15th April 2007
Good for a crowd
I came here recently with a group of colleagues for a leaving do, and that's just the sort of occasion this place is right for. I don't think I'd choose it for a romantic meal for two, a business meeting or as a setting for a serious discussion, but if a crowd of you want to let your inhibitions go for an evening and have a good laugh, you could do a lot worse!
The menu is Austrian, as the name suggests - dishes such as bratwurst and stuffed cabbage among the starters, and wienerschitzel, gulasch or roast knuckle of pork for mains. The house speciality is an amazing platter of assorted meats for two people, which none of us was brave enough to try, and another sharing dish is the fondue, which two of us did have and enjoyed.
But the main feature here is the traditional Austrian atmosphere. The restaurant is in a basement and the decor is straight from the Alps, at its most kitsch. The waiting staff are all in traditional dress, including lederhosen for the men. As for the entertainment, I'll let the restaurant's website describe that:
"Joseph your host welcomes you to a lively evening of entertainment including Yodelling, Accordion and the highly original Tirolean Cow Bell Show"
To get the best from this experience you need to down a few beers (check the size of those steins!) and join in. Thus our table sang along to a rousing selection from the Sound of Music and other old hits from Sinatra to traditional bier keller favourites. And to round of your evening, I can definitely recommend the schnapps!