Diners at The Ivy are more used to eating alongside A-listers, but last night the tables were turned as faces from film and TV took over front of house at the London restaurant.
The stars were out to help for One Night Only at The Ivy - where actors shadowed the restaurant staff for the evening, sharing service duties, and proceeds from the evening were given to a collection of actors’ charities – The Combined Theatrical Charities.
Phyllida Law and Joanna David hand-picked their roles as “Madame Pipi” (ladies’ loo attendants) while half of Downton Abbey were on hand to help out including Jim Carter, Elizabeth McGovern, Allen Leech and Lord Julian Fellowes. Other notable waiting staff included Oscar-winner Emma Thompson and Sir Derek Jacobi.
The Ivy's Director, Fernando Peire, said of last night's shenanigans; “No-one could have differentiated between actors and Ivy staff...We thoroughly enjoyed having them and hope that they will consider coming back next year.”.
Afterward, everyone trooped upstairs to the Club at The Ivy for nightcaps, while restaurant critic Jay Rayner took to the piano and Downton's Jim Carter performed magic tricks.
Photos by Dave Benett.
