Even from the outside, The Alchemist looks to promise a good night out in Birmingham. The sleek, dark look is carried through to the interior which is decorated with wood, metal and glass. A sophisticated environment to hold a new food and cocktail menu to really knock your socks off.
The staff are professional and impressive at making cocktails at the bar, where there is always something exciting being concocted (the chances are, you will see a dry ice show). As well as this, they are attentive and friendly, only adding to the upbeat atmosphere of the place.
New cocktails include the ‘Battenberg’, which comes with almond flavoured air
Split into two halves, the bar offers social space and the restaurant offers a table-service dining experience. The drinks menu, available throughout the establishment, boasts a huge variety of alcoholic drinks and a good number of non-alcoholic options, ultimately meaning that you are bound to find a cocktail (or two) that you will like.
New cocktails include the ‘Battenberg’, which comes with almond flavoured air, and ‘Going menthol’ which is sure to refresh you after a long day. If you’re with a small group, try ‘The Mad Hatters’ or ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ for an impressive sharing drink. Alongside their cocktails are beers and wines, which prove to be a popular choice.
Snacks at the bar are tempting and tasty, from popcorn to pork scratchings. These treats are also available at the restaurant at dinner time, alongside an eclectic variety of main meals. Fish and chips, ramen bowls and jerk chicken are just a few examples of the dishes that are sure to cater for all tastebuds, and the flavour of the dishes themselves won’t be a disappointment either. Starters are small, but tasty. Looking through the options, a good number of which were seafood based, I opted to go for the crab balls.
Snacks at the bar are tempting and tasty, from popcorn to pork scratchings. These treats are also available at the restaurant at dinner time, alongside an eclectic variety of main meals. Fish and chips, ramen bowls and jerk chicken are just a few examples of the dishes that are sure to cater for all tastebuds, and the flavour of the dishes themselves won’t be a disappointment either. Starters are small, but tasty. Looking through the options, a good number of which were seafood based, I opted to go for the crab balls.
The meat was buttery and delicious, particularly chosen with red cabbage coleslaw
The presentation was neat, and whilst the crab was tasty the real star of the show was the lobster sauce served alongside it. I made sure to keep the sauce on the table for the mains, for which I chose the rib-eye steak. This is undoubtedly a highlight on the menu. The meat was buttery and delicious, particularly chosen with red cabbage coleslaw, the contrast of the flavours working wonders together.
In terms of desserts, we chose chocolate fudge cake (served with a delicious vanilla ice-cream) and sticky toffee pudding. Any queries are soon sorted out by the staff, who are particular proficient at breaking down the menu and finding something that you will enjoy.
Best of all, there are food menus catering for more than just dinner, as they spread from breakfast to dessert. Does anyone fancy going to The Alchemist for all three meals? Count me in.
Situated amongst the businesses of central Birmingham, every night holds a good flood of local people and visitors, with seating available outside looking directly onto the Birmingham Cathedral. This is, undoubtedly, a great place for a special night out with friends or family.
Article for Grapevine Birmingham by Victoria Roberts