Another new outlet from Searcys (who’ve done a fine job of revitalising The REP’s dining experience recently…highly recommended) this time perched at the top of WAGs’ favourite Selfridges. There’s something unmistakably glam and cool about Selfridges, from its bulbous hubcap-clad exterior through to the slightly scary looking dudes who DJ in the men’s clothing department on Saturdays and just strolling through the place makes you feel at least 17 per cent more affluent (even if you ain’t). Happily, the prices of most of the dishes on offer at the Balcony Brasserie won’t send you hurtling back to Wetherspoons in a cold sweat, with main courses from a modest (by Selfridges standards at least) £8.
Perched up on the fourth floor you’re away from the throng but still part of the buzzy atmosphere of the Bullring. A cool mural adds a little extra hipness to the place and there’s a feeling of space that some city eateries lack. Suitably chilled, we started off with a shared Charcuterie platter, delicious little cuts of chorizo, salami, ham and Rosette de Lyon (a cured French sausage) served with fresh crusty bread, capons and intensely flavoured sunblushed tomatoes. As you’d expect here the ingredients are first rate and whilst it’s not the world’s most complicated dish by any means the balance of flavours between the cuts of meat and piquant accompaniments were well considered.
For mains the line-caught monkfish, lemongrass and quinoa green curry was a rave for the tastebuds, fresh and fragrant with a decent punch of heat. The Lake District cheeseburger was also a superior specimen. Serving it on a brioche bun with caramelised onions added a little extra sweetness, whilst the fresh red onion and lettuce provided a fresh crunch. The cheese topped burger was small but perfectly formed, clearly hand crafted and cooked to perfection. Loved the dinky little bottles of ketchup, mayo and mustard too.
If you still need a reason to make it up here pay attention…ORDER THE SNICKERBOCKERGLORY. Is this the best pudding in Birmingham? Could be. A deconstructed Snickers bar sundae, it’s a chocoholic’s wet dream. The Oreo Cookie Cheesecake came a credible second but frankly you’d be nuts to order anything else…unless you’re anaphylactic of course, in which case it’s probably best avoided.
Ideal for a cool date or a pre, mid or post-shop break, Balcony Brasserie is an unexpected oasis of calm right in the heart of shopping central.
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