Today we’re lunching somewhere intriguing. We’re not sure what to expect at the curiously named German Gymnasium.
It’s conveniently only a minute’s walk from the station in the bustling heart of the recently developed area of King’s Cross.
A stunning slice of Victorian architecture, it’s a building with a fascinating history. Originally built in 1865 for the German Gymnastics Society, which was part of a movement to promote physical education through gymnastics, inspired by the ideals of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, the man dubbed the father of gymnastics. It hosted London’s first indoor Olympics in 1866.
It’s not what we’re expecting – the soaring space with high ceilings and huge windows is more grand salon than sports stadium. Though it still has the original ceiling hooks once used by gymnasts for rope climbing. This would have been some sort of magnificent gym.
Today, it’s much more spectacularly used (in my opinion) as home to a stylish restaurant specialising in the cuisine of Germany. Now I’m quite a fan of the cuisine of Germany as I love a schnitzel – enthusiastically eating at least one a day for a week on a river cruise through Germany and Austria. And also, it’s white asparagus season, which means there’s a special asparagus menu – and I adore white asparagus (perhaps even more than schnitzels).
We’re soon seated in the beautifully elegant eatery, perusing the menu options. It’s broken down into sections including starters, white asparagus (weisser spargel), sausages, classics, burgers, vegetarian, and, of course, schnitzels.
We start with two classic starters. The Atlantic shrimp cocktail is served with cucumber and melon for some extra texture and sweetness – an ideal summer starter.
The Severn & Wye smoked salmon comes with potato rosti and horseradish cream. A heavenly combination of flavours.
And now it’s schnitzel time. So, according to the experts, a good schnitzel must be fluffy, golden, and slightly wavy. Yes, slightly wavy. The crust may even separate from the meat if it’s been perfectly fried. It’s immediately apparent we’ve been served good schnitzels.
My Vienna schnitzel comes with the fabulously luscious white asparagus, new potatoes, and hollandaise sauce. Honestly, my mouth is watering just thinking about it – some of my all-time favourite ingredients and flavours on one plate. We also try the pork schnitzel, which comes with a more-ish mushroom sauce. Yumminess all round.
Now we have a small problem, we’re pretty replete, but we simply can’t resist a couple of the classic puds of the region. So we go for it and order the Black Forest gateau and an apple and cinnamon strudel with warm vanilla sauce. Oh my goodness, I’m really not a dessert person, but I loved these dishes. That strudel!
I’m so pleased I’ve discovered German Gymnasium. And I’ve taken a bit of a liking to the look of the bar. A classic large bar counter with comfy-looking plush bar seats. I could undoubtedly while away some hours there, perhaps with sausages and beer (well, it doesn’t get much more German than that). But would I be able to resist the schnitzel? Unlikely.
By Sandy Cadiz-Smith
German Gymnasium is at King’s Boulevard, King’s Cross, London N1C.
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