German Gymnasium

German·
££££
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Bronze Award
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SquareMeal Review of German Gymnasium

Bronze Award

Built in 1864 for the German Gymnastics Society, D&D London’s immaculate restoration of the German Gymnasium is a return to the mega-brasserie style of their 90s heyday, with brasserie-style food served on the ground floor (lunch, weekend brunch etc.) and a more refined menu available in the main restaurant. The vast ‘grand café’ space is a real spectacle with theatrical staircases linking the sprawling, marble-floored dining room to secluded tables tucked behind gleaming white architrave pillars upstairs. By contrast, the Mittel-European menu is more homely than awe-inspiring, although its stellar renditions of think-cut veal schnitzel, beef broth with calf’s liver dumplings, stroganoff with spätzle or crisp, gooey apple strudel are certainly no less memorable. Meat fiends will warm to Black Forest hams and ample wursts (including a curry version), while a ‘butcher’s plate’ loaded with steak, ox tongue, sausages and sauerkraut outshines the pedestrian rib-eye with crispy onions. Ambitious pricing is offset by lunchtime specials, and the German-led wine list is heaven for fans of Riesling and Spätburgunder. “Exceptionally friendly” suited staff match the stylish setting.

Good to know

Spend SquareMeal Smart Vouchers
Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
German
Ambience
Cool, Fun, Lively, Unique
Food Occasions
Bottomless brunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating
Perfect for
Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

As the first ever purpose-built gymnasium in England, the German Gymnasium is steeped in history. Since its construction in 1865 for the German Gymnastics Society, the building has become home to a sophisticated restaurant, two bars and an outdoor terrace. Located in the heart of King's Cross, this venue is right at the heart of London's bustling epicentre. Spearheaded by executive chef Bjoern Wassmuth, the upstairs and more refined restaurant offers broad menus with Mittel-European classics.

Explore German cruising with a view of King’s Cross, starting with warming German options such as Bayrischer Wurstsalat (smoked pork sausage, gherkins, red onions, cheddar, chives and mustard dressing), Black Forest ham, goulash with beef onion, potato, peppers and sour cream, or herring “Hausfrauenart” with onion, apple and rye. Meatless starters are available, including burrata with squash and autumn leaves, vegan schnitzel or crushed avocado and crispy jalapeno balls.

Sausage connoisseurs can choose from four options, ranging from currywurst to Kasekrainer (smoked and grilled cheese pork sausage), each served with the ideal sides. Schnitzel, hot dogs and burgers are also available. Aside from this, mains include house fish and chips, tiger prawns in curry leaf and coconut milk or native breed grass-fed ribeye with bearnaise, peppercorn or red wine jus.

As one might expect from a German eatery, desserts are dangerously decadent. Guests can finish their meal indulgently with a Mont Blanc tart, warm apple strudel or Black Forest gateau, just to name a few. Those looking to save can enjoy a very reasonable two or three-course set menu. The drinks menu matches the food, with plenty of choices for all palates, alongside an excellent beer selection available in one or two pint portions. For any visitors who want to double down on a day of indulgence, cigars are also for sale. Regardless of the occasion, the German Gymnasium has what you need, right in the heart of London.

 

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FAQs

Does German Gymnasium offer vegetarian options?

Yes, German Gymnasium has an 'meatless' section of their A La Carte menu.

Helpful? 0

Does German Gymnasium have a dress code?

German Gymnasium have a relaxed dress code, they recommend smart casual.

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Does German Gymnasium offer takeaway?

Yes German Gymnasium offer delivery services over Supper and Deliveroo.

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This venue also offers

German Gymnasium
Private Group Dining

German Gymnasium

German Gymnasium
Christmas Parties

German Gymnasium

German Gymnasium
Wedding Venues

German Gymnasium

German Gymnasium
Event Party Venue

German Gymnasium

Videos and 360 tours

German Gymnasium Virtual Tour
German Gymnasium

Location

1 King’s Boulevard, King's Cross, London, N1C 4BU

020 7287 8000 020 7287 8000

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 10:00-00:00
Tue 10:00-00:00
Wed 10:00-00:00
Thu 10:00-01:00
Fri 10:00-01:00
Sat 10:00-01:00
Sun 10:00-23:00

Reviews

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22 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Anon

30 January 2024  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
One of the best!

Top choice. A real 1865 gymnasium with Olympic history, now turned into a fantastic Restaurant & Bar. We opted for the restaurant on the upper level to have dinner. The food was exellent, the prices very reasonable and the service perfect. I must mention Harris, the restaurant manager who is the epitome of hospitality! From the moment we walked in he made us fell as if we were the VIP guestes of the day. Thank you Harris.

Helena H

05 December 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Good German food

Had a nice chicken schnitzel and chips here. Also had the strudel was very nice. Only thing that was disappointing was they forgot my cocktail and no real apology that I had to chase it after waiting 15 mins. 

Jonathan R

13 November 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Classy German restaurant

Firstly, we loved the building.  The cocktails were well constructed and presented.  The food was different insofar that we are not reguler attendees at German restaurants, but it was very tasty and well presented.  The goat's cheese starter was delicious as were the herrings.  German sausage was really delicious and the chicken moist and flavoursome.  Not too expensive either!

Jem C

31 May 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Martin P

10 May 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 3
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 3
Value 2.5

Katie H

30 March 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4.5

Great service, good food. It's a big restaurant so be ready for some noise!

Heather P

20 March 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 3.5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3.5
Lovely staff in a lovely space

Visited on Mother's Day for an afternoon treat. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere was beautiful. The tea was served in a lovely silver teapot. My only gripe was that I require a gluten-free diet and there weren't any gluten-free cakes available. I had vegan / GF chocolate mousse. At the end I was presented with a little gift of handmade chocolates - which was a lovely touch but they weren't gluten free either!

Joanna K

01 February 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
5 star experience

Lovely restaurant with attentive staff and amazing food. Will definitely return. 

Dan Brinkley

28 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Great food, good atmosphere and lovely old building. 

Christian G

21 July 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 3
Atmosphere 3
Value 2.5

Great location, food and service Ok but not outstanding. Bit pricey for sausage and mash

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