Cricketing legend makes restaurant date

Ian Bell to host an evening at The Ivy Temple Row.

As the cricketing eyes of the world turn to Birmingham, seven-time Ashes veteran Ian Bell will be sharing his stories of past tours at an intimate event at The Ivy Temple Row on Monday, 29th July, three days before the first ball of the 2019 Ashes series is bowled at Edgbaston.

Ian, who won The Ashes urn five times, will be joined by BBC journalist Beccy Wood as he talks through his experiences of his debut test in 2005, the historic away victory in 2011, and his predictions and hopes for the upcoming series.

Pic – Sam Bagnall; AMA/Getty Images


Starting from 6.30pm, guests will be welcomed into The Ivy Temple Row’s beautiful private dining room with Champagne and canapés. They will have the opportunity to quiz Ian on his career and mingle with him throughout the evening. Following Ian and Beccy’s conversation, all in attendance can also ask the Warwickshire batsman their own questions.

The Ivy Temple Row is also paying homage to the famous test series with a limited-edition dessert. The LBW (priced at £9.50) is a completely edible cricket ball, made from white chocolate which melts away to reveal a honeycomb and popping candy centre, completed with warm blackberry sauce.

Commenting on the evening, Ian said: “The Ashes is such an iconic and historic sporting event, it seems fitting that we host a pre-Ashes warm up in an equally iconic restaurant. I have amazing memories of the tests I played in and I’m looking forward to sharing some of my experiences. Those who come along will get a real insight into the tours, and hear some of the brilliant goings-on in England and Australia.”

Tickets to the exclusive pre-Ashes event are priced at £35, and are available here. The LBW dessert is available to all visitors to The Ivy Temple Row from Thursday, 1st to Sunday, 4th August.