There’s no two ways about it, Christmas has arrived in Birmingham – The Frankfurt Christmas Market has been around for a while, but yesterday (November 15) Christmas in Cathedral Square also returned. With it came the turning on of the lights in the Colmore Business District, with the most magical place to soak them up being the rooftop restaurant, Orelle.
The restaurant in the sky celebrated its first birthday last month (October 14), but now it’s fully getting into the festive season. Located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row, the modern French restaurant offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city and beyond. And it has been an unbelievable addition to the city’s rooftop bars and restaurants scene.
Offering a contemporary take on classic French cuisine, the kitchen is led by Chris Emery – who previously worked at The Alice in Oxford, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, Pollen Street Social in London and The Clocktower in New York. His menu showcases and celebrates the best of British produce. To celebrate the festivities, Chris Emery has curated two seasonal menus, to enjoy on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
The Christmas Day menu includes dishes such as roasted pumpkin velouté, quince, roasted parsnip, and walnut; red tiger prawn tortellini, kohlrabi, prawn consommé; line caught bass, shellfish fondue, haricot, squash, Brussel sprout, shellfish bisque; roasted Goosnargh duck breast, beetroot, cranberry, pithivier; dark chocolate Crémeux, pistachio, honey sponge, cranberry ripple ice cream; and vanilla, Marron glacé, black trompette, maple.
To welcome in the new year, alongside unrivalled views of the city’s fireworks and a 7-course tasting menu, Orelle will be playing host to an evening of entertainment, which guests can enjoy during one of two sittings of the night. Their New Year’s Eve menu will showcase dishes such as: 36 day aged beef fillet, miso glazed salsify, radicchio, pomme purée; and Brixham crab, brown crab emulsion, pear, kohlrabi, crab bisque.
Chris Emery, Executive Chef said, “Our new menus are a celebration of all the incredible seasonal produce we use in the restaurant and the suppliers we’ve worked closely with this year. We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests during the festivities and celebrating both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve up in the sky!”
Orelle’s abstract triangular design pays tribute to the site’s heritage as the former National Westminster House, while also drawing influence from the nearby Jewellery Quarter. The restaurant will also showcase a hand-painted mural by local artist, Anita Roye, whose father worked in the Jewellery Quarter.
Alongside the food, there will be an extensive curated wine list that showcases the vineyards of France and beyond. More than 20 cocktails have also been created by Tiago Bastos, who previously worked at The Grand Hotel and The Edgbaston Hotel. Inspired by the Christmas lights of Birmingham, Orelle has also launched a limited-edition cocktail, The Merry Bauble, for this festive period
On the ground floor, Orelle will also run a cafe and outdoor terrace between 8am and 11pm. Offering stylish day-time dining and evening drinks, these areas will serve freshly prepared breakfasts, brunches, lunches and afternoon tea. In the evening, the space will evolve into a cocktail bar.
Reservations for Orelle are open now, to book a table head here.