The Ivy Restaurant Winchester Christmas Special: Festive Menu, Luxury Dining, and Seasonal Magic in Hampshire

A Magical Walk Through Winchester Christmas Market

Winchester Christmas Market is one of England’s most enchanting festive destinations. Crossing the River Itch into the cathedral grounds, the market feels like stepping into a winter storybook. Twinkling mini chalets overflow with artisanal soaps, spun glass, French cheeses, Ibérico hams, honey, samosas, mead, gin, rum, French sausages, marmalades, chutneys, chocolate, cakes, brownies, and exquisite wooden carvings, from Groot to Yoda. Each stall invites you to explore with the gentle whisper, “Venez goûter,” and the scent of mulled wine and festive spices fills the crisp November air. By sunset, the cathedral gardens are a glittering wonderland, perfectly primed for a luxurious dining experience at The Ivy Winchester.

The Ivy Winchester: Warmth, Bubbles, and Festive Elegance

Entering The Ivy Winchester is like stepping into a warm, inviting Christmas tableau. The festive décor is elegant, with soft lighting, tasteful holiday accents, and a subtle sparkle that immediately lifts the spirit. The restaurant is buzzing with anticipation, and reservations are strongly advised—the atmosphere is as lively as it is luxurious.

We began with a glass of Wild Idol Rosé, alcohol-free, sweet, and dangerously delicious, followed by The Ivy Guest Champagne, dry, crisp, and effortlessly festive. The combination of sparkling wine, twinkling lights, and warm ambiance instantly conjured the magic of Christmas in Hampshire.

Starters: Seasonal Flavours to Delight the Senses

The Ivy Winchester festive menu is a masterclass in seasonal indulgence. Naturally, as devoted connoisseurs of Yuletide fare, we considered it our solemn duty to stretch our stomachs to heroic proportions. We chose a tasting of starters designed to showcase both tradition and culinary imagination, testing our appetites as much as our taste buds:

• Warming French Onion Soup: Slow-cooked onions in a rich, aromatic broth, topped with bubbling gratinée cheese and crisp ciabatta croutons, finished with fresh parsley. Comforting, savoury, and perfect for winter.

• Classic Prawn Cocktail: Juicy prawns in velvety Marie Rose sauce on a bed of diced avocado, with crisp baby gem, chicory, micro cress, and smoked paprika. Fresh, elegant, and a yuletide classic.

• Duck Liver Parfait with Caramelised Hazelnuts: Silky, indulgent pâté paired with red onion and cranberry chutney, caramelised hazelnuts, and warm toasted brioche. Luxurious, rich, and festive.

• Winter Beetroot and Endive Salad: Beetroot two ways, roasted and raw candy-striped julienne, combined with kohlrabi, French honey, plant-based cream, cranberries, and candied pecans, drizzled with sharp apple cider vinaigrette. Vibrant, earthy, and full of seasonal colour.

Each starter was beautifully plated, bursting with flavour, and perfectly set the tone for the mains.

Mains: Turkey, Sea Bass, and Seasonal Indulgence

For my main, I chose the Festive Turkey Ballotine, hand-rolled free-range turkey filled with apricot, cranberry, and lemon stuffing, served with pigs in blankets, sprout and parsley mash, tart cranberry sauce, and rich red wine sauce. Each bite was tender, perfectly seasoned, and layered with festive flavour—a true Christmas feast.

Emily opted for the Pan-Fried Sea Bass with Wild Mushroom Sauce, its golden, crisp skin atop foraged winter mushrooms, spinach, and delicate caviar sauce, garnished with samphire. Elegant, refined, and full of wintery flavours, it balanced beautifully with the richness of the turkey.

Other mains on the festive menu include the Moroccan-style Lentil and Aubergine Bake, roasted aubergine and spiced grains topped with chimichurri-glazed pumpkin and red pepper drops; the Christmas Shepherd’s Pie, a rich blend of duck, lamb, and beef with piped sweet potato, cranberry chutney, and crisp sage; and the Flame-Grilled Sirloin Steak, British grass-fed, matured for 21 days, finished with truffle sauce and thick-cut chips (£6 supplement).

Sides completed the festive indulgence: Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and cranberries, sweet and nutty, and thick-cut chips, crisp and buttery. Adding pigs in blankets felt essential—Christmas simply would not be complete without them.

Desserts: Santa, Chocolate Bombs, and Festive Theatre

Desserts at The Ivy Winchester are a spectacle of taste and presentation:

• The Ivy Santa: Caramel parfait, creamy milk chocolate mousse, and white chocolate blonde. Whimsical, playful, and indulgent—a festive highlight for adults and children alike.

• The Ivy Chocolate Bombe: Tableside melting reveals vanilla ice cream and honeycomb, drenched in warm caramel sauce. Decadent, theatrical, and utterly delicious.

• Christmas Crème Brûlée: Silky custard with caramelised sugar and spiced winter berry compote, served with buttery shortbread. Comforting, elegant, and festive.

• Classic Christmas Pudding: Flambéed in brandy and served with redcurrants and vanilla cream. Warm, rich, and traditional.

• After-Dinner Mince Pies: Flaky, almond-scented pastries accompanied by brandy cream and candied orange. Sweet, comforting, and the perfect festive finishing touch.

Every dessert was visually striking, indulgent, and perfectly festive, creating a finale that lingered long after the last bite.

Festive Ambience, Elegant Décor, and Personal Service

From start to finish, The Ivy Winchester delivers an exceptional festive experience. The décor is elegant and inviting, with soft lighting, tasteful Christmas touches, and a sense of celebration in every corner. Personal service is attentive, charming, and genuinely warm, ensuring every guest feels like part of the holiday magic. The combination of beautifully prepared seasonal food, luxurious atmosphere, and thoughtful service makes The Ivy Winchester a must-visit destination for Christmas dining in Hampshire.

Whether you are visiting after a stroll through the Winchester Christmas Market, indulging in a festive evening with friends, or simply treating yourself to a seasonal culinary adventure, The Ivy Winchester provides a feast for the senses, memorable flavours, and an experience that perfectly captures the joy of the season.

Reserve Your Festive Feast:

The Ivy Winchester Brasserie