Local family-led business Groves Nurseries celebrated a blend of the old and the new last week at the opening of Ivy House, their impressive new onsite restaurant.
Named after Ivy House in Piddletrenthide, where the Great-great-great-great Grandfather of present Managing Director Charlie Groves first established a successful seed growing business in 1866, the present house owner Bridget Bowen was on hand to cut the ribbon and declare the new restaurant officially open.
Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, visitors can choose from plenty of tasty options, and with 160 seats inside and a further 100 ‘al fresco’ the setting has a spacious and airy feel. The newly launched menu includes salads, sharing platters, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and as the premises are fully licensed a glass of wine, beer or cider can be enjoyed with your meal.
“The focus is very much on seasonal produce, and we’re continuing to use our existing high-quality local suppliers including Framptons butchers, Evershot bakery, Daveys Locker, Palmers, Piddle Brewery and Cains Farm” explained restaurant manager Steve Smith, previously MD of the popular and highly regarded George Inn in Chideock.
The smart new venue, which has taken five years from concept to completion, also offers an ideal setting for informal business meetings and private hire is available. “We’re hoping our new, garden-oriented setting will prove popular for private parties and events, and we already have a few wedding receptions booked for the summer” added Charlie Groves.Enquire about booking Ivy House for your event via ivyhouse@grovesnurseries.co.uk
After a successful launch day, the next event on the Groves calendar is National Children’s Gardening Week 26th May – 3rd June, which always draws an enthusiastic crowd of keen young green-fingered locals and visitors. Visit www.grovesnurseries.co.uk to find out more and book for events and workshops.
