The Jekyll and Hyde, Victorian Gin Parlour - Birmingham

I love Gin and when I say I love it, I truly mean it! I wanted to do something different for I don't make enough time to be a cultured soul for I always choose a night out on the tiles compared to a darling meal out that doesn't end so shamelessly! After seeing a link on Twitter I booked a table at The Jekyll and Hyde, a charming Victorian Pub and Gin Parlour that certainly caught my eye for all the right reasons! Not wanting to be a lonesome diner for this occasion I invited my friend Kelly along for the night. Let's spice up our lives up by doing something different?! 

Reporting for our 7:30 pm reservations we took our seats, I must admit that we were bewildered and quite amazed by the bar within the quaint Gin Parlour for the vast amount of Gin's that were on display were quite amazing! Like I previously mentioned I had first seen The Gin Parlour at The Jekyll and Hyde from a tweet so I had high expectations for the Gin as I can't get enough of the stuff, being a student its quite rare to see one of our kind having a Gordon's Gin and a mixer for pre-drinks! My time in Birmingham is dwindling, so I wanted to see something new and I know that this decision was a wise one to make! Anyhow, I still couldn't get over the bar, for the presentation was second to none!  The bar downstairs was abuzz but that wan't our intended location, for we wanted the Gin Parlour! Our servers Kate and Kathryn both knew their stuff when it came to Gin and the different variations for the speciality brews and cocktails, that's what I call perfect product knowledge! Kelly would wholeheartedly agree with me on that view.

I and Kelly had decided to dine and drink that night for it would have been rude not to have done any different! Should we have a bathtub of Gin first or should of we ordered a speciality cocktail? I had seen many photos of the fancy Gin drinks that I wanted to try, but on a student budget it's always a challenge! I must say that I would have never expected a place so grand to be located with Birmingham's Business District but I guess Birmingham has many hidden depths! I shall be turning to Twitter for any future dining inspiration, those twittering blue birds have been tweeting the right stuff! 

Our first Gin infusion had to be a bathtub of Gin, captured to the right was our first wondrous serving at The Jekyll and Hyde. Madame Genevers Bathwater was served to us in a darling ceramic bathtub, it was a sight that neither me or Kelly had ever seen before! Our bathtub sharer was laden with a infusion of Bole Genevers Gin, Apricot Jam, Peach Schnapps, Rose Water and Lemon Juice. We had barely thought about ordering any food yet so we took some time to take the plunge, enjoying each glass of our sumptuous Gin sharer! Only costing £25.00, so we split the price to £12.50 each so our student loans weren't damaged at all! My experience at The Jekyll and Hyde Victorian Gin Parlour was showing me that Gin should be savoured and measured to a sensible level for it was more about the taste experience rather than becoming inebriated. Now, this Gin surprise has given me some tasteful ideas for a dinner party appertiser because who needs fancy finger food when its all about mixing a fragrant Gin infused bathtub?! I'm was definitely in-love!

So far we had enjoyed our first ever Gin bathtub and by the look of things it was going to get better! The overall ambiance of the Victorian Gin Parlour was simply lovely, the attention to detail of the design was effortless! I honestly felt like I had been transported back to a Victorian time, now I would to of seen Birmingham during the reign of Queen Victoria! I cast my mind back to my time here in Birmingham as a student and wonder for a while to think why I had never stumbled upon this charming place!? Nevertheless, if your looking for an evening of opulence and Victorian charm then I suggest you pop down to The Jekyll and Hyde!

Our purpose at The Jekyll and Hyde wasn't just to drink Gin, oh no we were ready for some lovely food! Branded the 'Eat Me, Drink Me' themed night at the Victorian Gin Parlour from Thursday through Saturday, where Gin and food could be enjoyed as one exquisite experience! We couldn't of passed this opportunity up for we enjoyed some rather delicious food that Friday night at The Jekyll and Hyde! Choosing two courses for £12.50 I and Kelly felt that it was necessary for us to stay away from the deserts as the offerings of Gin provided enough of a sweet escape for us! Identically choosing to start with the Home Smoked Mackerel fillet, served with a rustic arrangement with a Tomato Confit, accompanied by a Olive Ciabatta and Parsley on the side. Our starters were amazing, I don't think I've had such good food in a while. Might I add that our Gin bathtub was still afloat during our starter and main courses, so we definitely savoured the flavor and believe that this addition to our sitting complimented our courses perfectly. 

To complement our starter we both chose the Chicken stuffed with Chorizo and baked Brie, which was served with Scallion pureed Potatoes and Sweet Potato chips. Both courses were faultless and served piping hot so that did impress me much! Nothing was hurried along nor nothing took to long, the timing performed was just right and with a packed Parlour I say ''Hats Off!'' Feeling suitably satisfied by our meal we decided to enjoy a final drink before departing for home. I chose the 'Blueberry Thrill' and Kelly chose the 'Joseph Jekyll' both Gin cocktails were served in a beautifully decorated Hendricks bone china cup and saucer. I say the perfect ending to a lovely meal and Gin experience! 

The Jekyll and Hyde! When's The Mad Hatters Tea Party?

Joseph Harrison.