As the dust settles after the Albert’s Schloss launch, our Kelly heads down to check out the food at this German pleasure palace.
Rating:
In a Word:
Wunderbar!
Cuisine:
German
Appeals to:
Literally anyone. I’m not even kidding. You could be having a drink after work, dining with friends, celebrating a birthday or wetting the baby’s head. Albert’s Schloss is the all-singing, all-dancing pleasure palace in the heart of Manchester.
Atmosphere:
A massive 600-capacity venue nestled beneath The Albert Hall, this Bavarian beer hall can be loud and bawdy – particularly if you come along for the live music and cabaret on a Saturday night. However, during the week it has a happy buzz that makes it perfect for midweek indulgence.
It’s a bar of many quarters, with sections that allow you to shape your night. Feel suave as you ‘push for prosecco’ by the open fire and in the booths, sit back with a schnapps in the lavishly decorated lounge, or turn up the volume at the traditional long tables that span towards the stage.
Oh, and don’t forget the oval bar plonked right in the centre, where you can perch on a stool and watch the action unravel!
The Drinks
You can tell that the team had a lot of fun putting together the drinks menu. Not only do Albert’s Schloss offer a huge range of beers from across Europe (and beyond), along with a generous list of wines and cocktails; they also make their own schnapps in house. From sweet and soft flavours like violet and honey, to more outrageous tastes like chilli and coriander, at only £2 per shot they are worth, well, a shot!
Tank Beer – £4.80
What’s more, towering proudly above the bar are copper tanks holding an impressive 4,000 pints of unpasteurised beer. Shipped in from the Czech Republic every week, it’s light, mellow and almost buttery in taste. Very drinkable indeed, even if you’re not the beer-drinking sort.
Sno-jito – £7
Eager to sample their cocktail menu, I ordered one of their frozen treats. With the addition of prosecco and ice, this off-piste twist on the classic mojito slipped down faster than a dog in skis.
The Food
To showcase their brand new bakery, we were brought a warm, golden pretzel complete with pickles and mustard to graze whilst we browsed the menu. It’s clear that the chefs are keen to embrace the Bavarian theme – whilst you can find classic German recipes on the menu, they also have some more authentic dishes.
Starters
Flammkuchen – £7
Pronounced ‘flamm-kooken’, this baked bread arrived glistening in cheesy goodness, lavishly coated with mushrooms, artichokes, coriander and cheese. With crispy edges and a crunchy base, this soft bread was superbly moreish.
Meatballs – £6
Made from a blend of pork and beef, these moist meatballs paired perfectly with a thick, rich tomato sauce. Topped with a slither of cheese, it was a comforting dish perfect for a chilly winter’s night.
Mains
Classic Bratwurst – £9
It wouldn’t be a trip to a German beerhouse without a bratwurst, right? Keen to see whether their sausages hit the spot, we weren’t disappointed. Drizzled with colourful red cabbage and mustard, this dish would be ideal for lunch, dinner or a late night snack!
Beef Sauerbraten and Rosti – £16
At the other end of the scale completely, this melt-in-the-mouth beef dish was delicate, juicy and delicious. With flaky morsels of beef and bacon, finely chopped veg and jus on a bed of crunchy rosti, it showcased the talent of the kitchen and was a highlight of the meal.
Dessert
Black Forest Molten Soufflé – £7
Stuffed after the previous two courses, we were relived to hear that this molten soufflé required a 20 minute wait. It was worth it.
This neatly presented trio include kitsch ice cream, cherry sauce, and the soufflé itself. Definitely a sharer, the combination of hot and cold, rich and refreshing, meant we couldn’t resist scraping the dishes clean!
The Verdict
Having attended the Albert’s Schloss launch party and visited for drinks on several Saturday nights, I was intrigued to see whether their food menu could possibly match their drinks, atmosphere and entertainment.
Sure enough, the team nailed it on this element too, with a menu that more than holds its own. So whether you’re heading out for drinks or looking for a new restaurant in Manchester, Albert’s Schloss delivers on every level.
The Details
Albert’s Schloss
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27 Peter Street
Manchester
M2 5QR
0161 833 4040