I first went to Chez Jules for lunch with my father, who worked in Birmingham, shortly after it had opened. At that time it was very simply decorated, with long tables and forms to sit on, that you shared with other shoppers, bankers, students, and lawyers.
The menu was updated daily, and specials were displayed on chalkboards hung on the walls. All of the staff were French, or at least put on a good accent! It was the graffiti on the ceiling of the restaurant that gave the place some character. Pieces of witty poetry, signatures, doodles and jokes were all up there courtesy of anyone who fancied a scribble. It was especially vulnerable to the larger parties who frequented the place, especially the Hen and Stag groups, and works parties.
The food was really good, and what made it so popular was that it was really cheap too. For less than a tenner you could have two fantastic courses, and soak up all the atmosphere of the restaurant that soon became a favourite of the Birmingham business community.
The last couple of years have seen some changes to the Chez Jules of old. It has undergone a huge refurbishment, which split up the large old dining ‘hall, into smaller more intimate areas, and now has distinct smoking and non-smoking areas.
The tables are smaller (no more long benches), and there is now trendy décor and arty pictures on the walls, which looks great. It has however lost some of the ‘rough and ready’ atmosphere that it thrived on before these changes, but the food remains good, and the staff remain a very friendly and helpful bunch.
My mother and I visited not long after these changes, and the most disappointing thing for us was that the graffiti ceiling had also been painted over! I got some of my best jokes from there in the past!
The menu has essentially remained the same, and as far as I know is still printed daily, and I did see the chalkboards too.
The prices have increased, and you can no longer get the two-course lunch deal. However they do other offers, like the ₤12.90 two course and bottle of wine deal on certain weeknights. They also do pre theatre specials, and have seasonal events, which are well worth keeping your eye open for.
The food has always remained fabulous, cooked to perfection, and is well presented. Normally there are several dishes to choose from for each course, including a couple of vegetarian options, and the accompaniments are either French fries, or the absolutely scrumptious Dauphinois potatoes.
However if I were only allowed to order one thing from the menu at Chez Jules, it would be the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which is to die for! You have been warned…
Chez Jules is situated on Ethel Street in central Birmingham, just down from Victoria Square, and is ideal for those who work or shop in this ever changing city. Access to the restaurant, which is on the first floor, may be a bit tricky if you have elderly, disabled, or baby guests, as I cannot recall ever having noticed a lift. It may be worth ringing just to check the access arrangements.
Chez Jules is truly a great place to eat if you are out shopping and want a reasonably priced, well-cooked meal, and I always consider it before anywhere else. However you do need to arrive quite early at lunchtimes, as does get really busy when the offices turn out. Ideally I would recommend that you aim to arrive by 12.30, or you may not be able to get a table.
If you are particularly organised you could always ring them to make a booking on 0121 633 4664.
Whenever you go, just sit back and relax. Enjoy being served by some of Brums most pleasant waiters, and savour every beautiful mouthful.
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Lincoln has several restaurants like this......great food, wonderful atmosphere but you can't get a pushchair in for love nor money!
MRANDREWSJK 21.05.2002 11:27
Good op Rachael, must try to get to Birmingham shortly.
John
Clare_1 21.05.2002 11:15
I'm sorry - I don't feel I can rerate. I have reread it and although you talk about how the menu is always changing, I would have liked to have some idea of what kind of thing you might expect - what did you have when you were there? I know that it's always different but to have an idea of sorts would make it VH!Thanks. Sorry to be such a pain.Clare
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