Serve the food you really want to eat by signing up for our tips and recipes and never be bored by your cooking again Serve the food you really want to eat by signing up for our tips and recipes and never be bored by your cooking again Food lovers are buzzing with excitement after it was revealed that The Ivy is planning to open in Nottingham city centre. The iconic chain of restaurants, known for its classic British dishes with a contemporary twist and stunning interiors, is seeking a licence to open in the former Hugh Boss shop in Bridlesmith Gate. The grand building has history as a restaurant as it was previously Cafe Rouge. The original Ivy in London's West End is known for its celebrity sightings, from Laurence Olivier and Noël Coward to Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Jack Nicholson in more recent years. The collection now has 15 restaurants across London plus more in cities including Liverpool, Birmingham and Cambridge. The menu features the classic shepherd’s pie with slow-braised lamb and beef for £19.95. Rumour has it that artist Tracey Emin was such a fan of the dish that a waiter would take it to her without her having to order. Diners can also find lobster linguine priced £36.95 and steak tartare with chips at £29.25. Sunday roasts and afternoon tea are also part of the package. The chain also has eight Asian-inspired restaurants offering sushi, tempura, gyoza and curries. It's the second major chain with its sights set on Nottingham. Six By Nico is also set to open in the former home of George's Great British Kitchen in Queen Street. Food lovers said The Ivy would be good news for the city and Bridesmith Gate which has had a number of comings and goings over the few years. (Image: Google) Rory Martin said: "Cracking addition to Nottingham’s high street. Firstly, I’m all for independents, but also bringing The Ivy brand to Nottingham is exactly the type of hospitality brands the city is missing. Keep them coming." Mandy Hodgson commented: "Would be a brilliant addition to Nottingham, the brasseries are in so many other cities now. Nottingham should be one of them. Fab location/building if it goes ahead." Graeme Watson said: "I eat at lots of them and they are the best run chain I have been to - very sharp service and nice food. Shepherd's pie is good." Yvonne Watts said: "Best news I've heard in ages! We love The Ivy, we're so sad we actually book our weekends away wherever there is one. Good food and really reasonable." Some said having the major brand would boost Nottingham's reputation. Chris Speck said: "It's a good draw into the city centre. And Nottingham needs that at the moment. A big upmarket eatery chain going into ex-retail space has to be good news. I have been to several other Ivy venues and they were all pretty good. Menu is ideal for all age groups." Greg Simpson added: "Welcome good news which will elevate the city’s reputation again and hopefully attract more investment." Basing their opinions on some of the others in the chain, a some people were less excited. Kaylea Frost said: "We went to the Ivy in Birmingham last week. Of ten of us, six sent food back because it was cold. Two people sent it back twice. Won’t be rushing to the Nottingham site." Roman Filipowicz commented: "Always good to see new businesses in Nottingham and one with a well-known name should do well. Won't lie though, the couple of times I've been to an Ivy I wasn't blown away."