In the shadow of the ice rink construction site we nestled in to sample B:Eats’s new daytime menu.

Other than a pre-show glass of fizz, we’re newbies to the restaurant. Floor to ceiling windows offer up a gorgeous view of Centenary Square and the décor is devoid of chintz in favour of simplicity and modernity which sums up the place actually. It’s not fancy in the best of ways.

The menu’s succinct and appealing – fuss free food done well we hoped. Brunch is served all day which felt very civilised. We veered from our usual eggs benedict in favour of a punchier chorizo harissa version of the classic. Toasted ciabatta, spinach, mushrooms, chunks of chorizo and two perfectly poached eggs with pimped up hollandaise sauce hit the spot. At £12 it’s reasonable too.

In a city spoilt for choice in the burger genre the Bostin Brum Burger was okay – two smashed patties, sesame seed bun, great burger sauce, pickles, onion and lettuce served with fries for £14.50. It wasn’t bad at all, just don’t expect Meatshackers or OPM. However, the unexpected star of this show were the loaded fries which we ordered as an extra – don’t judge. A generous portion of crunchy fries, covered in the kind of nacho cheese sauce you want to hate, but would bathe in if you could, teamed with a sticky sweet BBQ sauce and crisp Southern fried chicken fillets was superb. At £8.50 it was a steal.

Situated in Symphony Hall, B:Eats isn’t the first spot that springs to mind unless you’re visiting the venue for another reason, but it’s worth popping on your radar particularly as the chaos of the German market gets going. Rather than spending a small fortune on sub-standard street food (bah humbug), you’ll do well to fuel up on a tasty plate of loaded fries before entering the fray. Happy Christmas!