By Jane Poretsis

Champagne corks popped as guests were offered their first glimpse inside a highly anticipated restaurant ahead of its official launch.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Ivy Brewery in Canterbury last night for a party to mark his arrival in the city.

The swanky venue will open its doors to diners for the first time on Tuesday after converting a building formerly occupied by Dorothy Perkins and Burton’s on the corner of The Parade and Rose Lane.

Its colorful launch party featured a DJ, violinist and dancing flower performers dressed in red sequined costumes.

Guests were also given a “taste of what’s to come”, with a variety of canapes and cocktails served.

General manager Diogo Bolan, who has been with The Ivy for more than nine years, says bookings have already been pouring in.

“The party was an incredible success and it was wonderful to see our guests enjoying the atmosphere and entertainment,” he said.

“Our team is passionate about providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable dining experiences.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back next week.”

The 180-seat restaurant is expected to create 140 jobs and will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night drinks.

There had been plans to build a rooftop restaurant with views of the cathedral, but the project was scrapped earlier this year in favor of just renovation of the first two floors.

The opening of The Ivy has been described as a “real vote of confidence in Canterbury as a city centre”, giving the high street building a much-needed facelift.

Cllr Pip Hazelton, Westgate Town Councilor, said: “It will be fantastic to have another permanent corner flagship business there, as opposed to an empty building or the series of temporary pop-up businesses that go there. found in recent years.

“Attendance is up in Canterbury and something like The Ivy adds to that positive progress as we recover from austerity and then obviously the pandemic.”

The Ivy is a British restaurant founded in 1917 and known for its popularity with celebrities.

It has since expanded to various locations in the UK and Ireland, with its spin-off restaurants known as the Ivy Collection.