Bier palace to open in London’s Trocadero

The northern ‘bier palace’ Albert’s Schloss is set to open its first London location in the old Rainforest Café.

The popular chain is part “Alpine cook haus” and part “Bavarian bier palace”.

Albert’s Schloss already has sites in Manchester and Liverpool, and now it’s coming to central London.

In spring 2024, it will open at the old Rainforest Café site on Shaftesbury Avenue (currently known as the Jungle Cave), which is part of the famous Trocadero complex.

The brand’s operator, Mission Mars, said it will give the site a “bohemian makeover” for the concept, which is known for cabaret and dishes such as fondue and Tyrolean schnitzel.

It’s set to be a very large site, covering 18,000 square feet, and will generate 200 jobs.

In addition, it will house approximately 100 entertainers who will host tried and tested cabaret nights, such as Kunst Kabaret, Baby Grand Slam, and Friday Frolich.

Roy Ellis is the CEO of Mission Mars, the company behind the multiple Schlosses.

He said: “We’ve designed a beautiful space that pays homage to all these facets including over 500 covers for Cook haus dining, four bars measuring over 45 metres in length, and a stage to catch our unmissable live bands, cabaret, and gospel choirs, who make up part of an impressive showtime line-up.

“On the ground floor, we will offer a taste of our in-haus bakery, plus tankards of Europe’s finest biers and Pilsners, as well as our Artisan Schnapps experiences.”

In addition, there will be a chalet named Ludwig’s Tavern, where you will find fire pits, shuffleboard, and other assorted tavern games.

Letting agent P-Three said the deal was with landlord Criterion Capital.

Thomas Rose, co-founder of P-Three, said: “By making their London debut with Criterion Capital, Albert’s Schloss highlights the strength and appeal of the West End, which continues to attract and deliver the very best of leisure and food and beverage.”

Mission Mars said its brand was created to honour Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, “who championed truth, beauty, freedom, and love”.

The company added: “Albert’s Schloss celebrates the beloved prince’s values.”