Review on German Gymnasium
The German Gymnasium set in the heart of King's Cross is the latest addition to the ever expanding stable of restaurants from the successful D & D international group. This new enterprise is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building designed by Edward Gruning and was England's first purpose-built gymnasium. It was built in 1864 with funding that came solely from London's German community, and it proudly hosted London's first Olympic Games in 1866.
The stunning interiors have been designed by Conran and Partners in the style of the Grand Cafés of Europe with many or the original features remaining, such as the cast steel columns and the climbing hooks in the lofty ceiling. The contemporary décor pays homage to the heritage of the building with walls adorned with paintings of gymnasts, as well as featuring warm walnut panelling, marble flooring and black and grey distressed leather upholstery. There are staircases on either side of the ground floor Grand Café leading to the chic Meister Bar and the elegant first floor restaurant, with subdued lighting and views of the lovely vaulted ceiling and the bustling dining area below.
Leading the kitchen is German-born Executive Chef Bjoern Wassmuth, who was previously the Kitchen Director at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, and he has created an all day menu featuring some classic Mittel-European dishes, as a nod to the site's German history. Open your account with herring 'hausfrauenart' onion, apple, sour cream, and sunflower seed bread or chopped steak tartare, sourdough melba. Main courses stay close to home with a selection of schnitzels, such as Vienna schnitzel, veal, warm potato salad and lingonberry or there's grilled tiger prawns with green asparagus, wild garlic, cherry tomatoes and chilli. To finish indulge in a slice of Black Forest gateaux or apple strudel.
Al fresco dining is available on their terraces opening out onto the square, with heaters provided for when it's a little chilly.
Cuisine
German / Contemporary European
Chef
Bjoern Wassmuth
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 8.00 - 11.30am Mon-Fri (10.00am - 4.00pm Sat & Sun Brunch)
Lunch: 12.00 - 5.30pm
Dinner: 5.30 - 10.00pm Mon-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express