The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, Cheltenham

One of my favourite things about the Christmas season is the opportunity to get dressed up for festive evenings out with friends and family.

So when we were invited to the launch party of The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham, our answer was, of course, yes!

The Grade I listed Rotunda building in the town is a beautiful landmark, and one we have longed to step inside ever since we moved to the Cotswolds. Now, it's home to the latest addition to The Ivy collection.

We turned up in all our finery {crunching carefully on the snow that had covered Gloucestershire overnight} and stepped through the grand entrance, not really knowing what to expect.

We certainly weren't disappointed!

With champagne cocktails in hand, we craned our necks backwards to take in the stunning architecture of the Rotunda. Isn't it breathtaking?

They really have done a fantastic job of creating a beautiful bar and dining area within this gorgeous space.

All of the guests were treated like royalty, with our champagne flutes remaining full at all times, and our mouths full of delicious canapés such as duck liver pâté, truffle arancini, avocado and quinoa boats, bites of rare steak and delicate seafood pastries.

And then came the desserts.

I simply couldn't get enough of the chewy, custard-filled doughnuts, still warm from the oven - and don't get me started on the sorbet pops and mini fruit tartlets... I think it's safe to say that the food here is great.

We had a wonderful evening sat in one of the booths, just talking and enjoying one another's company {whilst knocking back perhaps slightly too much champagne}

Enough to make us start seeing double!

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham is now open and taking bookings for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. We'll certainly be paying them another visit again soon!

Many thanks to Silver Ball PR for inviting us to The Ivy's Preview Night.