Good Morning Lovelies, 

If there is something that my family loves it is Christmas! In all of its forms! Whether it be putting up the tree or collecting a hamper full of foods that we are not allowed to touch until the big day, we go all out. Including searching around for the best places to celebrate the festive season. Whilst seeking out new places, we were made aware of the incredible Albert’s Schloss, which is changing the game when it comes to dining this Christmas. 

Known around the UK for their great German inspired food, the chain has four restaurants around the country that cater for all seasons and events. As soon as November hit, they announced their amazing festive menu and when they asked the blog if it would like to come along and review it, we couldn’t say no. 

Set in the heart of London, we headed to the Soho venue to put the tasting to the test. Upon arrival, we were instantly greeted by a number of lovely staff, who quickly welcomed us in from the cold. Our table wasn’t quite ready when we got there, so they placed us at a great table in the bar to grab a quick drink. Something my friend Claire was very happy about, as she took on a huge tankard of German beer, providing her with a festive market feel instantly. 

After around 10 minutes, the team came to show us to our table, which was set overlooking the dancefloor and lower tables. The band had already started kicking off the Saturday night festivities and were absolutely incredible. Playing disco classics from the likes of ABBA, they knew how to win us over, as we danced along whilst looking through the menu. 

With a great selection to choose from, we opted for two Prawn Cocktails, which came with a rich prawn cocktail sauce, giant prawns, crisp gem lettuce and a garnish of lemon. We also ordered the most succulent crispy Pork Belly that came with some pickles and kimchi on the side. Every bite of these starters reassured us that whatever we would be picking for the rest of the meal would be amazing. 

The meat had the most gorgeous crisp, whilst remaining moist, falling apart in the mouth with each bite. Adding in the pickle just gave it that extra bit of richness that created a taste explosion. Something that was replicated with the prawn cocktail. Every prawn tasted like it had just been caught, it was that fresh. The sauce was gorgeous, edging on the right side of sour with sweetness that kept the lettuce retaining its fresh taste throughout. 

Having been satisfied completely by the starters, we knew that the mains were going to be just as epic. Therefore, we opted for two traditional Christmas market inspired plates. Two of us opted for the Cheese Kaiser Bratwurst, which included a giant bratwurst sausage embedded into a fresh brioche bun that was then topped with caramelised onions, haus mustard and cheese with the addition of fries on the side, whilst my mum opted for the Crispy Hot Chicken Burger. Featuring a twice-fried spiced chicken burger in a pretzel bun with gouda cheese, fresh lettuce and hot honey sauce on top, with fries and dip on the side, it was a tower of wonder. 

Before the dishes had landed at our table, we could smell how good they were going to be as the waiter walked them over to us. As they were placed in front of each member of the table, we each let out a moan of delight at what we saw and smelt in front of us. Each bratwurst was huge and covered in plenty of toppings, which when we first took a bite out of it led to a riot of cheers around the table. Each component set off the meat perfectly, beating any German sausage that we had tried before. At Christmas time, the bratwurst is a classic but this was in a league of its own as every element of it just popped in our mouths.

Having seen how the others at the table were reacting, my mum couldn’t wait to get stuck into her burger. Faced with wondering how she was going to take a bite out of it, as it was really tall, she managed to get her mouth around it. Before long, she wasn’t able to stop, due to the taste being out of this world according to her. She was quick to explain that the sauce made the spice really stand out, which she loved, as she is a big hot chicken fan. The saltiness of the bun also added to the joy of the dish and the fries were fresh, crisp and everything you could want to accompany each meal. 

Deciding to wait a little while before having our desserts, we opted to have a drink to refresh our mouths before having something sweet. With absolutely loads of beers, cocktails, wines and soft drinks on offer, there was so much for us to choose from. Opting to try a mixture, we went with the Hugo Zero, which was a zero alcohol cocktail mixed up of Sipsmith FreeGlider, mint, lemon Fever-Tree elderflower and Belvoir elderflower, as well as the alcoholic version called the Hugo Spritz. This included a combination of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, mint, soda and prosecco. Both were super crisp and just the right thing to help quench the thirst we had built up. As was the Fruitage Beer that my mum opted for, which had a cherry juice taste to it. 

After a bit of a mishap, in which a drink was spilled on my mum, we were ready to order our desserts. With Christmas in mind and the need for chocolate calling, two of us opted for the Dark Chocolate Brownie with vanilla and cherry ice cream on the side, served with a caramel drizzle. Perfect for finishing off the meal, the pudding was gorgeously rich, which when mixed with the vanilla and cherry was just the right side of sweet. Not too overpowering for the end of a big meal, it was the right size. Just right in fact that we could have had more. 

As for my mum, she decided to bring a hint of summer into winter, as she went for the Munchen Mess, which was just like a gorgeously presented and served Eton Mess. Made up of chewy meringue pieces, berries, chantilly cream and chocolate shavings, the dish had everything you could want and expect from it. The berries were juicy and sweet. The chocolate was perfectly bitter and the meringue pieces melted in your mouth. As for the cream, if she had been able to take a load of it home, she would have, it was that good. 

Upon finishing the meal and after having a bit of a boogie, we said a massive thank you to the staff, who were absolutely incredible, before heading out into the cold London night air. Feeling full, festive and incredibly happy, we were all in absolutely amazement at just how incredible the restaurant was! 

Albert’s Schloss is a place that we will definitely return to and the sooner, the better! If you are looking for a festive meal or a place to celebrate this Christmas lovelies, definitely check them out, as you will leave feeling more Santa than Grinch for certain! It is honestly the restaurant with the gift that just keeps on giving!

Joey X