Category Archives: Bars and Pubs

TURTLE BAY BIRMINGHAM: A CARIBBEAN RAY OF SUNSHINE

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants by

Turtle Bay is a newish Caribbean bar and restaurant on trendy John Bright Street in Birmingham City Centre (near New Street Station). It sits opposite Cherry Reds and next to craft beer pub Brew Dog, a ray of finery not seen in the area since time began:)

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Now, Caribbean food isn’t likely to be the first type of food that a vegetarian or vegan may chose for that night out, but Turtle Bay ticks many boxes for me. It has a bar..tick. It has a lively atmosphere..tick..sometimes…it has a good menu, well on paper at least..double tick:) it has got good veggie and vegan options, and though a small chain, is actually very good:)

Turtle bay offers cocktails and good food at very reasonable prices. The trendy location is ideal for its punchy cocktails and happy atmosphere. Turtle Bay is a good time place, and in this warm weather, its terrace was heaving on a sunny Saturday night.

The bar/restaurant is full of vibrant colours. It’s a very large space and feels like a beach shack, with its corrugated iron roof structure and light shades that give it a subtle intimacy. There is urban art on the walls, ads for rums and Red Stripe lager and has a trendy vibe that holds a buzz all evening. If that is for you, you are sure in the right place:)

The first thing you notice when you walk in apart from people enjoying themselves is the island style bar that appears a hive of cocktail activity.

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Turtle Bay offers an impressive list of cocktails and non alcoholic cocktails and drinks. See website for full list. The drinks are the thing, and the bar though busy appears to be spacious. The service at the bar is quick, it appears the choosing of cocktails is to be expected:) which is good because there is a lot to get through.

Priced at £6.95 they are decent value. They run a happy hour from midday to 7pm and then from 10pm to close. There is a 2-4-1 deal on too.

I chose a Marley Mojito,which is Appleton special rum, Midori, fresh mint, water melon and home made ginger beer, it was very good, with a nice punch with a good freshness through the watermelon and mint, though with maybe too much ice for my liking, which took away the rum flavour a bit. A good way to begin the night.

Ruth chose to try the Jamaican Red Stripe shandy and home made ginger beer. It was delicious she said. She also tried the home made ginger beer that came in its own bottle which we both thought was a nice touch.

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We both liked the bar and felt it would work well with bar snacks and a cocktail or just for drinks.

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We were then taken to our seats which was in a quieter elevated group of tables looking out on the restaurant.

For starters/cutters we both decided to have two vegetarian dishes. Ruth chose the sweet corn fritters and I chose the so called Trini doubles which were two roti with curried Trini chick peas, cucumber, chutney and coconut.

Both were very good, the sweet corn fritters were a good shape, well flavoured and were good with a hot sauce. My Trini doubles were well flavoured with a subtle curry flavour that was good finger food and would go well in the bar for a snack. We both thought that Turtle Bay should introduce a veggie platter to share as the portions taken in isolation were quite large. Maybe served with some flat bread. 🙂

For my main course I chose the Rastafari Rundown: this was a lovely dish, with butter beans. Corn cob, greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, fried dumplings, herbs, coconut, with rice N’ peas.

It was a lovely rustic dish, served in a decorative bowl with lovely curry flavours. It was well cooked, the rice N’ peas were beautiful and as a whole was a brilliant choice. Though maybe the dumplings were slightly over cooked.

We also orders some sweet plaintain to share which enhanced the food no end and was lovely.

I also ordered a Jamaican Red Stripe lager with my food which complimented the curry flavours of my main course well.

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For desert we chose to share the Caymana Rum Cake which was so lovely I forgot to take a photo:) it was warm and golden with a mellow rum flavour, served with a caramel and vanilla ice cream, a tremendous pudding.

We then ordered a rum for me (a Santa Teresa Gran Reserve) and a fresh mint tea for Ruth, both good and both to be recommended. The tea came in a super red teapot, which we liked:)

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The service throughout our meal was excellent, it was non intrusive and friendly and offered advice on the menu and my rum:) in an upbeat way and dealt very well with the busyness of a Saturday night, to the point where you didn’t feel rushed or neglected.

Turtle Bay then ticks the boxes well. It’s a vibrant and buzzy place, a place for a celebration, and a place for two to relax. It’s maybe noisy at times, but it offers a unique dining experience. Caribbean restaurants are few and far between in Birmingham, Turtle Bay strikes the right chord and has developed something new, with the added bonus that you will be well fed (yes veggies us too:)) in a colourful cocktail fuelled environment, on a buzzing mainly pedestrianised John Bright Street. What’s not to like? 🙂

Turtle Bay
John Bright Street
Birmingham
B1 1BL

0121 643 1303

@Turtlebay

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Tasty Morsels: bite size foodie happenings

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Events, Independent, Pop up's, Pubs, Tasty Morsels by

Kings Heath in South Birmingham, is currently a hot bed of foodie delights. There are a number of exciting tasty morsels happening as we speak:)

1. Hare and Hounds pub Five Week restaurant project. With a different pop up project every week taking over their recently refurbished upstairs bar area and kitchen.

Week 1 Thursday 17th July 2014 sees City centre rustic Mexican street food pioneers Habaneros take centre stage offering 3 courses for £17.50. Begins at 7.30pm.

Please note this event was cancelled. There are full refunds available.

Week 2: Japanese caterers Pika Pika pop up on Thursday 24th July to provide 3 courses of authentic Japanese food including a veggie set menu for £15.

Week3: Esteeemed pop up due Clarke and Lee of CANeat fame take over the bar with their twist on Asian soul food. See Clarke and Lee in the Heath plus cocktails from the Hare and Hounds on the 31st July at 6.45pm. Price £22.50.

Please note that this pop up isn’t suitable for veggies and vegans:(

Week 4: veggie Pop up Dosa offer their fab dosas (like crepes) from the southern Indian region of Kerala. Starts at 7.30pm for 3 courses costing £12, bargain. 🙂 on the 7th August. Dosa’s can be made vegan by request.

5: August 14th: Fingys Take Over. Alan ‘Fingy’ Thomson brings an evening of Peruvian and Latin food of the highest order. Three courses for £15.

Tickets available for all on website.

Hare and Hounds is on York Road on the corner of the High Street.

See http://www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk/events-listings for details and reservations/bookings/tickets.

2. The Blue Rabbit & Co are operating out of The Kitchen Garden Cafe on York Road every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night offering 2 courses for £15 and 3 courses for £18.

Led by chef Dominic Simmonds @Dominicsimmonds, they offer high quality simple food at reasonabl prices for the quality of the sourcing and ingredients. a great independent bistro idea:) There are good veggie options. Contact 0121 443 4725 for reservations.

3. Taco Tuesday’s continue at Cherry Reds in Kings Heath on the last Tuesday of the month. Cherry Reds is in Kings Heath on York Road near The Kitchen Garden Cafe. Veggie options are always on the menu, dates to come 29th July and 26th August. Beautiful soft shell taco’s and killer Margaritas will be on offer. http://www.cherryreds.com for details.

4. Blue Ginger at 72 Poplar Road Kings Heath, serve authentic Singaporian and Malaysian Foood, Its the sister restaurant of my recently reviewed Blue Piano bar and restaurant in Edgbastion. Every Monday night they hold a vegan night, serving vegan dishes. On the menu I’ve counted 5 starters, 7 Mains, 6 sides, and 2 deserts. See webiste http://www.bluegingerrestaurant.co.uk for menu. Contact 0121 444 0999 for reservations.

If you order before 6.30pm Monday-friday you get 20% off the food bill.

Hoping myself to get to some of those at some point.

If anyone knows of any items that maybe considered ‘Tasty morsels’ in your area, and are food and drink related please get in touch or leave a comment on my blog under this post.

Until the next ‘Tasty morsel’. 🙂

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CBD Food Festival 2014

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Coffee, Events, Food Festivals, Independent, Street Food by

One of my favourite food festivals of the year is Birmingham’s own CBD Food Festival (Colmore Business District) which is on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July 2014 11am-7pm at Victoria Square off Colmore Row and New Street Birmingham City Centre.

Now in its fourth year, the CBD Festival organised by Colmore BID is a two day foodie extravaganza showcasing and celebrating the excellent food and drink offerings in Birmingham’s Commercial quarter CBD.

For me the best place for bars and coffee shops in Brum.

Venues from the CBD will serve tasters of signature dishes ranging from £1.50 to £5. All food options are priced at £3 or under, a bargain 🙂

All the businesses and participents are local to the area within a 10 minute walk of Victoria Square, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries and deli’s.

Included in the participents are:

-Contemporary Indian restaurant Isaacs
-The Bureau bar and deli
-Purnells restaurant
-Purnells Bistro and Ginger’s bar
-Pure Bar and Kitchen
-Urban Coffee Company
-York’s Bakery and cafe
-Hotel Du Vin
-JoJolapa Bar and Restaurant
-Opus Restaurant
-Hindley’s Bakery
-Edmunds Lounge and bar
-The Old Joint Stock pub
-Chung Ying Central
-Asha’s Indian Resturant
-Chi Bar and Restaurant
-The Jekyl and Hyde
-The Old Contemptibles pub
-The Square Peg pub

For Veggies and Vegans that is a feast of good food:

I recomend Ashas, The Bureau Bar and Chung Ying Central, and Opus for food.

Ashas will be serving the lovely Papadi chaat served chilled £3
The Bureau: Beetroot Bon Bons £3
All Bar One: Veg Pad Thai £3
Chi Bar and Restaurant: Pav Bhaji served with a mini roll £3
Chung Ying Central: Veg spring roll with noodles. £3

There will also be cocktails, gin, pimms and cofee and toasties plus cold drinks and champaigne no doubt.

Try Ginger’s and the Bureau Bar for Cocktails and Hotel Du Vin for wine.

Coffee shops Urban and Yorks bakery will be there with your caffeine fix.

There will also be an entertainment programme at the festival, cookery demostrations, drink making demo’s, from top chefs including Glynn Purnell and David Calcombe of Opus Restaurant.

This years festival will also include a programme by The Young Rep, The Youth Theatre Company, Colmore Chorus CBD’s Choir of local business people.

There will also be deckchairs to sit on and a magician.

For full details see the CBD website and the free magazine’s that can be picked up at Snow Hill Station and the Tourist Information points.

It promises th be a fun couple of days with great local food and some fine independents demonstrating their culinary and bar skills.

Should be a fab foodie weekend:)

http://www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com
Twitter: @ColmoreBid

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Yorks Bakery Cafe image

THE BUREAU: MUCH MORE THAN A BAR

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Information and plaudits for The Bureau have crept up on me. In fact, it was with the news of the introduction of The Langley’s No’ 8 Rooftop Terrace that my ears pricked up and I got excited. (See my previous article)

You see, I’m a sucker for being outside, either eating or drinking-alfresco-with a view, even better.
How very European-how very Birmingham 🙂

The Bureau is on Colmore Row within the Colmore Business District area of the Birmingham City Centre, near to Victoria Square and the Cathedral. In an area of some of the best independent bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

The Bureau aims to create a friendly and social environment where guests can indulge in locally produced and thoughtfully sourced deli and bar food. Along with a seductive drinks menu, creative cocktails, cask beers and fine wines and of course gin.

When my wife Ruth and I visited we found the bar to be a great mix of elegant styles, from vintage to modern. A very comfortable bar, well designed and with plenty of space.

The Bureau is housed in an old picturesque building, No’ 110 Colmore Row. It has a main elegant bar, with booths and tables, some circular, some rectangle. It also has bar stools and tables and a basement bar for parties and private functions.

Now The Bureau has a roof top terrace (recently opened) which you can reach either by lift or if you are fit by a long spiral staircase which is very evocative and lovely. The terrace we found to be a superb place to sit on, very relaxed with plants and booths, and outdoor tables, a real mix of styles which was well designed and had a touch of class about it. It is sponsored by local gin company Langley’s and is cleverly called Langley’s No8 gin terrace after the house gin of The Bureau. It is the place to sip a gin and tonic or a sparkling Gin Martini.
Ruth and I did both, well it would be rude not to 🙂 They were both superb. The Gin Martini, crisp, elegant, a touch of class, well mixed and the Langley’s No’8 local gin is delicious. Well recomended.

As your doctor says a gin a day…no that’s not right…but hey when in Rome…or in Birmingham 🙂

We had also heard very good things about the food at The Bureau. Hence another reason for being there midweek.

There are plenty of interesting and dverse options for vegetarians on the menu. From canapes to deli plates to a veggie burger (see menu on website).
I chose deliberately the deliciously sounding and indulgent
Leek and Double Worcester Cheese Tart.

It was delicious, creamy cheese with as superb flavour, offset by a subtle taste of leeks which really made it moreish. As someone nearby in the bar said recomending it to a friend it’s ‘to die for’. Maybe not neccessary to go that far, as then you wouldn’t be able to sample the long and decadent drinks menu 🙂 It was lovely though, and excellent choice especially with an excellent side order of of Sweet Potato wedges, which were crisp, golden and a perfect alternative to chips (made with Beef dripping according to website). A well recomended combo.

As and aside Ruth sampled the meat Hot Dog, which has received rave reviews from reviewers. She said it was superb and to be well recomended. Maybe a veggie hot dog option. That would be lovely…please? 🙂

The Bureau is a superb contemporary bar and deli. It is to be commended for its dedication to locally sourced and innovative veggie food options. It’s much more than a bar that serves superb drinks, much more that a roof top terrace. It’s an intoxicating mix of quirkyness and vintage chic with a modern air of elegance. The service at the bar and at the table (table service for food and drinks options, but can also order at the bar) is charming, relaxed, friendly and dedicated to knowing about their drinks and craft. I requested a Negroni. They made me one so perfect that I thought I was in Italy, it’s not on the cocktail menu, but that was no problem. It was punchy and superb.

The Bureau is stylish without being snooty and alienating.

So for some of the most interesting veggie options in Birmingham try The Bureau (must try those deli slates next!). It’s great with friends, great for couples, great in the sunshine, or rain, come for the bar, come for the roof terrace, but try the food.

So do visit The Bureau.

A small masterpiece in Birmingham City Centre.

The Bureau
110 Colmore Row
Birmingham City Centre
B3 3AG

0121 236 1110

info@thebureaubar.co.uk
@thebureau
http://www.facebook.com/TheBureauBar

http://www.thebureaubar.co.uk

http://www.langleysgin.com
@langleysNo8

wwww.independent-birmingham.co.uk
@independentB’ham

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Disclaimer: We paid for our own food and drink. The opinions shared are my own and honest.

The Bureau and The Langley Gin terrace opening

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Independent, Uncategorised by

The Bureau has been on Colmore Row in Birmingham City Centre since October 2013. Housed in a beautiful grade II- listed building built in 1902-04 it has been a place to be seen in The Colmore Business District.

It has a main bar and a cocktail bar and downstairs a basement lounge area which has its own bar area and can be used for private functions.

The Bureau is known not only for its drinks but for its hip bar deli food with a difference. Small plates of food both meat options and good veggie options. A menu demonstrates thought and skill and with a choice of five for £10 is decent value.

On the 26th June 2014 The Bureau will open its roof terrace to the public. Birmingham is not blessed with roof terraces, but The Bureau promises to set the highest tone of indulgence and offer a sophisticated place to drink and eat and just in time for the summer weather. Their will be a weekly barbecue on offer and a well stocked bar to tempt and delight.

It’s set to open as the Langley’s No 8 Gin Roof Terrace (distilled near Oldbury).

Also, there are plans for a second floor bar and a mezzanine level conference rooms.

The success of The Bureau up to now is based around its aims to create a friendly and social environment where guests can indulge in locally produced and regional sourced food including many veggie options ( see my review soon).

The owners from Birmingham Paul Rutter and Zack Foley have certainly created a buzzy hospitable space.

As a bonus with the Independent Birmingham members card a 10% discount is given.

The Bureau has won many awards including ‘Hidden Gem Award’ from fantastic bar website Design My Night’s users.

The Bureau is a place for deli food and drink already, but the terrace should make it a place to enjoy the summer months much more.

The Bureau
10 Colmore Row
Birmingham
0121 236 1110

http://www.thebureaubar.co.uk

Info@thebureaubar.co.uk

@thebureau

@langleyNo8

http://www.langleysgin.com

The Victoria: A seriously superb pub

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

For a spontaneous ‘let’s eat out’ moment, nothing is better than a good old pub- one that does good food- one that does good drink!

In Birmingham we are lucky we have a few. One that I hadn’t eaten at though is The Victoria on John Bright Street in the city centre near the Alexandra theatre. Now John Bright street is becoming a cool place. Not only does The Victoria sit comfortably there, but new Caribbean restaurant and bar Turtle Bay, Brew Dog craft beer bar, and Cherry Reds also line up in harmony on an up and coming street. A feast of good food and good drinks.

The Victoria is a theatre pub, dating back to the end of the 19 Century. It has plenty of character and according to its website its own ghost.

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Well let’s just say there are no ghosts In their food or drink when we visited on a mid week evening.

The Victoria offers quality hand picked wines, cask ales and some superb sounding cocktails. It is listed on Birmingham’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) website and for a real ale fan like myself it’s a superb place to try out new cask beers. The ‘Sleepless’ ale that I tried along with their Otley ale were superb. Both different but both superb for drinking alone or in my case with food. Both hoppy, both with a superb character. Ruth chose a couple of glasses of excellent Chenin Blanc which she enjoyed.

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The food at The Victoria has recently been taken over by Vicky’s Kitchen, with a range of authentic gourmet sourdough based pizzas (2 vegetarian options) burgers (1 option) and salads and numerous bar snacks.

The food is made fresh in house with a quality rarely seen in pubs I find. After all it’s all in the ingredients and fine dining doesn’t just mean white table cloths and linen. Vicky’s Kitchen at The Victoria certainly executes food well and it’s hearty and generous in portion size too. Good hearty pub food. Perfect!

I ordered a burger called ‘Animal Friendly’ which was a salted courgette and beetroot, carrot, toasted almonds, mixed herbs, lettuce, tomato, onion and chipotle mayo with sweet potato fries and a side of onion rings to share with Ruth.

The veggie burger was superb, served in a brioche bun, with fennel coleslaw. The flavours of the beetroot and courgette complimented each other well and gave a lovely contrasting flavour with the beautiful mayo and fennel coleslaw, which was lovely spread in the bun on the lettuce. It was one of the best burgers I have had anywhere, made more delicious by the brioche bun which was firm and fresh and didn’t fall apart and held the burger to the end. Bonus! The fries were crispy and tasted subtly of sweet potato they were ok. The onion rings were delicious, a good idea to order them as a side. They are handmade, crispy and soul foodie.

It was the burgers though we had come to taste, so the pizza will have to wait for another day:).

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At The Victoria you can’t fail to be seduced and impressed by the Victorian decor. It’s colourful and arty, with a quirky feel. It’s traditional in feel, but search deeper then you will find a twist with quirky furniture and art which is very bohemian with a wooden hand designed arty feel.

The bar staff are warm and friendly. They are very knowledgable offering advice and samples of the beer before you buy. I have been told the bar staff make superb cocktails which we will have to try out at another time. See website for details on drinks and menus.

The Victoria may be tucked away slightly, but its a memorable place to wile away a few hours or get a quick lunch. It’s a great independent, very bohemian and friendly with a young and cool crowd, a local to re visit.

With such a good food and drinks menu it would be foolish not to.

Next stop pizza and cocktails 🙂

The Victoria
48 John Bright Street
Birmingham
B1 1BN

0121 633 9439

http://www.thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk

@thevictoria

http://www.independent-Birmingham.co.uk/the-Victoria/

For entertainment and events at The Victoria see their website for details or Facebook or twitter.

You can get 20% off with the independent Birmingham card from Sunday to Thursday.

The Victoria is part of the Bitters ‘n’ Twisted venues which also include Bodega, Island Bar, the Jekyl and Hyde, and the Rose Villa Tavern.

You can obtain a loyalty card for these venues on the website of the venues. This gives you top deals on food and drinks across the six venues.

http://www.bitterstwisted.co.uk

Loki Wine Merchant and Tasting House 2nd Birthday

Posted in Bakery, Bars and Pubs, Pop up's, Soul Food Kitchen by

On the 14th June, Loki Wine Merchant and Tasting House held its 2nd Birthday party in the Great Western Arcade in Birmingham City Centre.

Loki is the most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham and is currently Decanter UK wine merchant of the year outside of London. A great achievement! 🙂

See my previous recent article on Loki wine.

The Great Western Arcade where Loki are based is a beautiful arcade and on an evening when all the shoppers have gone home for the day it is even more picturesque and special. The arcade carried a different atmosphere that captured the Loki spirit of innovation and independence perfectly.

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On arrival Ruth and I were greeted with a glass of bubbly, which helped to soak up the relaxed party atmosphere perfectly whilst we waited in another Que for our food.

I was really looking forward to the food. The food at the party was from esteemed pop up duo Clarke and Lee, (Peel and Stone) who have held food events (Soul Food Kitchen) at The Church in the Jewellery Quarter. Their food is a mixture of oriental and English fusion. On offer was a delicious veggie option and a meat option.

My veggie option was lovely. It was a mushroom dim sum type dish served in a steamed bun. It was delicious, with a tantalising soy sauce and gentle spice flavour. The only shame was that there was not more on offer. It was served in a delightful cardboard box which was very sweet.

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Afterwards we ventured inside the shop and tasting room and ordered two glasses of Loki wines superbly crisp and sparkly Prosecco (see previous review of Bistro 1847) which we love. This we took upstairs to the relaxed bar seating area, which was busy and lovely.

Throughout the atmosphere was superb, and lively with the cordial sound of people enjoying themselves with healthy chatter. We had a wonderful couple of hours.

Loki Wine is a superb gem in Birmingham City Centre, unique and happening. A real independent star in the Great Western Arcade.

Happy 2nd Birthday here’s to many more! 🙂

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We also brought some superb bread from Peel and Stone in the Jewellery Quarter which was been sold at Loki’s party. See earlier blog article.

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Loki Wine Merchant and Tasting House
36 Great Western Arcade
Great Charles Street
Queens way
Birmingham
B2 5HU

0121 212 9440

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

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

@Clarkeandlee
clarkandleegmail.com

Loki Wine Merchant and Tasting House 2nd Birthday party 14th June 2014.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Uncategorised by

Loki is nearly two years old..how time flies when you’ve drunk so much wine, or not maybe 😉

Loki is located in The Great Western Arcade near Snow Hill Station in Birmingham City Centre, in the Colmore Business District.

Loki is the most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham and is currently Decanter UK wine merchant of the year outside of London. Some Award!

To celebrate its 2nd Birthday Loki are holding a party on the 14th June between 5pm and 11pm. This event is ticketed and £7 will get you a ticket to the event plus a welcome glass of fizz and food. For £4 you will get a welcome glass of fizz and the entrance to the party (no food).

The food is from esteemed pop up duo Clarke and Lee who have done food events at The Church in The Jewellery Quarter. They are highly regarded and specialise in a mixture of Oriental and English fusion, there are veggie and meat options, the veggie ones are the stunningly named Veg Bao. The party is from 5pm-11pm annd Loki will take over the Great Western Arcade with music, dj’s, drinks promos and give aways, plus a special surprise, to be announced.

ABOUT LOKI

Loki is unique outside of London. It offers customers the experience of trying up to 24 wines by the glass at any one time, great for lunch, after work. or for a romantic date. It’s not stuffy, but really relaxed and chilled, a fun place to be. The advice they give on wines is superb, their recomendations spot on.

Not only can you taste, but you can buy from shelves full of wine bottles at outstanding value. You can buy a Loki wine tasting card which gives an opportunity to taste frequently changing selected wine of outstanding quality from the award winning range.

There is also a tasting room (very relaxing) where a sharing plate of good quality cheese (and cold meats for non veggies) can be purchased plus snacks that you can eat with your wine.

Phil who is Loki’s Director is very knowledgable, and knows his Prosecco from his Rioja. The Prosecco is lovely. I can recommend it.

Loki Wine is a superb place to visit after work, before a meal in the area, or just for a lunch time chat.

In fact Loki is goo all round, anytime of day. A real gem in Birmingham. Happy 2nd Birthday! 🙂

Loki Wine Merchant and Tasting House,

36 Great Western Arcade,

Great Charles Street,

Queeensway,

Birmingham,

B2 5HU

0121 212 9440

http://www.lokiwine.co.uk

@lokiwine

INDEPENDENT BIRMINGHAM (Believe in Birmingham)

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Bakery, Bars, Bars and Pubs, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee hour, Curry restaurants, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Moseley, pizza, Pubs, shops, Tapas, vegan by

Birmingham is thriving as a city of independent businesses. It is quite easy to believe the opposite looking around the Bull Ring and the high street. More and more independents, shops, cafe’s and restaurants are now thriving in and around the city centre.

Independent Birmingham is the flag waving movement and website of all things independent in Birmingham.

IB as it known is dedicated to unearthing the very best of Birmingham’s hidden gems and best kept secrets with the aim of encouraging people to re-discover the city we love.

The ethos of supporting businesses with a local leaning and conscience is superb in my opinion, some of the best places to go in Birmingham City Centre and its neighbourhoods are independent and offer friendliness and a uniqueness that chains don’t provide.

Independent Birmingham provide a year long membership card for £15 or two for £20.

The card provides discounts and deals in signed up shops, bars and restaurants. It is a unique pass to a sunshine of localism and top quality places that provide an experience as well as uniqueness.

Their website http://www.independent-Birmingham.co.uk provide a directory of all outlets signed up.

Independent Birmingham announce new additions to the card frequently so keep an eye open for more.

Recent additions are The Electric Cinema in the city centre who are offering IB card holders 2-4-1 tickets on standard seats form Sunday-Thursday, Rico Libre tapas in Digbeth who are offering 10% off breakfasts and tapas excluding Saturday evening, Itihaas Restaurant, 20% off Sunday-Thursday and The Coffee Lounge on Newhall Street 10% off and 20% off for afternoon tea for 2 people.

They have recently announced places such as, Vintage Hideaway, Fletchers Bar and The Sun at the Station and Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath and the Dark Horse pub, Cafephillia, and The Java Lounge in Moseley.

Plus Michelin starred restaurant Adams in the city centre, Ju Ju’s cafe by Brindley Place have joined along with the Jekyll and Hyde pub are offering 20% from Monday to Thursday off food. See website for full offers.

Keep on eye on their twitter and Facebook accounts for further details, new additions and discounts.

Others already signed up include:

Stirling’s bar and lounge, Loki wine, The Victoria bar, The Bureau, Brewsmith’s coffee and tea, 6/8 Kaffe, Cherry Reds, Alfie Birds, Rose Villa Tavern, The Church inn in the Jewellery Quarter, Urban Coffee Shop, Home is where..cafe and deli, Island Bar, Twist, The Sun on The Hill in the city centre.

For more see the website directory on
http://www.independent-Birmingham.co.uk.

Or you can sign up for the Independent Birmingham blog via their website and sign up for the card on the website too.

If anyone has any personal favourites and wants to recommend places please feel free to leave a comment below at,

Twitter @independentB’ham
Facebook independent Birmingham community
Hello@independent-Birmingham.co.uk

Or at Twitter @andydhare or on the comments section below.

Thanks for reading Veggie Foodie.

National Vegetarian Week 19-25th May 2014 and Meat Free Monday’s Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants by

A bumper week of veggie delights is on offer this week.

In case you don’t know this week 19th-25th May is National Vegetarian week. Veggie week is in its 22nd Year and was designed to promote inspirational food and the benefits of a meat free life style. http://www.nationalvegetarianweek.org

In Birmingham we have three vegetarian restaurants that serve a complete meat free menu.

Bistro 1847 is in Birmingham city centre near Snow Hill Station and serves modern, British dishes alongside cocktails, wines, spirits and beers. All menus are vegetarian. They have special set menus and a supper club that runs from time to time. See website for details.

Veg out Cafe in Kings Heath in South Birmingham serves organic vegetarian food all day, and does a super menu on Friday and Saturday evening. See previous review.

The Warehouse cafe is located in Birmingham City Centre in the Digbeth area near the Custard Factory. It is located in the Friends of the Earth building and serves fresh, organic, vegetarian and vegan dishes at affordable prices.

Also,

Moor Hall Hotel and Spa in Sutton Coldfield is doing a special 20% off all vegetarian main courses from the Oak Room and Bar menus all this week.

Meat Free Monday’s is an initiative to not eat meat for one day a week in order to make a world of difference.

The plan is to:

-Help our beautiful planet

-Be healthy and happy

-Save the pennies

-Think of the animals

Their webiste http://www.meatfreemonday’s.com have numerous recipes as well as the full ethos and is endorsed by Sir Paul McCartney amongst others.

Cafe Opus at the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham City Centre serve a meat free Monday menu only every Monday and have been doing so for numerous weeks now. It is well worth dropping by. The menu changes every week. Keep an eye on twitter and their website for details. This is a great day/night out for all vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

See my review of meat free Monday’s at Cafe Ikon coming soon.

Also Pop up Dosa will be having a special dosa fest at Ort Cafe in Balsall Heath/Moseley area on Saturday 24th May between 12-3pm. Go aloon for a good selection of veggie dosas.

Update: I have received an email from Bistro 1847 advising that there will be 50% off their a la carte menu from today, the 21st May until Saturday 24th May. You must book directly on their website http://www.bistro1847.com and show the email ‘Enjoy National vegetarian week with 50% off’ to your server.

You can subscribe for emails on their website. Hopefully you will receive this email, with the details.

If anyone knows of other special events, menus or foodie initiatives that are linked to National Vegetarian Week in Birmingham or Meat Free Monday’s please let me know or leave a comment at the bottom of the post.

Whatever, you do though have a good veggie week.

 

Bistro 1847

http://www.Bistro1847.co.uk

0121 236 2313

@Bistro1847

26 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham City Centre (opposite Snow Hill Station)

 

Veg Out Cafe

46 Poplar Road, Kings Heath Birmingham

0121 441 3802

@cafevegout

The Warehouse Cafe

@warehouse_cafe

54-57 Allison Street Birmingham B5 5TH

0121 633 0261

 

Moor Hall hotel and spa, Sutton Coldfield

0121 308 3571

http://www.moorhallhotel.co.uk