While it’s only the start of November, the festive season is officially here, because the old Ivy building on Buchanan Street has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland. As the restaurant has moved to a brand new historic building on St Vincent Place on October 10, the former restaurant is officially home to The Ivy Christmas, a brand new dining destination filled with the magic of Christmas.
Opening its doors on November 4, The Ivy Christmas on Buchanan Street is bringing a “new festive pop-up transforming its former restaurant into a luxurious Christmas wonderland, complete with striking seasonal installations, festive drinks, Scottish-inspired dishes and live entertainment“.
Guests can enjoy the experience until December 31, allowing plenty of time for everyone to visit more than just once. Operating as a walk-in spot with no booking required, The Ivy Christmas is decorated with a “dramatic grotto-style entrance” before one even walks in, while the inside is even more extravagant, with multiple Christmas trees, garlands and rich seasonal foliage, with a seasonal palette of burgundy, forest green and antique gold, as well as tartan.
Plus, festive live music is lighting up the space every Thursday to Sunday, from 7pm to 10pm, with performances from local artists.
Guests can indulge in a curated menu of festive drinks, such as The Ivy’s Mulled Wine, with orange, cinnamon and winter spices, and Mulled Guinness with orange and blackcurrant. Festive cocktails include the Jingle Bells, with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby with cherry, lemon and white chocolate, alongside the Hot Honey & Fig Paloma and Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, with a selection of alcohol-free serves also available.
The menu boasts festive favourites with a Scottish twist, such as Oatmeal-rolled Lathallan Haggis Bon-Bons with malt whisky and wholegrain mustard mayonnaise, Truffle Arancini with Raclette Cheese Fondue, and a Wagyu Smash Burger with Isle of Mull Cheddar and smoked Ayrshire bacon. For a sweet finale, the showstopping Cranachan Bombe offers a distinctly Scottish take on a classic from The Ivy, combining vanilla ice cream, raspberries, Scottish heather honey and hot whisky cream sauce.
Clare Johnstone, General Manager at The Ivy Christmas on Buchanan Street, said: “As The Ivy Glasgow Brasserie takes up its new residence on St Vincent Place, we saw a wonderful opportunity to reimagine our Buchanan Street space and create something truly special for the festive season.
“We wanted to bring something different to Glasgow this Christmas, combining the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Christmas celebration with Scottish charm and The Ivy’s signature elegance and attention to detail. From the spectacular interiors and exceptional drinks to the delicious food and live entertainment, we’ve created a vibrant festive destination that offers a new way to experience The Ivy.
“We hope The Ivy Christmas on Buchanan Street will become one of Glasgow’s must-visit destinations this Christmas, bringing people together to enjoy the magic of the season.”
The Ivy Christmas on Buchanan Street will be open from 7.30pm on Wednesday 4th November until Thursday 31st December, from 12pm to 10pm daily, at 106 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 2NB. Walk-ins only, with no reservations required.
