I have dined at the Ivy several times and usually ...

I have dined at the Ivy several times and usually my experience is exceptional. Unfortunately this was not the case on the evening of Saturday 28th July. My partner and I were seated for 745PM reservation and after browsing the menu the waiter came to take our order. Unfortunately he couldn't take our preferred order as the restaurant had ran short on stock and couldn't provide the full menu. Being early on a Saturday evening alongside having a small menu, I thought this was a little strange. We went back to the menu and ordered a different meal, which proved delightful. All said and done, we were satisfied at this point. It was only upon leaving the venue, I spoke to the Maitre D', and casually asked him why and how the Ivy couldn't provide their small menu, for an early setting, on possibly the most important evening of the week. To this, the response I received was abysmal. He began to tell me that the Ivy always has a busy lunch setting, and that to have the full menu available, I should book for an earlier time. At this point, I explained, 745pm, is usually an early and very reasonable time to dine, and that I don't care to book dinner at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. I felt that I was to blame for their lack of planning and poor service, which came as a shock, as surely an internal issue should never be blamed on a customer, and a regular one at that! On this note on the 30th July, I felt the need to email both the General Manager and Director of the Ivy, and to date have not had an acknowledgment, which again, is testament to the customer service that I had received that evening. I fear that this service may be the future of what was once, a great restaurant.

I have to mention, the majority of my issue is with the poor service from the Maitre D' and lack of response of an accountable manager. The service from the waiting staff and bartenders is great.