New Year, new places to eat. We went along to the first night of the Harvey Nichols Birmingham Supper Club. Avoiding the January sales temptations in the Mailbox was the first mission. That accomplished, Sanjeeta and I made it into the ‘Champagne bridge’ where an early evening view of the city lights helps to whet your appetite. But would the luxury department store deliver in the food stakes?

Atmosphere

You’ll be served your meal in the Espresso Cafe or the adjoining champagne bar, both of which are located quite logically next to the Foodmarket. The store wasn’t busy at this time (6pm) and so you shouldn’t worry too much about shoppers milling about. Perhaps the dark evenings at this time of year mean they can almost get away with calling it a ‘supper club’, although the menu runs from 3pm until the store until closes at 7pm.

Starters

There are three fairly classic options per course on the menu. For starters, we ignored the tomato and basil soup in favour of the other two offerings. Sanjeeta had Succulent Prawns With Coriander, Lemon and Olive Oil Served In Baby Gem Leaves with Basil, Balsamic Dressing. I plumped for the Roasted Red Pepper & Mushroom Tartlet with Rocket Salad & Dressing. I found the pastry more dry and biscuity than I would have liked, but enjoyed the flavoursome filling. I also enjoyed the delicately seasoned prawns (share and share alike!) although my guest would have preferred them to have slightly more zing.

Mains

While the mains list features a Chicken and Apricot Risotto, and Grilled Goats Cheese on an Herb Croute, the succulent steak was the star for us. Cooked according to ‘Chef’s choice,’ the delicate pink interior won’t be to everyone’s taste – in which case I would suggest asking them to cook it to yours. The dish’s full title is just as much of a mouthful: Rump Steak Marinated In Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Griddled Then Served With Hand Cut Chips, Beef Tomato, Salad & Salsa. The oniony salsa and beef tomato were good accompaniments, while the chips were salty and satisfying if not quite up to gastro pub standard.

Dessert

Lemon & Raspberry Tart lost out in favour of Pear and Almond Frangipane with Mixed Berry Coulis & Pouring Cream and Mango & Lime Sorbet. Sanjeeta wasn’t too keen on her sorbet, wishing for a stronger flavours. If I’m not mistaken, the frangipane, a pleasant almond-flavoured filling in a pastry tart base, came with clotted cream rather than pouring cream, which would have helped to balance the dryness of the pastry better. That said, the coulis and soft pear were just to my taste. Next time, the Lemon and Raspberry Tart is going down!

Drink

There are three basic wine options with this Supper Club deal: HN Rose, Blanc and Rouge. We didn’t need to be told the latter was the one to go for. Described as ‘smoky’, for a house red it goes down a treat, with soft spicy and peppery notes that don’t simply complement the steak; they complete it.

Pricing

2 courses for £10

3 courses with a glass of wine for £20

Overall

For a late lunch treat or early evening dinner option, the Harvey Nichols Supper Club is a nice addition to Birmingham’s dining scene. The menu is uncomplicated but satisfying, so I’d go for a pleasant January meal, and sit in the Champagne Bridge if you can wangle it.

Beautiful shop and excellent coffee. Jacqueline from Hourglass did an incredible job with my makeover.