The Ivy Brasserie, Spinningfields, located at The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Manchester M3 3HG, UK, is a modern British restaurant situated in the heart of Manchester's Spinningfields district. It offers a stylish dining experience with a menu featuring contemporary British classics. The venue includes a ground-floor brasserie, a rooftop garden with a retractable roof, and private dining rooms such as The Dalton, The Geisha Room, and The Skylight Terrace. The Ivy Spinningfields is part of The Ivy Collection, known for its elegant and theatrical setting.
What each source says
- Open Table 4.6 10,563
- Google Places 4.5 5,377
- Tripadvisor 4.5 307
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious and High-Quality Food The Ivy offers a diverse menu with many well-prepared and beautifully presented dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for British classics or something more adventurous, the food is consistently well-received.
- Excellent and Attentive Service Many reviewers praise the friendly, professional, and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Servers are knowledgeable about the menu and accommodating to dietary needs and special requests.
- Good Gluten-Free and Allergy Options The restaurant is commended for its impressive selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, catering to a wide range of dietary requirements. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful in navigating these choices.
- Special Occasion Recognition The Ivy is an excellent choice for celebrations, with staff often providing complimentary desserts or other touches to make the event memorable. The attentiveness adds a personal touch to the dining experience.
- Stunning Ambiance and Decor The Ivy boasts a visually striking interior with lush greenery, colorful artwork, and elegant design, making it a memorable setting for any occasion. Multiple floors offer unique experiences, including a rooftop terrace and an Asia-themed room.
Criticised
- Expensive Prices The Ivy is generally considered expensive, with some reviewers feeling that the prices don't always match the quality or portion sizes. The automatically added service charge can also be a point of contention if the service is not up to par.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some reviewers have experienced issues with dishes not being hot enough, poorly cooked steaks, or smaller portion sizes relative to price. Some have noted certain dishes were not flavorful or used lower-quality ingredients.
- Noise Levels The restaurant can be very loud, making it difficult to have conversations, especially during peak hours. This can detract from the overall dining experience for those seeking a more intimate atmosphere.
- Service Can Be Inconsistent Despite many positive comments about the service, some reviewers have experienced slow service, forgotten items, or a lack of attentiveness, particularly when the restaurant is busy. Some felt rushed to vacate their table.
- Table Issues and Overcrowding Some reviewers have mentioned issues with cramped seating arrangements, wobbly tables, or long waits despite having a reservation. The bar area can also be overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
The longer read
The Ivy Brasserie Spinningfields in Manchester is praised for its beautiful and unique decor, creating a special and elegant atmosphere. Many reviewers describe the interior as stunning, with lush plants, colorful artwork, and luxurious furnishings. The rooftop terrace, in particular, receives positive attention for its lovely outdoor feel and retractable roof, making it suitable for various weather conditions. The Ivy Asia upstairs is also recommended.
Numerous reviewers highlight the friendly and attentive service. Staff members are frequently described as welcoming, professional, and accommodating. Some reviewers specifically mention staff who went above and beyond to provide excellent service, creating custom solutions and personalized experiences. Positive comments often mention the attentiveness of the staff.
The food quality receives generally positive feedback, with many reviewers praising the tasty and well-presented dishes. The menu offers a wide selection, with options to cater to various tastes, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan choices. The British Icons menu and festive menus are specifically mentioned as good deals. Desserts and afternoon tea are frequently highlighted as exceptional. However, some reviewers mention that certain dishes, such as steaks and fish and chips (when hake is substituted for cod), can be inconsistent in quality. A few reviewers felt the food was average or not as hot as it should have been.
While many find the prices reasonable for the quality and experience, some reviewers consider the restaurant to be expensive. A few reviewers noted issues such as extra charges on the bill or service charges that didn't align with the level of service received.
Some reviewers have noted that the restaurant can be very busy and noisy, particularly on weekends, making it difficult to have conversations. A few mention issues with waiting times for tables and cramped seating arrangements. However, the atmosphere is generally described as lively and enjoyable, especially for celebrations.
In summary, The Ivy Brasserie Spinningfields offers a visually stunning and elegant dining experience with generally positive service and food quality. It is well-suited for special occasions, though it can be busy and noisy. Potential customers should be aware of the pricing and possible inconsistencies in food quality.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 0161 503 3222
- Website
- theivymanchester.com
| Mon | 8:30 - 1:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:30 - 1:00 |
| Wed | 8:30 - 1:00 |
| Thu | 8:30 - 1:00 |
| Fri | 8:30 - 2:00 |
| Sat | 8:30 - 2:00 |
| Sun | 8:30 - 1:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.9 across the 1 places to eat we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Chopstix - Cardiff.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are the must-try signature dishes at The Ivy Brasserie in Spinningfields?
- Is there a specific dress code for dining at The Ivy Brasserie in Manchester?
- What kind of ambiance and atmosphere can guests expect at The Ivy Brasserie in Spinningfields?
- Is it recommended to book a table in advance at The Ivy Brasserie, especially during peak times?
- Does The Ivy Brasserie offer good vegetarian and vegan menu options for diners?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.