By the end of this week, what used to be the Rainforest Cafe will be a gargantuan, two storey Alpine-themed ‘bier palace’ promising ‘round-the-clock revelry’. Already a hit in cities including Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, the new bar and restaurant will seat a colossal 500 thirsty people, offering tankards of pilsner fresh from large copper tanks refilled weekly in the Czech Republic, and ‘Kunst Kabaret’ performances from ‘members of the burlesque underworld’ day and night. Named after Queen Victoria’s Prince Albert and the German word for ‘a castle, palace or manor house built as a retreat for recreation, indulgence, pleasure and debauchery’, it’s safe to say that this weird, wonderful attraction will bear witness to plenty — whether you’ll be there is up to you.
