Long lunches in the sunshine, leisurely afternoons spent dining outdoors and sharing great food with friends and family have become the defining ingredients of a modern Euro Summer, according to new research commissioned by The Ivy Collection.
With 71% of Brits saying everyday moments of escapism are just as important as taking a summer holiday abroad, The Ivy Collection has responded by launching its new Golden Summer Menu* – a seasonal lunch menu inspired by the flavours and relaxed dining rituals synonymous with Europe’s favourite summer destinations. Available across The Ivy’s restaurants nationwide*, including 38 outdoor terraces, the menu invites guests to make the most of the season and embrace the spirit of a Euro Summer, whether they’re jetting off to the Riviera, returning from holiday or simply making the most of the sunshine closer to home.
The research suggests that, for many Britons, a Euro Summer is no longer defined solely by travelling abroad. Instead, it’s increasingly characterised by the moments that make those holidays memorable. Sunshine emerged as the nation’s strongest association with Euro Summer (39%), while 57% said dining outdoors makes them feel like they’re on holiday, 58% said sharing a leisurely meal with friends and family is one of the best parts of a European summer, and more than half (52%) agreed that Euro Summer is more about an atmosphere and mindset than a specific destination.
Together, the findings reveal that Britons are redefining what Euro Summer means – embracing the simple pleasures traditionally associated with holidays abroad, from slowing down over lunch and dining al fresco to making time for meaningful moments around the table.
Millennials appear to be leading this shift. Some 62% say Euro Summer is defined more by its atmosphere than its destination, compared with 56% of Gen Z, while 60% say Mediterranean-inspired food makes them feel like they’re on holiday. They’re also more likely than Gen Z to associate outdoor dining with that holiday feeling (64% vs 60%), suggesting the generation is increasingly recreating the rituals of a European getaway closer to home.
Inspired by these findings, The Ivy Collection’s new Golden Summer Menu celebrates the leisurely lunches and vibrant flavours synonymous with a European summer. Guests can enjoy dishes inspired by some of the continent’s most-loved destinations, from Rabbit Croquettes and Chilli and Sesame Glazed Aubergine to Cypriot Halloumi, Brioche-crumbed Chicken Escalope and a classic Crème Brûlée au Vanille, all designed to evoke the relaxed elegance of long lunches spent in the sunshine.
Perfectly complementing the menu is the exclusive Champagne Colada, created especially for the season. Blending Santiago de Cuba Carta Blanca Rum with pineapple, mango, coconut and lime before being topped with The Ivy Champagne and finished with edible gold, the sparkling cocktail is designed as a celebratory toast to golden afternoons and leisurely lunches.
Available from just £19.95 for two courses, the Golden Summer Menu has been designed for everything from spontaneous weekday lunches to weekend catchups, giving guests the opportunity to embrace the spirit of a European summer from one of The Ivy Collection’s terraces or elegant dining rooms across the UK, including The Ivy Harrogate Garden.
Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, said: “A European summer has never just been about the destination – it’s about the feeling. It’s the long lunches that become afternoons, dining outdoors in the sunshine and taking time to enjoy great food with the people around you. That’s exactly what inspired our new Golden Summer Menu. We’ve brought together some of our favourite seasonal flavours from across Europe to create a lunch menu that encourages you slow down, savour the season and enjoy a little everyday escapism, wherever you’re spending the summer.”
The Golden Summer Menu is now available at participating restaurants across The Ivy Collection, including The Ivy Harrogate Garden, until 1st September. Guests are invited to enjoy a Euro Summer-inspired lunch on the Golden Summer Menu and book a table on the website.
