By Jane Poretsis

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

Hundreds packed into The Ivy Brasserie in Canterbury last night for a party to mark its arrival in the city.

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

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

Guests also enjoyed a “taste of what’s to come”, with a variety of canapés and cocktails served up.

General manager Diogo Bolan, who has been with The Ivy for more than nine years, says bookings have already been flying 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 delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable dining experiences.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone next week.”

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

There had been plans to build a rooftop dining venue boasting views of the Cathedral but the scheme was ditched earlier this year in favour of only overhauling 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, city councillor for Westgate, said: “It will be fantastic having another permanent corner flagship business there as opposed to both an empty building or the series of temporary pop-up businesses that have been there over the last few years.

“Footfall is up in Canterbury and something like The Ivy is adding to that positive move forward 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 into various locations across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with its spin-off restaurants known as the Ivy Collection.