It’s here at The Original Ivy where Fleming took his friend (and later editor) William Plomer to lunch in May 12th 1952, confiding in him that he had written a book, but was too ashamed to do anything about it. He seeked Plomer’s advice on a question of language – “William, how do you get cigarette smoke out of a woman once you’ve gotten it in?”
Fleming had to be cajoled into sharing his manuscript, which he called a,
“dreadful oafish opus”.
Plomer, a reader for the publisher Jonathan Cape, insisted that Fleming show him the manuscript, which the author eventually did, two months later.
The Ivy has many restaurants in London. On their website I count 16 (OCT ’25) and this one is listed as The Original Ivy.
The Original Ivy has been a London icon since 1917, known for exceptional service, seasonal British menus, and a timeless connection to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Located in the heart of Theatreland, The Ivy’s glamorous restaurant and private dining room feature iconic stained-glass windows, a shimmering central bar, and an art-filled interior – an enduring favourite for refined pre- or post-show dining.
It was renovated in 1989 by the then owners Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, the latter whom now owns The Arlington just round the corner from The Ritz, formerly known as Le Caprice which Fleming also frequented, as mentioned in The Complete Man by Nicholas Shakespeare.
Fleming apparently delighted in both the ambience (including stained glass and diamond lattice windows) and the traditional English cuisine, touting The Ivy as one of London’s best restaurants.
CREDITS
The images you see are taken from a 3D scan I took of the private dining space which is on the upper floor of the restaurant.
Some notes cobbled together here have been sourced from the restaurant website itself, the Ian Fleming Location Map, and the collective writings of Ian Fleming, Talk of the Devil.
Address:
The Original Ivy, 1-5 West Street, WC2H 9NQ
