Richard Caring’s Ivy Collection is planning to open an all-day brasserie in Manchester later this year – the fast-expanding group’s first foray into northern England.

The company confirmed it has applied for planning permission for a site in the Pavillion, in Byrom Street, Spinningfields.

The original Ivy, long a celebrity haunt in London’s Theatreland, celebrates its centenary this year. It was a stand-alone restaurant until Caring, who acquired it 12 years ago, span the brand out into a range of cafés and brasserie-grills.

The latest Harden’s Survey quotes generally enthusiastic reports about the atmosphere in the various branches, ranging from “fun” and “buzzy” to “magical”. But the food gets a more mixed reception, and is described as “boring” or “very ordinary”.