Where great food and entertainment meet
We’re proud to host one of the city’s most famous sons, Thomas Attwood, right here in Chamberlain Square. The city’s first Member of Parliament, elected in 1832, Attwood was a vital figure in the city’s growth in the nineteenth century and now reclines on the steps by the Town Hall. Here we imagine his thoughts about the many restaurants and cafés that grace Paradise.
By Thomas Attwood, Birmingham’s first Member of Parliament
Do you know the saying from the 6th century Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’?
Well, for me, taking even the first step is not necessarily that easy since I am made of bronze, so I had to find some inner resolve, take a (very) deep breath and try out my own little travel experiment.
Instead of taking one step, I decided I would try and take one hundred steps – or around one hundred meters in distance – and see where I ended up.
And my final destination?
F1® Arcade, around the corner on Centenary Way – a journey an awful lot less than a thousand miles, I admit, but these things are relative and it was a big trip for me nonetheless, certainly the furthest I have travelled since I first came to live in Chamberlain Square in 1993.
This venue also enjoys taking people on their own journey of many miles if you sit inside one of their simulated racing cars and whip around a racetrack of your own choice.
I am told in real life you cover the track with the power of more than one thousand horse power – a measure of speed invented by my erstwhile neighbour, Mr James Watt, whose statue I am told is returning to Paradise very soon!
But forgive me, for I digress.
F1® Arcade also promises much more than the chance to pretend to drive a racing car – it also features a highly enticing menu with a wide choice of snacks, mains and sides, and it is this rather than the gaming that I have come for.
A definite first for me was looking up and seeing an entire racing automobile somehow stuck to the ceiling above me – I trust it cannot move from that position, despite having wheels? Still, I instinctively ducked when I walked underneath it – just in case.
To preserve the integrity of my noggin, I took a seat to the side of the colossal bar that runs along one entire wall of this establishment – a safe distance from the flying car – and watched as the staff stirred and shook different ingredients to turn them into wonderfully creative drinks, one after another.
It was truly like magic!
This did inspire me to indulge in a ‘cocktail’ of my own (as these shaken drinks are called), and I chose something called a Flame & Glory, which I enjoyed before my meal arrived, although I must admit it had a certain affect on me!
It tasted like something straight out of the tropics and definitely perked me up after my very own ‘long march’.
But anyway, back to the food!
Since I had not come across many of the starter dishes listed on the menu before, I plumped almost at random just to see what would come out of the kitchen.
A plate of fried cheese (?!) called halloumi (from Greece) was not at all what I expected and was a true taste sensation.
With a generous splash of olive oil on the side, it literally tasted of the Mediterranean.
This was followed up by something I did recognise – the 28-day aged Beef Tartare – a dish I once enjoyed on the green terrace of the Palace of Westminster prior to its disastrous fire, and which took me straight back to my former life as a Member of Parliament.
Ahh, happy days! The food certainly put a great big smile on my face.
Service was swift, communicative, and efficient, which ensured I was never left wondering about where or when my next plate was coming from.
A huge mixed platter of very thin breads – tacos they’re called – arrived next and were packed full with a variety of different fillings, from delicious mushrooms to minced beef, seared lamb and even raw fish, as salty and invigorating as if it had just jumped out of the sea.
The tacos were not just fresh and tasty, but also hugely satisfying and I was certainly full after tackling several of them! Using a knife and fork to eat these little half-moon shaped sandwiches seemed to raise a few eyebrows from fellow diners (although I tend to have that effect on people anyway, if I’m honest).
But there was still a very tantalising dessert menu to peruse and help me round off the meal. After a suitable break I found myself drawn towards the promise of a Strawberry and Champagne Mousse which fittingly marked the end of my lunchtime foray splendidly with a delicious tangy twist to the meringue – with just enough of a hint of the very finest sparkling French wine.
Again, everything tasted fresh and zesty, a feeling that rubbed off on me – I definitely left with a spring in my step!
There was nothing bland going on here, I can confidently report, and whether you’re in a group or a rusty old loner like me, I don’t think you can go wrong if you’re looking for some life-affirming entertainment – or refreshment.
For menus, bookings and info, visit F1® Racing Experience & Activity Bar Birmingham | F1® Arcade