City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Ivy

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 25, 2026

1. The Ivy Marker

Inscription.
Abele Giandolini, "Monsieur Abel", opened the Ivy as a café on this site in 1917

Erected 2017 by Westminster City Council, The Ivy Restaurant and Private Room.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 51° 30.769′ N, 0° 7.676′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. It is on West Street near Litchfield Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5 West Street, City of Westminster, England WC2H 9NJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Mousetrap (a few steps from this marker); John and Charles Wesley (within shouting distance of this

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marker); John Logie Baird (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir John Gielgud (1904-2000) (within shouting distance of this marker); Roger Keith ‘Syd’ Barrett (1946-2006) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Aldridge’s Horse Bazaar (about 90 meters away); Ken Colyer (about 90 meters away); Seven Dials (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.

Also see . . .
1. Marking 100 years of The Ivy – BBC London News (Youtube, 2:21). “ The Ivy's been recognised with a green plaque for its contribution to London life. Frankie McCamley has been behind the scenes of the world famous venue that started life as a small Italian café.” (Submitted on February 27, 2026.)

2. The Ivy (United Kingdom) (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

The Ivy is a British restaurant founded in 1917 known for its popularity with celebrities. The original restaurant's location in the West End, opposite the Ambassadors and St Martin's theatres, made it a popular restaurant for theatregoers.…

The original restaurant was opened by Abel Giandolini in 1917 as an unlicensed Italian café in a building
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 25, 2026

2. The Ivy Marker - wide view
on the same site. Legend has it that the name itself originated from a chance remark by the actress Alice Delysia, who overheard Giandolini apologise to a customer for the inconvenience caused by building works. When he said that it was because of his intention to create a restaurant of the highest class, she interjected "Don't worry – we will always come and see you. 'We will cling together like the ivy'", a line from the then-popular song, 1902's "Just Like the Ivy I'll Cling to You", written by A. J. Mills and Harry Castling. The restaurant expanded into the current premises in 1929 run by Giandolini, with his longstanding maitre d' Mario Gallati as host.

(Submitted on February 27, 2026.)

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 25, 2026

3. The Ivy

Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 20 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 27, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.