Getting in the Festive Mood at Albert’s Schloss

After a few days away in a very sunny Milan, we came back to a very cold Birmingham to catch up on some Christmas shopping.

After trudging through a busy city centre, we were in need of some respite and a bit of fuel to get us back on track.

We’d seen that Albert’s Schloss in Birmingham’s Centenary Square had a festive menu that’s a bit different to the ones that trot out the usual Christmas fair, so decided to give it a try.

We were greeted at the door by a welcoming open fire and a busy, but not packed restaurant.

Our server, Shanice, took us through the menu, which was festive, but with an alpine twist.

I opted for Alpine Krokettes (ham & cheese), while my wife had her favourite Chicken Liver Pate with sourdough.

I also had a ‘Hot Schokolade’ (you can work that one out) with marsh mellows, to thaw me out and as she wasn’t driving, Carol had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

However, before the food arrived, we were treated to a little ‘Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh shot of clementine and ginger, which had a nice little zing to it.

If you’ve not been, Albert’s Schloss is a central European themed bar and restaurant, with an emphasis on beer and schnapps, but they cater for all tastes.

At this time of year, as you might expect, it’s beautifully decorated with Christmas effects – think large ski chalet and you won’t be far off.

There are two large bars, with a huge selection of beers, cocktails and more besides.

Anyway, we were now ready for the main courses.  Carol went with the traditional Turkey, with Schwein in blankets (of course), while I opted for Schweinshaxe – to save you Googling it, let’s just say it was man v pork, consisting of a pork knuckle (with amazing crackling), red cabbage, roasted veg and apple sauce.

My excuse for not finishing it was that I was saving room for dessert – honest!

That came in the shape of a Munchen Mess – a bowl of meringue, Chantilly cream, winter berries and ice cream – just what was need after a heavy meat fest.  Although I must say it was a toss up between that and my childhood favourite – apple strudel, but the Munchen Mess felt a bit lighter.

For those not of meat persuasion, they do have some veggie options, which looked enticing, so again, all bases covered.

Carol finished with a coffee to give her that much needed thermal protection before we headed back out into the Brummy chill.

Albert’s Schloss

Paradise

One Chamberlain Square

Birmingham, B3 3AX

www.albertsschloss.com/location/birmingham