of the assistant restaurant managers, told me.
And I could see exactly what he meant. In a world where LED lights, digital screens and ever-changing interiors seem to dominate, The Ivy’s character feels refreshingly different. It doesn’t need to follow every modern trend to make an impression. If anything, it’s the fact that it has held on to so much of its original charm that makes it special.
Now, on to the main event of the evening: the Cool Britannia menu. Created to celebrate 30 years of a defining moment in British culture, the menu takes a nostalgic look back at the flavours and dining traditions that have stood the test of time.
We began with a bottle of red, taking our time to settle in and browse the menu. The Ivy has an extensive yet carefully curated wine list, with plenty of choice to suit the meal ahead. With our drinks poured and starters on the way, it was time to see how these familiar British classics would fare.
For starters, we opted for two dishes that offered quite different takes on flavour. I went for the ham hock and parsley terrine, served with mustard piccalilli, baby leaves and granary toast. It was a simple, savoury start to the meal, with the mustard adding a little sharpness to balance the richness of the terrine. Paired with a glass of red, it was an appetising way to ease into the evening.
The roasted beetroot, fig and whipped feta salad offered a fresher contrast. The sweetness of the beetroot and figs worked beautifully alongside the creamy feta, while the glazed pecans added a welcome crunch. It was a lovely balance of sweet and savoury, and a lighter option that still felt full of flavour.
Both starters had their own character, setting the tone for a menu built around familiar ingredients and classic combinations.
For the main course, we chose two very different dishes: the grilled 8oz sirloin steak and The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie with Mayfield cheese.
The sirloin arrived with garlic butter, onion rings, roasted cherry tomatoes and baby watercress. Sometimes, a dish doesn’t need to do too much to get things right, and this was a good example. The steak was satisfying and full of flavour, while the accompaniments brought everything together without overcomplicating the plate. It was hearty, straightforward cooking done well.
But the real standout for me was the Shepherd’s Pie. There is something undeniably comforting about a dish like this, and the addition of Mayfield cheese made it all the more indulgent. It had that familiar, homely quality that brought to mind a traditional British Sunday dinner — warm, hearty and full of nostalgia. Of all the dishes we tried, this was the one that captured the spirit of the menu most convincingly.
Both mains delivered on flavour, but the Shepherd’s Pie was the dish I found myself thinking about long after the plates had been cleared.
No dinner feels quite complete without dessert, and we ended the evening with the sticky toffee pudding and the poached pear frangipane tarte.
The sticky toffee pudding was a caramel lover’s dream. Rich, indulgent and served with clotted cream and toffee sauce, it was the sort of dessert that makes you want to savour every spoonful. I paired mine with a decaffeinated coffee, which helped round off the meal nicely. It is certainly on the sweeter side, so it may not be for everyone, but for me, it struck just the right note.
My partner opted for the poached pear frangipane tarte, served with vanilla ice cream, toasted almonds and pouring cream. It offered a lighter, fruitier finish, with the pear bringing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pastry and cream. It was a lovely way to end the meal without feeling quite as indulgent as the sticky toffee pudding.
Between the two, dessert felt like a fitting end to an evening centred on comforting, familiar flavours.
So, returning to the question I posed at the beginning: can you really get a taste of the ’90s? In its own way, The Ivy’s Cool Britannia menu comes pretty close. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, it brings the experience to life through familiar British dishes, comforting flavours and an atmosphere that feels just as timeless as the era it celebrates.
The Shepherd’s Pie was the standout for me, while the sticky toffee pudding provided a suitably indulgent finish. More broadly, the menu felt thoughtfully put together, with something to suit different tastes. Considering the quality of the food, the setting and the overall experience, I felt it offered good value for money and made for a worthwhile evening out.
The service was another highlight, with Gabi and Eduardo looking after us throughout the meal, alongside assistant restaurant managers Ivan and Ricardo, who made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. It was that combination of attentive service, comforting food and the charm of The Original Ivy that made the evening memorable.
Would I recommend a visit? Absolutely. Whether you lived through the ’90s or simply appreciate a little nostalgia, the Cool Britannia menu is a lovely excuse to revisit a defining chapter of British culture over a good meal. And while the decade may be behind us, some things never go out of style — especially a well-made British classic. I’d happily return.
