I tried the Sunday roast at The Ivy in Harrogate – and it's the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit

There are few things better than a traditional Sunday roast, especially when the colder months arrive and Christmas is just around the corner.

If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a Sunday roast in Harrogate, The Ivy might just be worth adding to your list.

We headed along to see what was on offer, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

While the food was a highlight, there was plenty more that made the visit memorable.

From the moment we arrived, it was hard not to notice just how festive the restaurant looked.

The Ivy had certainly embraced the Christmas spirit, with beautiful decorations both inside and outside the building.

One of the standout features was the iconic polar bear standing proudly outside the restaurant, making for a lovely festive welcome and a perfect photo opportunity before even stepping through the doors.

As we stepped inside, we were greeted with a warm welcome from the staff, who were friendly from the outset and showed us to our table.

Once seated, we had a chance to take in the surroundings before looking through the food and drinks menu.

The Sunday roast menu featured roast beef, which was the only meat option available, but it certainly sounded tempting enough to make the decision an easy one.

No visit would be complete without sampling a drink or two, so we started with a couple of cocktails.

I opted for a classic Aperol Spritz, while the Bear Colada also caught our attention.

A playful twist on the traditional tropical cocktail, it combines Don Julio Reposado Tequila with coconut liqueur, cinnamon, white chocolate, pineapple and Chantilly cream.

It was a flavour sensation and certainly an interesting addition to the drinks menu.

When the food arrived, the portion size certainly didn't disappoint.

When ordering, we were asked how we would like our beef cooked, which was a lovely touch.

It was cooked to perfection, beautifully tender and succulent, with plenty of flavour.

It was served alongside two giant Yorkshire puddings, golden roast potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans and broccoli, with a rosemary red wine sauce to bring everything together.

It was a generous serving, beautifully presented, and there was certainly plenty on the plate.

The quality of the food was fantastic, making it a really enjoyable take on a traditional British favourite.

Of course, good food is only part of the experience, and the service was just as impressive.

All of the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming throughout our visit.

Nothing seemed too much trouble, and they were more than happy to do anything they could to make sure we had a lovely experience.

One thing that really stood out was the atmosphere.

The Christmas decorations both inside and outside the restaurant made it feel particularly special, with festive touches throughout creating a lovely setting.

There was a real mix of people enjoying the surroundings, from friends catching up over good food and families celebrating birthdays to couples making the most of a Sunday afternoon together.

It had a lovely buzz about it without feeling too busy, and the festive decorations certainly added to the occasion, getting me even more excited for Christmas.

To finish things off, we decided to enjoy a coffee, opting for a flat white and a latte.

Both were smooth, creamy and expertly made, making them the perfect way to round off the meal.

After an afternoon filled with good food, lovely drinks and a festive atmosphere, it was the perfect final touch to what had been a fantastic visit.

Overall, The Ivy in Harrogate made for a fantastic Sunday dining experience.

From start to finish, we had a fantastic experience, with the food and service both living up to expectations.

Add in the beautiful Christmas decorations and welcoming surroundings, and it's easy to see why it would make a lovely place to visit over the festive period.

If you're after a Sunday roast in Harrogate and fancy somewhere with a little extra sparkle, The Ivy is certainly worth considering.

The Ivy Sunday Roast is £32 and served from 11am till 4pm every Sunday.

For more information, visit https://ivycollection.com/the-ivy-menu/the-ivy-sunday-roast-menu/