Family-led Bridport based business Groves Nurseries welcomed visitors last week at the launch of the Ivy House All Day Kitchen, their impressive new onsite restaurant, designed by architects Malcolm Scott Consultants.

"Ivy House is more than a Cafe, but not a formal restaurant, hence our decision to brand it as an All Day Kitchen," MD Charlie Groves told GTN Xtra on Friday during a break from helping with the washing up.  "We've had loads of good feedback since we opened on Tuesday and the car parking is coping OK for the time being."

"It's been five years hard work from initial concept to opening the doors to the public, and that it has gone so smoothly is testament to the fantastic team working with us on this exciting project" Charlie explained. 

“It’s been a huge learning curve for me and the result is something that I am extremely proud of. We have always tried to stay true to our horticultural roots and we wanted a restaurant that would reflect this both in design and operation.  It is a standalone building situated in our plant area and takes full advantage of existing features such as our koi pond and stone pergola. The borders around the restaurant have been planted up with potager style planting and our menu has been designed to encourage gardeners to use what they can be harvesting in their garden at this time of year, so we are hoping that it will be a source of inspiration for gardeners to make the most of what they grow in the garden”

With 160 covers inside and a further 100 'al fresco' the setting is led by highly experienced catering manager Steve Smith, previously landlord of the popular and acclaimed Pilot Boat Inn in Lyme Regis. 

The smart new venue was project managed by IDCM, while main contractor's C G Fry led the build, which was successfully completed within 10 months.   

The distinctive main shell of Ivy House was manufactured and supplied by Smiemans Projecten and for the outside landscaping Groves worked with Little Fones to produce seamless blending between the existing site and the new building. 

Breakfast, lunches and afternoon teas will all be produced from a state of the art Gratte Brothers kitchen and Ivy House is fully licensed to serve alcohol, while the restaurant furniture was supplied by Abbey Business. 

Bringing the new setting a strong and modern identity, the team at 3 Hours West have overseen branding for the new venture, which looks set for a busy and successful summer ahead.