Review: Sunday Lunch at Grand Hotel Birmingham

Want to enjoy a Sunday lunch in a five-star hotel in Birmingham city centre? Up until just a few weeks ago I would have told you this was impossible. As you may know, the Grand Hotel is the only five-star hotel in the city centre, and although Madeline’s is open on Sundays for Afternoon Tea, Isaac’s isn’t. Or is it?

Isaac’s is now open on Sunday and has launched with a new Sunday Lunch menu. Coinciding with a menu revamp, whereby the American themed menu has been replaced with a modern British Brasserie and French inspired menu, you can now also choose from a traditional Beef, Pork or Chicken roast dinner or opt for one of the many other lunch menu selections.

To begin, there are nibbles such as bread and olives, as well as starters including Soup, Calamari, Pressing of Ham, Smoked Salmon, Asparagus and Prosciutto and Terrine of Avocado. As we wanted something light, we opted for Pea, Mint and Courgette Soup with crumbled vegan feta and lemon oil along with Asparagus and Prosciutto with poached egg and hollandaise.

The soup came served with a mini crusty baguette and was light and perfect for summer. The feta tasted just like ordinary feta so a must try for vegan diners, whilst the lemon oil lifted it from what could have been the realms of blandness.

The asparagus was fresh and in season, served with a sensible portion of Hollandaise, a crisp piece of ham and a perfectly poached egg.

Onto mains, I opted for the Seabass and King Scallops with Parmentier, Pea Puree and Sauce Vierge, whilst my dining companion went for the traditional Lamb Roast. Other options on the menu include a Triple Roast for the hearty diner, Corn Fed Chicken and Confit leg with Lyonnaise potato, Sweetcorn Purée Vermouth and Spring Onion Cream, and plant-based meals such as Provençale Vegetable Tart and Beetroot Potato Gnocchi.

The Sea Bass was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin nestled on a bed of soft potatoes, samphire, peas and puree and topped with capers for a fresh summery take. Onto the star of the show; the roast. A large serving of lamb came out served with an XL Yorkshire pudding, alongside beef fat roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables (in this case Tender stem broccoli) and red wine gravy. This was not a portion for the faint hearted, but we tried. The gravy was perfect; thick, and rich and flavoursome, whilst the fresh broccoli added some colour to the dish.

Somehow, we managed to share a light dessert of Banana Bavarois, Toffee Popcorn and Liquid Toffee. There were more traditional options on the menu including Crème Brulee, Chocolate Fondant, a Cheeseboard and Ice Cream alongside patisserie inspired options such as a Cherry Opera and Raspberry Mille-Feuille. Our dessert was light and airy, delicately flavoured with banana throughout the cream and finished with a sweet toffee sauce that added just enough sweetness to the dish.

Alongside the food, there is also a good-sized wine list, cocktails, beers both bottled and draught, hot drinks and soft drinks available.

The service throughout was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere in this beautiful space was relaxed.

Overall, Isaac’s will be a welcome addition to the Sunday dining scene, which I anticipate will become a firm fixture in the cooler winter months. Book now for your special occasions, birthdays, and anniversaries as this is sure to be busy from September onwards.

By Alev Dervish