The Ivy in London awarded green plaque for restaurant's centenary

A green plaque, awarded by London's Westminster City Council to buildings associated with people who have made a lasting contribution to society was unveiled at The Ivy on West Street yesterday.

The unveiling, in front of actors including Miranda Richardson, Jack Fox and Samantha Barks as well as the council's deputy leader Robert Davis was made to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the famous theatreland restaurant.

The Ivy started life in 1917 when Abele Giandolini opened an unlicensed cafe on the site, although a precise opening date is not known.

The Ivy's current owner Richard Caring and director and former maitre d' Fernando Peire plan a series of events and initiatives to celebrate the restaurant's centenary.

Plans include a special Ivy gin, a book called The Ivy Now by Peire and executive chef Gary Lee containing 120 recipes, anecdotes and a history, and a pre- and post- theatre menu priced at £19.17. The restaurant will also introduce a new dessert called ‘A Window to The Ivy', designed to look like the restaurant's iconic windows and priced at £9.75.