We visit a stylish Brindleyplace restaurant for a ruby dinner with dim sum, mongolian lamb & cocktails

With choices like diamond, ruby, pearl or emerald - it was crystal clear we were in for a gem of an evening.

Lulu Wild has gone all out to be the jewel in the crown among the impressive selection of restaurants in Brindleyplace this Christmas.

It’s created a dedicated menu from Asian classics to innovative dishes to offer a tantalising taste of the east as an alternative to turkey and stuffing - and each selection is themed around a precious stone.

If you haven’t been before, the venue is a wondrous mix of cocktail bar and restaurant full of party vibes and instagrammable hot spots to create those cherished festive memories. It opened a couple of years ago, in the spot where Carluccio's Italian restaurant was previously.

Dimly lit with ambient lighting, there’s plenty of space to chill and chat with friends and loved ones and a DJ playing a range of music if you fancy a bit of a dance. This is Lulu Wild after all.

The bejewelled menu offered so many tantalising options - a welcome way to eat your way around Asia without pouring for too long over an enormous menu. I opted for Ruby, like most of our party of ten. For my first course I sampled the delights of Cantonese Chicken and Pork Dim Sum, served steaming in a basket.

The gleamingly gooey dumplings were soft and warm - full of comfort on the cold winter evening - and packed with the tastiest meat, delicately spiced full of flavour served with a chilli dip.

It was a magnificent start to my ruby feast. Next up I travelled to Mongolia for lamb shank with fiery chilli soya served with traditional jasmine rice.  Another triumph. The shank was huge, smothered in the delicious sauce unlike anything I’ve tasted with lamb before, with the chilli offering a real depth of flavour to the juicy red meat.

It was a colourful plate with tasty broccoli - a great boost to the five a day quota! My ruby dessert was a Chocolate Orchid with Lulu’s homemade vanilla bean custard. A fantastic way to finish with the warming custard another welcome winter comfort.

Of course you can’t visit Lulu without a cocktail or two. I enjoyed a raspberry sparkle - a refreshing way to give the five a day quota yet another boost! The rhubarb and ginger gin, pink prosecco, cranberry and raspberry were a fizzing delight. There are loads of non-alcoholic alternatives and wines and beers to enjoy too.

Lulu Wild is one of three independent city restaurants owned by Enchanted Ventures with its sister Thai restaurant Siamais also in Brindleyplace and Aluna over at Mailbox.

They are also offering some cracking Christmas food and drink options to bring you a party vibe with a difference with quality food and drink. So many places to go - and the Christmas season is moving so fast!