It's that time again. Christmas is fast approaching, and the office party is looming. It can be tricky to find a venue that ticks all the boxes without getting overwhelmed by the vast number of available Christmas venues in Farringdon. Fortunately, we have a great suggestion. Ibai is a Christmas party venue and restaurant, known for exceptional French Basque cuisine and an upscale but casual atmosphere.
Located in a former factory on a cobbled backstreet near Farringdon Station, Barbican, and Smithfield Market, this is an 80-cover restaurant that embraces the industrial character of its space. It’s a large venue, with plenty of room for Christmas party socialising. There’s also a 12-seater private dining room, which is perfect for the more intimate Christmas gatherings.
Ibai sources its beef directly from local farms, providing total control over the farm-to-table supply chain. Ibai specialises in thick, bone-in cuts called txuleton. Taken only from ex-dairy cows, txuleton is known for its higher fat content and rich, meaty flavour.
Catering depends on your group size and event style. But if you’re planning for a sit-down meal, menus at Ibai could begin with starters of tender peas and broad beans with black truffle, crisps and La Noir de Bigorre ham served with smoked piparra peppers, or a traditional croque Ibai toastie with boudin noir blood sausage and melted Tomme de Brebis.
Steak is, of course, the main attraction. But alongside Galician blond t-bone cuts and Norfolk wagyu sirloin, mains include grilled cauliflower with Ossau-Iraty and hazelnuts, and octopus and piperade marmitako. To finish, guests can expect gateau Basque and mountain cider sorbets. Whatever you decide, you’ll have an experienced team on hand, including a sommelier, to help realise your dream Christmas party at Ibai.