#TastyMorsel: The Botanist: out of the garden into the city of Birmingham

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Craft beer, Gin, Tapas, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

The Botanist, bar, restaurant will open in Birmingham officially on the 6th April and will be a concept like no other.

Think, whimsical and eccentric design, interior and a garden theme that makes grow your own seem even more attractive than it already is.

Beyond the wrought iron gates of Chamberlain House On Temple Street The Botanist offers for Vegetarians some good and varied food choices, and then it also has cocktails, Martinis in fact and long cocktails, so many good reasons to visit.

In fact 45 cocktails and 85 bottled beers are on offer. Plus real ales from Birmingham’s own Two Towers Brewery, and Oakham brewery,

The Botanist is located on Temple Street in the heart of Birmingham City centre just off New Street and near the cathedral in an area that is becoming foodie central and the place for food or a bar crawl.

The contemporary garden decor and live entertainment (music every day) should create a buzz, but it’s the food and cocktails I wish to highlight.

For Vegetarians the starters and nibbles and deli boards part of the menu are enticing, think homemade Humous boards, Turkish flatbreads, salads, garlic mushrooms, cheese, and roasted red peppers.

For £ 9.75 you can buy 4 items with Turkish Flatbread, and though it seems on first glance a bit salad heavy for vegetarians and vegans should taste good and be a good share. With the cocktails on offer by The Botanist sharing is for me where it’s at. Though some may prefer a larger plate.

Also on the menu for veggies is a home comfort cheese and onion pie, a Halloumi kebab with couscous, which is lovely and of course deserts, such as their sticky toffee pudding.

I was lucky enough to be invited on the 2nd to the media lunch, which was excellent as you will see in my preview post next week.

Some of the photos from The Botanist lunch below:

Alongside the botanical cocktails are cask ales, champagnes, a good mocktail list, and ciders.

Run by Living Ventures (New World Trade Company) who also have bars in Manchester and Newcastle, manager Julian Rose-Gibb ( formally of The Victoria) says it will feel like ‘home from home’ and will be a good living, working venue with a lively atmosphere, and eccentric design.

Find The Botanist on 14-16 Temple Street, Birmingham B2 8BG.

0121 600 7430

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

Photos courtesy of The Botanist.

24Mar2015

Amantia: New Spanish restaurant, Birmingham

Posted in Bars, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Gin, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Tapas, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

The other evening Myself and Ruth had the privilege of been invited to the launch along with other lovely Birmingham food bloggers of new Spanish restaurant Amantia on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham City Centre near New Street.

Amantia is an independent family run restaurant that showcases well presented Spanish dishes opposite the Briar Rose in Central Birmingham and just up from Bodega.

Housed in the iconic Sun House offices (once insurance offices) next door to Burne Jones House.

Run by husband and wife team chef Andrea and front of house Marta Retanaga it has a design of sophistication yet informality and will be a hit with the lunch time crowd in the Colmore Business District.

Amantia represents the name of some ruins near Andrea’s Birthplace, but also contains the initials of their children.

The food is a mixture of tapas, pastas and crepes and for veggies has good and interesting options.

On the night of the launch I tasted a couple of the dishes a lovely authentic and indulgent tortilla da patata (Spanish potato Tortilla) and a lovely cheesy blue cheese and truffle croquettes (croquetas) which was good and a tempting introduction to their tapas dishes, which I love.

Croquetas

Though the options for veggies were limited on the night, I was impressed with what I ate to feel excited about returning and trying the fuller tapas and food menu.

Also on the menu for Vegetarians are:

Tapas:

Creamy mushroom croquetas (croquettes)

Homemade crepes:

Cremosa: leek and spinach bechamel

Rustica: Roasted aubergine, sundried tomatoes, and mascarpone cheese.

Pasta

Ravioli con berenjena: aubergine and scamorza cheese in a creamy spinach and walnut sauce.

Greek Salad

Deserts include tiramisu and crepes.

There are also main course options so a traditional three course meal can be had too. (No veggie main course)

Amantia also specialise in Gin and have dozens of artisan brands. Plus gin cocktails, good wines and Spanish beer.

As a venue and style of food Amentia is unique in central Birmingham and offers quality and independence in abundance, and for that it’s very welcome amongst the chains nearby.

Keep an eye on my blog for a further review soon.

Amantia Spanish restaurant, 9-10 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS

0121 643 3647

http://www.amantia.co.uk/

Menu see below link.

https://attachment.fbsbx.com/file_download.php?id=407589196069551&eid=AStK6r4xxszDt8pE–K2RqKLpJDvbqv5W0ggf879sTo1UMIXtygIHUS-KHTy2EEqjuE&ext=1427109630&hash=ASt7diglUlL_rIqP

I was invited to the launch of Amentia so all food and drink was complimentary. My opinions are my own and no post was required, but I’m so happy to write one.

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

23Mar2015

#TastyMorsel: Gas Street Social opens with tempting vegetarian dishes.

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, City Centre, Cocktails, Craftbeer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers by andydhare

Gas Street Social is a brand new bar and restaurant at The Mailbox in Birmingham City Centre nestled by the canal (with views) and offering a seasonal taste of home comforts alongside an eclectic menu and speciality drinks.

On offer for veggies are sharing plates, veggie burgers, cheese boards, and stone baked flat breads as well as pies including vegetarian on a Tuesday.

Alongside the food sits craft beer, delightful cocktails which are a speciality of Gas Street Social both handcrafted, modern and classics.

Inspired by the industrial and cultural context of Birmingham’s rich history centred on the concept of sharing and socialising.

The bar/restaurant offers large tables, intimate booth areas, a cosy- snug zone and caters for quick bites and lunches and lingering after work social fun.

As an independent entity owned by Adam Freeth from Redditch it promises to be a great addition to the Mailbox area and even more so as an independent venture amongst so many so so chains.

For vegetarians the menu offers dishes such as a superfood salad, soup, cheese board, social plates which seem the most tempting and include: Beetroot tart, sweet potato and quinoa, crispy arancini balls.

Mains include a veggie sweet potato and quinoa burger with triple cooked chips and watercress, and mushroom gnocchi.

Gas Street Social source their ingredients well as good independents do.

The sharing plates are £17 for three and £27 for 5 plates. Ideal in the Mailbox setting, by the canal.

Gas Street Social also have a dedicated children’s menu including vegetarian and a long list of tempting deserts.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the press dinner last week, but have heard good things about Gas Street Social and its decor and food options.

I’m looking forward to visiting soon though for a proper review of their vegetarian dishes and like the look of the sharing plates which I’m a big fan of.

As an alternative to the set three course meal places nearby it offers a real alternative.

http://www.gasstreetsocial.co.uk

Wharf side, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RL.

Facebook/Gasstsocial

Twitter: @gasstsocial

Photos apart from the top 2 courtesy of Gas Street Social, the top 2 courtesy of me.

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

23Feb2015

Scoff Food returns for Fab Feb Food extravaganza

Posted in Bars, beer, Cocktails, Coventry, Events, Festivals, Food Festivals, Independent, pizza, Stratford Upon Avon, Street Food, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

The last weekend of February (this Friday and Saturday) is a street food lovers birthday and Christmas rolled into one. Especially if you live near or in Stratford Upon Avon or Coventry in the Warwickshire.

On Friday 27th February at The Stratford Boat Club overlooking the pretty River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) theatre sees an evening Scoffs Food Event.

Featuring The Jabberwocky, Spectacular Goat Pizza, Delize Italian, Canoodle and Bournville Waffle, amongst others. Plus live music and shelter from the elements if need be.

So what’s better than Stratford’ s first street food night and theatrical setting and even Shakespeare himself would be impressed with the atmosphere and stunning river views.

Plus, of course cocktails, and beer from 17.00-23.00 27th February and every week until the 27th March at Stratford Boating Club. CV 37 7LS.

Saturday 28th is just as good.

Venue is Fargo Village in Coventry. This Saturday you will find an enlarged foodie extravaganza, a full line up of world-wide street food, and a colourful double decker bus, The Bus Bar to quench your thirst. Plus fantastic independent shopping throughout the village.

The Fargo Street Food Scoff Food thing has excellent nosh, plenty of veggie options at both events.

See Spectacular Goat pizza, yummy. Canoodle, Big Daddies Diner, and more. The food and the atmosphere should warm the cockles of your heart whatever the weather.

http://www.scofffood.co.uk for directions

Venue:

Fargo Village, Far Gosford Street, Coventry, CV 1 5ED.

The Bus Bar at Brum Yum Yum.

Thanks for reading.

Andy

@andydhare

Facebook: Andy Hare and Veggie Foodie

13Feb2015

#CoffeeTime: Loco Lounge- Kings Heath

Posted in Bars, beer, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Kings Heath, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by andydhare

I’m making no apologies for mentioning the Loco Lounge on Kings Heath High Street in Birmingham again on my blog.

The Loco Lounge Is part of the Lounges group of cafe bars that offer an all day space and cater for the whole community and neighbourhood.

They also sell and eclectic mix of cocktails, craft beers and wine.

Loco has a large double fronted shop front which has some outside seating. Inside the the ground floor is open plan with stairs leading to a snug with a covered terrace to the rear of that.

It’s a large space with a loyal customer base and is popular at all times of the day. A real community space. A place for all the family.

The Loco Lounge is near my house, but until this occasion I hadn’t drunk a coffee in its cosy cafe.

As a cafe/bar caters for many different people in many different ways. Since this visit I have visited in the morning a couple of times and this time is popular with parents with children and people working on laptops…and me 🙂

It is for this reason one Friday afternoon that I visited. To work on my blog and my poetry. Yes I have new work 🙂 x 6!

The Loco Lounge I think is the best space for working in
in Kings Heath, spacious, free wi fi, and with comfy chairs, sofas and cushions, it’s like your front room with a casual buzz and friendly staff.

On the afternoon (a Friday) I visited the cafe was busy.
Some people had eaten lunch others were working with a coffee and some were chilling with a book and a coffee.

You have to order at the bar, and I chose my favourite coffee test a Flat White with a Vegan (yes vegan) chocolate and Ginger torte.

The Flat White was lovely, creamy, well made, a good coffee with a decorative twist. Presented in a glass mug which was quite retro like. Excellent.

The torte alongside it was a lovely choice. The ginger against the vegan chocolate was delicious. It was well baked, soft, sticky, the vegan chocolate was thick and gooey. It was superb. A real surprise, I don’t mind saying.

A lovely combination.

The Loco Lounge is a brilliant space to work in. It’s buzzy without been in your face, it’s spacious and cosy. The food and drink is varied, with lunches, evening specials, breakfasts, and a whole vegan menu on offer it covers all basis. In fact if you stay all day you can be well fed.

For coffee and cake it ticks all the boxes and makes for a satisfying stop off whilst in Kings Heath, for locals like me well it’s an extension of our living room, a home from home.

In my case with better coffee and cake.

The Loco Lounge
32/34 High Street
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 7JT

0121 444 1296

@loco_lounge

http://www.thelounges.co.uk/loco-lounge

On Monday Loco do a pub quiz. On Tuesday they offer Tapas Tuesday where you can have three tapas dishes and a large glass of house wine for £9.75.

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Update: A delicious Cappuccino, creamy with a touch of chocolate class.

29Jan2015

#CoffeeTime: Cherry Reds-Kings Heath &Birmingham City Centre

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Japanese food, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Cherry Reds have two independent cafe bars in Birmingham. One in Kings Heath near my house on York Road just off the high street and one in Birmingham City Centre on John Bright Street near New Street Station and opposite Brew Dog craft beer bar.

Both branches are intimate and quirky, with friendly staff, good alternative music and lots of charm. Try vintage furniture, comfy sofas, mismatched of course, vintage signage and a keen and developing craft beer range at the bar.

Cherry Reds are fantastic for vegetarians and vegans, they do gluten free cakes and all their food is made on the premises. From breakfasts, both veggie and vegan. Veg sausage sandwiches, Halloumi and mushroom sandwiches, jackets, salads, falafel burgers, and a falafel, Halloumi, and roast veg burger that I haven’t yet tried Cherry Reds has a bounty of veggie snacks and bites. They do pop ups, both Pika Pika (Japanese) on the second Monday of the month in Kings Heath and Taco Tuesday’s (soon to be relaunched) are fantastic nights, and great for veggies.

In the last few weeks I’ve been to both for coffee. I’ve eaten in Cherry Reds in Kings Heath before, both for Pika Pika Pop up (back in February) and Taco Tuesday, as well as lunch with Ruth.

During the course of the day in Kings Heath as on John Bright Street, Cherry Reds caters for differing food needs from all day breakfasts to burgers and craft beer.

The Kings Heath cafe bar is smaller, more homely, more intimate. This can be good and bad depending on how busy the bar is. Tables are rarer to find at busy times, but in the day it’s quieter especially in the afternoon after lunch the time that I enjoyed a Flat White and lovely chocolate brownie.

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The Flat white was well made, creamy and very enjoyable, but the brownie which I’ve eaten before is gorgeous, soft, rich, home made. A lovely chocolate flavour and a lovely balance to the flat white coffee and chocolate. Can’t go wrong.

I’ve also eaten lunch at Cherry Reds on York Road and shared a lovely and generous vegetarian sharer platter with falafel, olives, Humous, salsa, red pepper, and Halloumi, crudités, bread and delicious home made chips.

I recommend this dish for a lovely relaxing lunch or evening out with a couple of craft beers, ideal for sharing in a very chilled cafe bar.

The Cherry Reds on John Bright Street is the larger and younger brother of the Kings Heath cafe bar. Set over two floors it sits on the corner proud and welcoming.

Exposed brickwork, mismatched vintage furniture, the themes and tones are the same but it’s less intimate, more spacious with more tables and room for an evening food and drinks fest. It has the same menu,

I enjoyed a delicious cappuccino creamy, warming, with chocolate on the top, no cake on this occasion but I do recommend their cupcakes. Veggie and vegan friendly. A delight.

Every last Monday of the month John Bright Street house a different food pop up, sometimes street food.

Delize Italian gave just completed a night with good veggie options and hopefully will do more in the future.

Both Cherry Reds do cocktails, again recommended, and wine. Look out on their website for cocktail nights, blues nights and food pop ups.

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Cherry Reds are independent and their aim is to provide great food and drink in a relaxed and cosy space. The atmosphere is laid back, snug, with friendly genuine service.

From 4-7pm Cherry Reds offer 2 4 1 cocktails every day, draught Beers, ciders, lagers, all very eclectic, all in a laid back way. Both are popular for different reasons, my local Kings Heath cafe bar almost feels like my long lost back room.

Cherry Reds also offer Independent Birmingham Membership card holders a free pint of ale, lager, cider or draught soft drink with every main meal ordered. (Including burgers and breakfasts)

Try them, they are brilliant for vegetarians and vegans, some of the best range of food in Birmingham.

All food and drink consumed at Cherry Reds has been paid for by me, enjoyed by me and thus my opinions are honest, and by me as always.

Cherry Reds
16 York Road,
Kings Heath,
Birmingham,
B14 7RZ

0121 441 3155

Facebook: CherryReds

Twitter: @Ilovecherryreds

Cherry Reds cafe bar
92 John Bright Street
Birmingham,
01216435716

Thanks for reading

@andydhare

Vegetarian sharing platter and Pika Pika Pop up.

14Jan2015

#feedyoursoul: Big Papa’s B. South take over the Sunflower Lounge

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

It’s hard to believe that The Sunflower Lounge on Small Brook Queensway near the Bull Ring and New Street Station in Birmingham City Centre is over 10 years old. I remember going there many times when I was younger for cool indie tunes and a chilled vibe, with work colleagues. It was always fun. Yet, I haven’t been for a long while since, not sure why, maybe you out grow these places and remember the memories with fondness of good times past.

So it was with nostalgic excitement that I found out that there is a grand refurbishment afoot at the Independently owned Sunflower Lounge which includes a #feedyoursoul new foodie residents
Big Papa’s B. South street food gurus and soulfood experts, so expect great soul food and soulful music, with good vegetarian options.

Having spoken to them I know that they are passionate about their food, and want to get their vegetarian options right. They are excited by the launch on the 21st January and of the new joint partnership with the Sunflower Lounge. Being permanent residents at
The Sunflower Lounge allows them to be free and interchangeable with the menu which is great for veggies and meat eaters alike. On the whole soul food can be very meaty, but also in this case very veggie too. What’s not too like?

The soul food menu will run for seven days a week, service times to be confirmed and will be a permanent fixture in The Sunflower Lounge’s top floor bar/restaurant.

So expect starters, mains and puds. Mains from Kale, avocado, and garlic aioli salad-healthy option, and Roasted Butternut squash, Mac and Cheese, with poached egg, plus a veggie starter and three puds.

Big Papa’s B. South, want to create an independent, unique and vibrant atmosphere in a venue that’s known for great food as well as great music.

Big Papa’s will still be doing their streetfood gigs and festivals. They will employ chefs whilst they are away cooking up a storm.

The Sunflower Lounge has been completely refurbished so my memories will be severly tested. Yet, one things certain the vibe will be the same, if not better, an awesome place to hang out with friends, eat great soulfood, and listen to cool music. For people like me that grew up in Birmingham it’s part of our history, now it has a new vibe, a new look, new menus,

its the #feedyoursoul vibe. Feel happy 🙂

Keep an eye on my blog for further details and reviews to come.

The Sunflower Lounge is part of the Independent Birmingham trail and supported businesses.

See http://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/thesunflower-lounge

The Sunflower Lounge
76 Small Brook Queensway
Birmingham
B5 4EG

@bigpapasuk

@sunflowerlounge

8Jan2015

#TastyMorsel: Lounging at The Loungers Cosy Club

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Food, Harborne, Kings Heath, Real ale, Tapas, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Well it would be rude not to 🙂

One of the finds for me since I started my blog is the casual Loungers cafe bars that offer all day casual eating, drinking and community chilled fun, quirky atmosphere, amd a relaxed vibe whatever the day or night or occasion.

They are extremely popular and what I like about them community driven. My local one in Kings Heath, do fundraising, have book sessions, do charity work, they have a community notice board where people can promote events, local information.

They offer a space for families to dine in a casual way with children’s activities and games, as well as offering an informal drinking and dining scene for evening down time.

Birmingham and Solihull already have four Loungers bars.

<strong>Arco Lounge in Harborne, Loco Lounge in Kings Heath and Desco Lounge in Shirley at the new Park Gate shopping centre. and Verdo Lounge in Wylde Green.

All four offer a similar menu, from Breakfasts, all day brunch, lunches and an evening menu and a changing specials board.

Plus coffee, cocktails, wines, real ale and craft world beers. An all round winner.

They are cosy, quirky, family friendly home from home, and ideal for catching up with friends or an informal date night or as a place to work in or write over a coffee.

The food, i’ve had is excellent, from tapas, to Burgers, to specials, and puds. They are very popular with a cross section of the communities they serve, and are buzzy and lively and always busy, day and night.

For vegetarians and vegans, they offer a comprehensive menu. vegetarian breakfasts, veggie Kedgeree, sandwiches, tapas, veggie burgers, and risotto and Mac and cheese.

They have a full vegan menu which is to be commended and serve vegan wine.

Brunch is served all day, and on Tuesday’s in Kings Heath there is Tapas Tuesday where you can get three tapas and a glass of wine for £9.95.

There is also an extensive gluten free menu, a kids menu and cakes, coffee and puds.

See website for menus: http://www.theloungers.co.uk

For my review of Loco Lounge Kings Heath here

https://vegiefoodie.com/2014/11/26/veggieburgerwatch-loco-lounge-kingsheath/

So it was with a degree of excitement that I read in
The Birmingham Post that the company Loungers are planning to open a cafe bar called The Cosy Club in Birmingham City Centre hopefuuly in the Spring

They have purchased the old historic Midland Bank building on Bennetts Hill opposite The Lost and Found bar and Issacs curry restaurant near the already successful Pure Bar and Fumo.

They plan to offer a similar cosy all day cafe with 30’s sofas, a quirky atmosphere and a similar menu. Expect to see vegan/veggie breakfasts up to 6pm, Mac and cheese with a twist, Veggie Bean Burgers, sharing veggie plates and cheese plates, delicious puds and coffee galore.

Details are still a bit vague, but for Birmingham City Centre it should be a great place to chill with good coffee, and a cocktail and for veggies and vegans it should offer more food choice than many other places in the city do.

What with a new restaurant from Lasan and
The Botanist Bar also to open nearby in the Spring, that part of Birmingham will become even more of a haven for foodies.

It should be retitled the Colmore Foodie district.

Keep an eye on my blog for more details on the all the above over the next few months.

Also, now open is Quinto lounge in Sutton Coldfield which is the 5th lounges bar to open in the West Midlands. This has opened this week on the Birmingham Road.

The Lounges Cafe bars are an excellent all rounder. Give one a try. 😊

Arco Lounge: 147 High Street, Harborne, B17 9NP

Loco Lounge: 32-34 High Street, Kings Heath B14 7ST

Desco Lounge: Park life Shopping centre, Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3AX

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

@andydhare

18Dec2014

#TastyMorsels: Cruelty Free Christmas Fair and Digmas @ the Custard factory Saturday 20/12

Posted in Bars, beer, Catering, Cocktails, Digbeth, Events, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, shops, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

This Saturday the 20th seems to be the climax of Birmingham’s December Festive seasonal foodie calender.

It’s a bit like buses, you wait around for ages and then three turn up at once.

I’ve mentioned Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh already, but two more events also going on in or near the City Centre.

First off is, The Birmingham Cruelty Free Christmas Fair at Carrs Lane Church Centre B4 7SX in the City Centre.

From 10.30-4pm 30 stalls will be offering a wide variety of animal free products, chocolate, cosmetics, cakes, recipe books, soaps, sweets, and gifts and much more with delicious vegan catering from ChangeKitchen whom I’m big fans of and much more fresh food stalls and nibbles to tempt you.

http://www.changeKitchen.co.uk

@changeKitchen

Also, stbestcaterers, will be bringing top quality food, the best in Caribbean cuisine will be showcasing too.

http://www.stbestcaterers.co.uk
@stbestcaterers

Run by West Midlands Vegan Fest, promoting veganism in the West Midlands including free food fairs and events.

http://www.midlandsveganfestival.org.uk

Supporting local Animal Sanctuaries, campaigning groups and small ethical traders. The fair will be free entry and run from 10.30am-4pm.

The second event is Digmas 12pm-6pm at The Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham.

The Christmas Fair will be an alternative day out and be the best of local traders, Street food, a pop up bar and entertainment.

Digbeth Dining Club will be doing the food and for veggies and vegans the esteeemed Vegan Grindhouse will be there along with The
Bournville Waffle Company.

Alfie Birds another Veggie Foodie Favourite will be provideing the drinks with a pop up bar- including craft beer, Bailey’s Hot Choc, and Christmas Cocktails.

Street food and bar running until 8pm.

Plus, there will be live music, an Urban Village Vintage fair, and a Mockingbird Theatre treats (see website) plus other independent luminaries from The Custard Factory to tempt and loosen your purse strings.

So catch them both if you can, 🙂

Digmas @ the Custard Factory 20th December 12pm-6pm.

http://www.thecustardfactory.co.uk/digmas for full programme.

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Thanks for reading 🙂

@andydhare

26Nov2014

#VeggieBurgerWatch: Loco Lounge, Kings Heath

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

The Loco Lounge is a French inspired cafe bar in Kings Heath South Birmingham, and is part of the Lounges group of cafe’s. As well as the Kings Heath bar they have one in Harborne and one in Shirley in Solihull.

As a neighbourhood cafe bar, it showers you with quirky cosiness and is open all day from breakfast, brunch to evening lounging and cocktails. Its a cool place and is popular in Kings Heath for its welcome charm and friendlyness.

At different times of day it caters for differing customers, from parents with small children to students and after work date nights. It provides a softer surburban air to the bustling High Street outside and even has its own terrace area for alfresco drinks in decent weather.

The Loco Lounge is housed in a former bed shop. It has a good food menu and caters with a large Vegan menu and good options for snacks, burgers, full meals and tapas options.

It is the Vegan Menu which makes it unique in Birmingham and a welcome sight to see.

Good for vegans thus good for veggies.

As a local to the cafe, its the kind of place I will return too again and again to try food, coffee and cocktails at different times of day, so look out for more small reviews.

On this occasion Ruth and I chose to try the burgers. I chose the Falafal burger.

A butternut squash and nutmeg burger, grilled halloumi, red pepper, tomato chutney, wood roasted peppers, red onion and rocket in a brioche bun with house slaw and skin on fries.

I really enjoyed the burger, it had a good flavour, with a hint of nutmeg and grilled halloumi providing a contrasting texture. I love falafals, and this burger was well made and with good skin on fries on the side was plentiful and satisfying.

We ordered some onion rings too, which were very cripsy and well made.

Ruth enjoyed her lounge beef burger, and with a couple of glasses of wine and couple of ales was good very good value.

On the night the bar was quite busy for a Wednesday evening, and had a steady in and out of people, from couples, friends, and small groups. The service was attentive, you order your food and drink at the bar and then it is brought to your table.

We didn’t try the cocktails on this occasion, but the menu looked good and varied.

Also the Tapas menu which has an incentive of tapas Tuesday where you can order three tapas for £9.75 plus a glass of house wine.

The Veggie options on the menu are numerous and include a vegan breakfast (their is a veggie one too), paninis, the falafal burger and sandwiches, plus some specials and the afore mentioned tapas menu. For veggies, their is also a veggie kedgeree, pancakes, a risotto, a curry, and a Mac and cheese, plus the above vegan options.

The Loco Lounge is a fun place. Their a board games to play, bookshelves with books to read, vintage furniture, rustic wooden tables, and large front windows that allow a good view of passers by and the busy High Street.

They also do a lot of special events, full details on their website.

The Loco Lounge is everything it aims to be. A French inspired neighbourhood cafe bar which aims to please everyone. For this it is a success, and absorbing place and well recommended.

Now, to make my way through the rest of the menu. 🙂

The Loco Lounge,
32-34 High Street,
Kings Heath
B14 7JT

0121 444-1296
http://www.thelounges.co.uk (for menus)

@locolounge: Twitter

Twitter: @andydhare

Thanks for reading.

We paid for our meal in full and all opinions expressed are my own and honest as always.

Has anyone been to The Loco Lounge? What did you think?

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Category Archives: Bars

Amantia: New Spanish restaurant, Birmingham

Scoff Food returns for Fab Feb Food extravaganza

#CoffeeTime: Loco Lounge- Kings Heath

#CoffeeTime: Cherry Reds-Kings Heath &Birmingham City Centre

#feedyoursoul: Big Papa’s B. South take over the Sunflower Lounge

#TastyMorsel: Lounging at The Loungers Cosy Club

#TastyMorsels: Cruelty Free Christmas Fair and Digmas @ the Custard factory Saturday 20/12

#VeggieBurgerWatch: Loco Lounge, Kings Heath

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