The Ivy Castle View, Guildford

The Ivy Castle View in Guildford offers an exceptional dining experience, blending outstanding service, exquisite cuisine, and a prime location with stunning views of Guildford Castle. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is warm and inviting, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and relaxation. The elegant décor and thoughtfully designed interiors create an atmosphere ideal for both special occasions and casual dining. One of the highlights of our visit was the impeccable service provided by Spencer. His professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor elevated the entire experience. His deep knowledge of the menu and commitment to ensuring a seamless dining experience truly set the standard for hospitality. The menu offers a delightful selection of dishes, each prepared with precision and presented beautifully. Every bite showcased fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the flavors were well-balanced and refined. Despite the premium quality, the pricing remains competitive, offering excellent value for the experience. The location itself is another standout feature. Overlooking the historic Guildford Castle, the restaurant offers breathtaking views that enhance the overall dining experience. Whether enjoying a meal during the day with natural light streaming in or an evening dinner with the castle beautifully illuminated, the setting adds a unique charm. Overall, The Ivy Castle View in Guildford delivers on all fronts—exceptional service, delectable food, and an unbeatable location. It is a must-visit for those seeking a refined yet welcoming dining experience, and with team members like Spencer, guests can expect nothing less than excellence.

I recently visited The Ivy Castle View, and it was such a great experience. The interior is warm and inviting, with a laid-back vibe that makes you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in. The staff was incredible—there were so many people taking care of the patrons, and it never felt like anyone was left waiting for anything. The bartenders were spot on, super friendly, and knew their stuff. They had a great selection of local beers and drinks, which was a nice touch. The food options were impressive, with something for everyone. I went with the chicken skewers, and they were absolutely delicious—perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. My only tiny complaint is that I wish there had been four skewers instead of three because they were so good! I also tried one of their local lagers, and it was a great pairing with the meal. One of the highlights of the place is the third-level patio overlooking the castle. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain when I visited, so we couldn’t sit out there, but it still looked absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine how amazing it would be on a sunny day! The service was fast and friendly, which tied everything together. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal, drinks with friends, or just somewhere to relax with a view, The Ivy Castle View is definitely worth checking out. I’ll definitely be back—hopefully when the weather lets me enjoy that patio!

I visited the Ivy Castle View with a couple of work friends for a social lunch. The decor in this place is quite striking and nicely executed, with the bonus of having a view of the old castle from some of the tables. I have read various reviews complaining about the service, but I have to say from my experience that this was pretty good, being neither slow or rushed, despite the restaurant being fairly full. The food is quite expensive overall for gastro-style cooking, and adding a few side dishes to the main courses soon cranks up the meal cost considerably. That said, there are plenty of choices on the wine list at reasonable prices, and everything we ate was nicely prepared and presented. The roasted scallops starter with the truffle and parmesan emulsion is worthy of mention as a stand-out dish. Likewise, the soy-glazed blackened cod is well worth trying. Overall, this was a pleasant, if not somewhat pricey, dining experience.