Category Archives: Bars and Pubs

Birmingham’s oldest wine merchant announces expansion plans.

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, City Centre, Wine by

Connolly’s Wine Merchants has announced plans to expand the business with the introduction of a wine bar. A family owned and run business, Connolly’s has a heritage that extends back into the 19th century and the family have been shipping wine into Birmingham since 1906.

The wine bar, ‘Arch 13 at Connolly’s’ will take residence at the front of Connolly’s’ existing address on Livery Street, where it will continue to retail its extensive range of wine, spirits and beers.

Abigail Connolly, daughter of Chris Connolly, who has run the business since 1980, will spearhead the launch of ‘Arch 13’. She said, “Arch 13 will offer a relaxed and informal atmosphere to enjoy wine and well-paired food. This marks a new chapter in the history of our family business and we’re looking forward to welcoming our customers to our first licensed space.”

Arch 13 is due to open in May 2018. The project will create 2 jobs.

Connolly’s has always been many people’s go to place for wine in the city centre so this expansion is a fantastic treat.

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

#arch13 @connollyswinejq

Follow Connolly’s here:

Twitter: @connollyswinejq

Facebook: @connollyswinejq

Instagram: @connollyswine

Connollyswine.co.uk

Connolly’s Birmingham

Arch 13,
220 Livery Street,
Birmingham B3 1EU

Phone:

0121 236 3837

Connolly’s Solihull

379 Warwick Road,
Solihull
B91 1BQ,

Phone:

0121 709 3734

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Bar Opus joins forces with Brummie artist for exhibition.

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, City Centre, Exhibitions, Independent Birmingham, Veggie foodie by

Bar Opus, one of Birmingham’s best independent city bars, is exhibiting works by a city-based artist for its fourth art exhibition in support of local talent.

The bar at One Snowhill is showcasing works by Tom Parry, whose art of Birmingham landmarks is sold under the Made On The Canal brand.

Opening on Thursday 22 March, the exhibition will comprise a number of A4 and A3 hand-finished artworks and 3D pictures in different media, including watercolour, paint and ink, that depict landmarks such as the Library of Birmingham, Victoria Law Courts, Alpha Tower and Edgbaston Waterworks.

Tom, a graduate of Birmingham City University, takes up to 20 hours to complete his intricate pieces of 3D art, which involve gradually building up elements of the architecture 1mm at a time and cutting out recesses to create complex layered pieces.

He said: “I pride myself on producing affordable pieces of art and I’m really thrilled that Bar Opus has asked me to submit some pieces for its next art exhibition. It’s an amazing opportunity to have my work in a busy city centre bar and it’s great that the bar continues to support local artists such as me.

”I hope that my art will provoke some conversations about the beautiful architecture that Birmingham has.”

Irene Allen, director, said: “Our customers have loved all our art exhibitions so far and have been very supportive of what we are trying to achieve by showcasing local talent and highlighting truly stunning art. Tom’s works are not only striking to look at, they are also very affordable, which makes them truly accessible.”

Sounds a fantastic opportunity to see some fantastic local affordable art in a fabulous independent bar.

For more information on Bar Opus, visit www.baropus.co.uk

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Architect-turned photographer to stage first exhibition at Bar Opus.

Posted in Art, Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, City Centre, Exhibitions, Independent Birmingham, Veggie foodie by

Bar Opus this year has demonstrated its support to promoting local artists in its bar through events and exhibitions. They are due to launch their final one of the year this month.

The man who helped to drive city centre redevelopment in Birmingham has joined forces with Bar Opus the leading independent city bar, to stage an exhibition of his

photographs.

Philip Singleton’s Pause Project, which features 12 images of buildings that are in a state of transition, is the third art exhibition that the bar at One Snowshill

has showcased this year in support of local talent.

Philip, the former CEO of Millennium Point and assistant director of city centre development at Birmingham City Council, is studying for a Masters in photography at

the Falmouth University Institute of Photography and says he is looking forward to unveiling his atmospheric images on September 20th.

With a background in architecture and urban development, Philip says his interest in photography grew out of considering the architectural metamorphosis across the

city.

“Birmingham has to be one of the most rapidly changing cities in the country and is a master at reinventing itself,” he said. “I wanted to capture and document what

is happening and have been able to gain access to spaces that are private or hidden away. These aren’t architectural studies; instead, I’ve focused on another layer of the empty, melancholic spaces that people leave behind.”

The photographs include an empty cell in Steelhouse Lane police station; the safe deposit boxes in the former Municipal Bank in Broad Street; the industrial units

at Icknield Port Loop; and the BCU Conservatoire, which has been demolished to make way for the new Paradise development.

To further cement the exhibition’s connection to the city, Philip used Digbeth-based photographic developers Palm Laboratories and framers Harris Moore to create the exhibition.

“Bar Opus has given me a tremendous opportunity to exhibit my work and it has been incredibly generous in its support,” said Philip. “It’s great that a high-quality

independent business in the city is helping emerging local artists and I’m excited to have my works exhibited there in the Colmore BID.”

Irene Allen, Opus director, said: “2017 has been a transformational year for us as we’ve sought to bring the work of local artists into Bar Opus. We’ve enjoyed giving a platform to some incredible artists and our last exhibition of the year is another fascinating study, documenting spaces that we don’t normally see. We’ve no doubt that they’ll be a real talking point for our customers.”

Since the beginning of the year, Bar Opus has showcased the work of internationally renowned artist Sophie Hedderwick, art from Birmingham-born innovators Key & Tam, the creative duo behind LOWLFE, and Birmingham artist and owner of Disorder Boutique Mark Howard.

For more information on Bar Opus, visit

www.baropus.co.ukThe work that both Opus Restaurant and Bar Opus do to support and promote local individuals and issues should be commended and I hope this exhibition is very successful. Take a look next time your around the city centre. And enjoy lunch or a drink too.

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Vegan Twisted Barrel Ale on the move and Summer Beer festival .

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Beer festivals, Coventry, Craft beer, Craftbeer, Festivals, Independent, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Vegan and Veggie friendly Twisted Barrel Ale are moving from their current premises in Coventry city centre FarGo Village. The new premises will be in nearby Far Gosford Street. Just a few doors down.

The new site is much larger with a brand new 24 keg bar. Producing roughly three times more beer than currently.

The entire bar and Brewery will be moved shortly and the Summer Beer Fest is the last opportunity in the current site to enjoy a fine list of beers.

Included are 16 keg lines and over 15 cask beers. Along with cans and bottles that can be taken home.

Gluten free beer is also available.

The Indian Lunchbox will be also offering their tantalising Vegan Indian

street food on the Saturday 26th August.

The Beer festival is running from the 25th until the 28th August from 12.00 until 20.00.

Find them at Unit 5 FarGo Village, Far Gosford Street, CV 1 5ED, Coventry.

Full beer list below:

If anyone’s trying to plan their weekend, this is the keg order for the weekend.

When each keg is gone they’ll move onto the next round for that tap. Expect most of round 1 to be gone tonight / early tomorrow afternoon.

What this list proves is there’s a tremendous amount of Vegan friendly beer locally and in the U.K, and that the move towards this is becoming more popular.

For full details of the Beer festival see the Facebook link below.

http://www.facebook.com/events/273820209730422

Thanks for reading,

Andy😊

Photos are not my own and from Twisted Barrel Ale and The Indian Lunchbox with thanks.

Apologies for the lists but the amount of Vegan friendly drinks available is testimony to a changing industry and I wanted to show how many choices are out there.

Please note the list of beers is correct at time of going to press and maybe subject to change. Thanks to the Brewery for the lists via face book.

AH

New Haig Club Scotch Bar launched at The Cube, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, City Centre, Cocktails, Mailbox, whisky by

Oh whisky how much do I love thee, let me count the ways!  

Birmingham has welcomed a stunning new skyline destination with the launch of the Haig Club Bar on Level 25 at The Cube last month. 

The bar, which sits alongside the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill with views across the city, features a dedicated entrance on Level 25. It seats 36 guests, showcasing Haig Club and Haig Club Clubman through a specially crafted drinks menu and cocktail list, alongside small plates and sharing dishes. 

For Vegetarians try Halloumi and Courgette flowers and Patatas Bravas thus far. 


The interior design has taken reference from the copper and distinctive blue of the Haig Club brand, to create a stylish and contemporary space for guests to relax and enjoy the company of friends or colleagues.

With a separate entrance and exclusive feel, the Haig Club Bar on Level 25 will be open from Tuesday – Saturday, 6.00pm until 1am and will also be available for private hire.

Max Bennett, Operations Manager at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Birmingham said: “We’re hugely excited to have unveiled the new Haig Club Bar here on Level 25. The bar has been designed to create an exclusive experience for our guests, with a dedicated and knowledgeable team to welcome them. We know that it will soon become a must-visit destination for whisky lovers and cocktail connoisseurs, in addition to offering a unique venue for business meetings and private celebrations.”

Commenting on the new Haig Club Bar, Nick Temperley, UK Head of Reserve Brands at Diageo said: “We are really excited to be working with The Cube Birmingham, creating this unique Haig Clubman experience in a city where cocktail culture continues to grow and excite.”

Only Haig Club and Haig Clubman whisky will be sold and the bar is table service only. 

Jack Spencer who was previously at Bourne and Co. in the city will be head bar man. 

For whisky lovers and cocktail connaseurs it become a must visit bar with a smart view to match. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

https://www.haigclub.com/

All photos and information courtesy of Rewired PR and The Haig Club, with thanks. 


 

#TastyMorsels: New Veggie and Vegan happenings.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Caribbean, City Centre, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Moseley, Pubs, Thai, Thai food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie, Veggie foodie by

Nyam Nyam will be bringing their Caribbean vegetarian and Vegan food to the Moseley Festival on the 1st July. 

http://www.facebook.com/nyam_nyam_brum for updates and details on menus.

The second Vegan Vybes event is set for Saturday 17th June at Kings Heath Community Centre on Heathfield Road. 

They are popping up to share with you the joys of vegan living through urban food. Come and have a great time, meet new people, enjoy a truly lovely community atmosphere and take part in the vegan vybe. 


The Real Junk Food Project have another one of their Vegan pop ups at The Gunmakers Arms on the 17th June from 6-9pm.  Free admission. 

In fact they are at The Gunmakers Arms every month with vegan friendly beer from Two Towers Brewery. 

Pizza Express have announced that From June 20th, they will have a Vegan mozzarella alternative on the menu.

Made in Italy using Italian ingredients, it melts perfectly in the pizza oven and gives a creamy finish to any pizza. To celebrate, they have taken some of their favourite ingredients and created a new pizza recipe that combines artichokes with new season asparagus, red onion, garlic oil, black olives and seasoning all on a classic dough and passata base. Called the Vegan Giardiniera. 
The vegan mozzarella is available across the board on all their pizzas. 

Read more from their Head of Food and Drink, Holly Davies, here: 

https://www.pizzaexpress.com/news/vegan-giardiniera


Moseley craft beer festival is on from the 28th-30th July at The Dark Horse. Expect to find Vegan and Veggie friendly beers and lots of laughs. 


Burrito top dogs Habaneros have begun a kitchen residency at craft beer pub 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter. Expect some lip tastic veggie friendly burritos and tacos on the menu. Otherwise catch them In  city centre near the cathedral in their street food burrito mobile. 

Tipton pie people Mad O’Rourke’s have a Brewery selling pies opening later in the year in Digbeth. Veggie and vegan pies a plenty. Expect opening sometime after August. Watch this space. 

Finally, Veggie Foodie favourites Sabai Sabai will be opening up a fourth venue for their fine Thai food in Birmingham City Centre. Open later this year on Waterloo Street. 

Following on from the original Moseley restaurant, Harborne, and Stratford Upon Avon. 

See you there. 


Here’s my latest review of Sabai Sabai https://t.co/s1aprNIf3g

That’s all folks. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Birmingham Viva Vegan festival: Beer Festival 15th April, Gunmakers Arms, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Beer festivals, Birmingham, City Centre, Craft beer, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie, Veggie foodie by


Beer, Beer, Beer, if you can’t get enough of it then this is for you. If you are a vegan or veggie then even better. 

As part of The Viva Vegan Festival on the 15th April, The Gunmakers Arms in Birmingham is holding a festival of the most excellent quality with a number of local breweries represented. 

The Beer list for the beer fest at Gunmakers Arms on 15th April includes:

Bottle and Can List

Cider list

Two Towers Bottle list 


Cask List 

The beer fest is part of the Birmingham Viva Vegan Festival which is been held at three separate venues: 

The Macdonalds Burlington Hotel at 126 New Street Burlington Arcade, B2 4JQ.

The Studio, 7 Canon Street, B1 5 EP which is off Corporation Street.

The Gunmakers Arms for the beer festival from Noon to midnight and is located at 93 Bath Street, Birmingham, B4 6HJ.

Festival highlights for Saturday 15th April 2017 and not to be missed are:

2 stall venues

150 amazing stalls

15 caterers

Children’s activities in The Studio. 

Cookery demos

Talks 

Vegan beer, wine and cider festival at the Gunmakers Arms

Films

Free Samples

Nutritional advice

Workshops

Yoga

And 10 world food caterers.

Including The Indian Lunchbox for tasty Indian snacks and treats,  The Vegan Society and Almond nut specialists Butterbelle. 

Plus Third Eye in The Studio with Oreo cake. 

The excellent Mex it up are also at The Studio serving their wonderful Burritos. Not to be missed as they are excellent.



The festival will showcase some of the best vegan food in Birmingham and Midlands and not to be missed.

Saturday 15th April 2017, Macdonald Burlington Hotel and The Studio across the road. 10am – 6pm. £3 entry on the door (under 16’s free)

https://www.facebook.com/events/649818158500141/

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

https://www.viva.org.uk/festivals/birmingham-2017

@BirminghamVivaVeganFestival 

Vegetarian dinner at Cheval Blanc, Moseley. April 12th. 

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Events, Independent, Moseley by

Cheval Blanc is becoming the go to place for wine, cocktails and food in Birmingham. Residing in Moseley it sits next to The Dark Horse, colourful from the outside and inviting. Owned by the same team as The Prince of Wales, The Dark Horse and The Royal Oak in Stirchley, Ruth and I have visited for drinks but not eaten there as yet (must do soon) and can thoroughly recommend it for its impressive wine list and winning cocktails. 

There are regular events on Wednesday and Thursday evenings including exclusive dinners and master classes. 

On April 12th, sees a Vegetarian evening of food. 

Try a five course meat free menu to prove that veggie food isn’t all about risottos and Nut roasts. 

Chef Cydric Has created a menu that captures the season and is as enticing sounding as you could find anywhere on a midweek evening. 

The menu includes:

(Spinach, Parsley, Feta and Pine nuts Filo Parcel)
Dolmas Cabbage 

(Stuffed cabbage leaves with rice, nuts and herbs, cooked in a rich tomato sauce)
Lentils Moussaka

(Aubergine, lentils, carrots, onions, chilli, cinnamon, cumin)
Goats curd Savoury 

(Chives, parsley, garlic, cracked pepper)
Pear belle helène

Vanilla ice cream, Poached Pear, Chocolate sauce

5 Courses  for a bargain £17.50.

Optional wine pairing available.
Complimentary glass of Cava for Les Amis de Cheval Blanc Cardholders.
0121 449 6344.

bookingschevalblanc@gmail.com

Unfortunately as it’s the Easter holidays Ruth and I can’t make it on the night but hope there’s another one in the pipeline soon that we can attend. 

Please support this excellent vegetarian event in Moseley. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Cheval Blanc, 145 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8JP.

http://www.chevalblancbar.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1706124236352109??ti=ia



The first 5 photos are my own and the others courtesy of Cheval Blanc. 

New menu at The Almanack, kenilworth. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Kenilworth by

 

The Almanack has already got the New Year off to the best possible start by launching an exciting new menu for dining, grazing and sharing, from morning until night. There’s also plenty going on at the bar right now at Kenilworth’s popular gastropub.

 Head chef Jakub Fijak has come up with an all-new menu of great gastropub dishes that you can tuck into any time from 12 noon until 10 at night, each one a delicious plate packed with the good stuff.

He’s also put together a fabulous collection of small pots for mixing and matching so you can make up your own tapas style selection to enjoy with a glass of something chilled at the bar or if you’re in the mood for late night nibbles.
 Think British-style deli pots to have individually or on a board – 
 

And just because you might need to tighten your purse strings after the festive season, you won’t need to shy away from the pub right now because he’s come up with a cracking choice of daily deal dishes available each lunch time as well. Look out for dishes such as 

The daily deal is two courses for £12.50 every day bar Sunday, when The Almanack’s great roasts are on offer bringing you bottomless roasties and towering Yorkies alongside sweet crumble served at the table.  

On the bar, meanwhile, The Almanack’s branded beer glasses are making a comeback by popular demand, so now you can savour a perfectly poured pint of Peroni, Purity or Estrella in your favourite glass.

 You can also get your weekend off to the best possible start by taking advantage of a very special offer for Friday evenings. Treat yourself to one of the three great Grand Gins on The Almanack’s list including a classic London Dry Beefeater or a distinctive cucumber and rose infused Hendrick’s gin and get another on us.

 “We’re excited to be kicking off the New Year with plenty of good things to eat and drink and plenty of good reasons to visit the pub,” says head chef Jakub Fijak. “I’ve put a lot of thought into the new dishes on my menu; I love serving the good stuff and there’s even more of it on offer right now from breakfast right through to dinner.

 “I’ll be serving my new gastropub dishes all day so you can eat well until 10 o’clock at night, and the new arrivals on our bar menu mean you can order something tasty to go with a good bottle of wine or a beer, or for those moments when the munchies take over. Jon, Ania and the team will be taking good care of you too, whenever you visit.

 “Sometimes a change is all you need and we think we’ve got everything you need for a great time here at The Almanack. Come and see us soon,” he says.

For Vegetarians, there are numerous choices: Try out

Veggie Board- includes; 

Sesame crusted halloumi, Peanuts and crunchy vegetables, Westcombe Cheddar.

Macaroni and cheese

warm crispy Camembert and fig relish. 

Parsnip and cheddar cakes, tomato chutney. 

Either/Or

Herb Pancakes, mushroom and spinach stuffing, Gruyere, cream sauce. 

Superfood Salad: Sesame crusted halloumi, peanuts, crunchy veg and oriental dressing. 


Mains: 

Butternut Squash, Spinach and barley Wellington, Baby Jackets and vegetarian gravy. 

Daily Deal: 

2 courses for £12.30. 

Monday 12-10pm 

Tuesday-Saturday 12-6.30pm

Starters: 

Parsnips and cheddar cakes, tomato chutney

Herb pancakes, mushrooms and spinach stuffing and gruyere. 

Mains: 

Tart of the day and two salads or Butternut squash Wellington. 

Superfood salad

Plus burger option: 

Spicy bean burger, slaw, chive, sour cream, chips and onion rings. 

Sandwiches available daily. 

The new menu is now being served at The Almanack from 12 noon until 10pm every day. To enjoy £15 off when you dine any week day before 10th February, just quote ‘New Year’s Treat’ when you book.

Breakfast is available until noon and Gin O’clock is every Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Roasts are also served all day on Sundays until 9pm including vegetarian. 

The Almanack, Abbey End North, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ. Tel: 01926 353637 

http://www.thealmanack-kenilworth.co.uk hello@thealmanack-kenilworth.co.uk

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

All photos courtesy of The Almanack.

Indian Brewery opens for craft beer and street food in Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Craft beer, Craftbeer, Independent, Indian restaurants, Street Food by


So many marvellous independent beer places have opened up over the last year in Birmingham, that now beer lovers are truly spoiled for choice.

The newest addition to the Jewellery quarter, Indian Brewery Snowhill, is set to spice things up a little which is great news for beer fans as well as street food lovers and artisan coffee folk.

The Indian Brewery has resurrected the old coffee shop, Brewsmiths under Snow Hill’s railway arches, and turned it as if by magic into a bar selling craft beer as well as artisan coffee.

Obviously being Indian you have to throw a bit of masala into the mix, so during the morning it dishes out an innovative breakfast menu and mouth watering street food from midday till late.

 Jaspal Purewal, who owns Indian Brewery which supplies Birmingham lager, Indian Summer, Bombay Honey, Peacock and IPA to Birmingham venues including Harvey Nichols, Connolly’s wine merchants and Indico, has taken over the lease of the cafe and had added an impressive bar. The old worn out exterior has been replaced by something altogether more slick and modern and the interior has a more industrial feel. 

It’s casual and relaxed with benches for drinkers to enjoy an artisan beverage whether it be coffee or Indian sodas as well as their beers, whilst admiring the classic Bollywood posters on the walls. A place of social gathering and good times.

 Jaspal told the Birmingham Mail: “We’ve wanted to set up a bar for our brewery for a long time and the Jewellery Quarter is the perfect location. There is so many exciting things happening here. This will be our flagship store – for all to consume our beers along with in-house artisan coffee and street food.”

The site on Livery Street opened on Friday 13th.

Beer is served in craft cans, bottle cask and on draught these include Indian Brewery beers and also an impressive range of guests.; The Indian Brewery beer is brewed at their Great Barr base.

The food has good options for Vegetarians and is a bright light in a gloomy slate grey January. Split into two areas Streetfood and Breakfast, 

For Streetfood veggies try: 

Chaat Bomb: veggie Gilles triangles, chickpeas, yoghurt, chutney and onion.

Delhi Paneer: Paneer cheese with spices, peppers, lettuce and yoghurt.

Fat Naans: veggie delight of potato, cauliflower, onions, chutney, mint, yoghurt and Bombay sprinkle.

For the Breakfast menu: 

Amritsari Kulcha: stuffed flatbread, accompanied by a side of seasoned yoghurt, chutney, onions, chickpeas and fresh lime pickle. 

Egg Naan

Posh Avocado: Brown bloomer with avocado and poached egg. 

For vegans I’m sure the menu can be adapted if it isn’t already vegan friendly. Check before. 


 The food menu has a distinct street flavour but there is a difference! Jaspal revealed: “We’re not your typical Balti house or Indian pub, we’re truly different and being innovative was key, the public has spoken.”

For the drinks all bottles (Indian Brewery beer) and Birmingham Lager in a can and keg are veggie and vegan friendly. 

However, the cask ale isn’t  but other guest ales are. 

The Indian sodas are also ok.


Enough to brighten even the dullest of days. 

Indian Brewery Snow Hill, Livery Street, Birmingham B3 1EU

Officially open from Monday 15th January 2017.

Breakfast is available Monday to Friday from 7am to 12pm midday, Saturday from 8:00am to 12pm midday, and Sundays from 8.30pm to 12midday.

Street Food is available Monday to Thursday from 12pm midday to 9pm, Friday & Saturday from 12pm midday to 9:30pm and Sunday from 12pm midday to 8pm.

TO BOOK : 0121 296 9000 WEBSITE: http://www.indianbrewery.com

FOLLOW : Twitter @IndianBrewery Instagram: @IndianBrewery

LIKE : Facebook.com/indianbrewery

Looking forward to trying it out soon. 

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

All photos and information courtesy of Indian Brewery and Delicious PR.