Nosh and Quaff is no more! But have no fear, Jailbird is here. Still part of the Lasan family, Jailbird has taken over what was once Nosh and Quaff on the corner of Colmore Row, staring at the back of the Floozy in the Jacuzzi.
Reimagined as a New York Seafood and Steak restaurant, I was invited to try it out for myself in some delightful company.
The ground floor has been completely reimagined, with the focus now on creating a bar lounge complete with a large bar and booth seating. The bar itself has moved away from the right hand side by the entrance and onto the left hand wall. The upstairs is now more of a dining space, flipping things around from before.
We were welcomed at the bar and offered a cocktail. The bar team whipped up something brand new for me, based on preferences for citrus and a little sweetness. I personally love it when a bar team is allowed to exercise their creative muscles, so this was good to see.
Upstairs, we took in the new look space, complete with quirky features and a decidedly green theme complete with plenty of plants.
Our table was wooden and roomy, whilst the seats were plush and comfortable; a good thing considering it may take you a little while to get through the gigantic steaks on offer.
As my fellow diners were browsing the menu, they were offered Bread and Cheese (£5.50), although this was sadly not gluten free. I had a feeling I wouldn't mind once I'd clocked that the smallest steak on the menu is a mere 16oz! Interestingly, between visiting and writing this review, the menu online now includes smaller 6oz, 8oz and 14oz steak options.
Spoilt for choice since I adore both seafood and steak, I opted for a seafood starter and steak main, although I had seriously considered the whole lobster.
I chose the Black Risotto with Prawns (£8.95), although the Black Risotto with Confit Black Garlic was also available for vegetarians.
My starter was absolutely divine; creamy black rice risotto infused with rich butter, topped off with juicy, succulent prawns. I tried the non prawn version too, and this was also delicious and well worth ordering as either a starter or main. Another diner had ordered the Scallops'n'Bacon, one of the most popular dishes on the menu, which also looked succulent.
Onto the mains, I decided to try the 16oz Flat Iron Steak (£26), which comes served with Thick Seasoned Hand Cut Chips.
Believe it or not, I've never ordered a 16oz steak, but when it came to the table I was seriously impressed by the size of it! Although I did eat almost all of it, most people would probably struggle which is why I'm glad to see there are now smaller sizes available. The taste was good, with a lovely glaze on top to add flavour. The chips were absolutely huge, and could perhaps be cut down. I would also recommend ordering something green such as the Creamed Kale with it to add some variety to the dish.
If you're not one for steak, I would recommend the Black Risotto as a main or perhaps the Flat Iron Chicken or Whole Lobster if you've come with an appetite.
By now, dessert was definitely off the menu, but there were plenty of options including Coconut Panna Cotta and Ice Cream for gluten free diners, or Cherry Sponge, Chocolate Tart and Banana Mess if not.
There are also some dessert wines and port if you prefer to round off your meal with a little bit of something sweet in liquid form.
The new Jailbird is a sophisticated dining spot that commands attention. Conveniently placed for the business district and Snow Hill station, it's a spot for both drinking and dining with an air of old world sophistication. Meals here don't come cheap, but neither would you expect them to considering the steak is sourced from the same supplier as Fiesta Del Asado. The portions are exceptionally large in true American style and the service throughout was good. If you're looking for a slap up meal, somewhere special to celebrate or to impress on a date, Jailbird is a great choice.
*With thanks to Jailbird and Paul Fulford for the (huge!) complimentary meal.
Reimagined as a New York Seafood and Steak restaurant, I was invited to try it out for myself in some delightful company.
The ground floor has been completely reimagined, with the focus now on creating a bar lounge complete with a large bar and booth seating. The bar itself has moved away from the right hand side by the entrance and onto the left hand wall. The upstairs is now more of a dining space, flipping things around from before.
We were welcomed at the bar and offered a cocktail. The bar team whipped up something brand new for me, based on preferences for citrus and a little sweetness. I personally love it when a bar team is allowed to exercise their creative muscles, so this was good to see.
Upstairs, we took in the new look space, complete with quirky features and a decidedly green theme complete with plenty of plants.
Our table was wooden and roomy, whilst the seats were plush and comfortable; a good thing considering it may take you a little while to get through the gigantic steaks on offer.
As my fellow diners were browsing the menu, they were offered Bread and Cheese (£5.50), although this was sadly not gluten free. I had a feeling I wouldn't mind once I'd clocked that the smallest steak on the menu is a mere 16oz! Interestingly, between visiting and writing this review, the menu online now includes smaller 6oz, 8oz and 14oz steak options.
Spoilt for choice since I adore both seafood and steak, I opted for a seafood starter and steak main, although I had seriously considered the whole lobster.
I chose the Black Risotto with Prawns (£8.95), although the Black Risotto with Confit Black Garlic was also available for vegetarians.
My starter was absolutely divine; creamy black rice risotto infused with rich butter, topped off with juicy, succulent prawns. I tried the non prawn version too, and this was also delicious and well worth ordering as either a starter or main. Another diner had ordered the Scallops'n'Bacon, one of the most popular dishes on the menu, which also looked succulent.
Onto the mains, I decided to try the 16oz Flat Iron Steak (£26), which comes served with Thick Seasoned Hand Cut Chips.
Believe it or not, I've never ordered a 16oz steak, but when it came to the table I was seriously impressed by the size of it! Although I did eat almost all of it, most people would probably struggle which is why I'm glad to see there are now smaller sizes available. The taste was good, with a lovely glaze on top to add flavour. The chips were absolutely huge, and could perhaps be cut down. I would also recommend ordering something green such as the Creamed Kale with it to add some variety to the dish.
If you're not one for steak, I would recommend the Black Risotto as a main or perhaps the Flat Iron Chicken or Whole Lobster if you've come with an appetite.
By now, dessert was definitely off the menu, but there were plenty of options including Coconut Panna Cotta and Ice Cream for gluten free diners, or Cherry Sponge, Chocolate Tart and Banana Mess if not.
There are also some dessert wines and port if you prefer to round off your meal with a little bit of something sweet in liquid form.
The new Jailbird is a sophisticated dining spot that commands attention. Conveniently placed for the business district and Snow Hill station, it's a spot for both drinking and dining with an air of old world sophistication. Meals here don't come cheap, but neither would you expect them to considering the steak is sourced from the same supplier as Fiesta Del Asado. The portions are exceptionally large in true American style and the service throughout was good. If you're looking for a slap up meal, somewhere special to celebrate or to impress on a date, Jailbird is a great choice.
*With thanks to Jailbird and Paul Fulford for the (huge!) complimentary meal.
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