Category Archives: Bars and Pubs

The Plough Harborne reveals extension plans launching ‘Upstairs at The Plough’.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Craft beer, Harborne, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, Sunday lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 
I have to say that I was happy to receive an email from The The Plough Harborne’s PR team about their revamp in November. 

Because if you asked me where the best place to get a whisky in Birmingham is I may say The Plough, if you ask me where’s the best Vegetarian Sunday lunch (so far) then tick the Plough. The best veggie burger, maybe the Plough though not tried it yet. The best veggie pizza maybe the Plough too, especially as their redevelopment includes a pizza oven, which gives it a good start in my book. The Plough cover all basis, from coffee, brunch and dinner. 

See my review of the Veggie Sunday lunch: 

#VeggieSundayLunch: The Plough Harborne

   Veggie Sunday lunch at The Plough. 

 Okra and Sweet Potato Hash Brunch
   
Veggie Roast. 

 
  
The Plough in Harborne is set to launch ‘Upstairs at The Plough’ this November. Work has started on the £750k project which will see the popular neighbourhood pub on Harborne High Street add a new first floor extension which will be home to two new private dining and meeting rooms whilst extending its ground floor by 40 covers. 
‘Upstairs at The Plough’ will be home to two flexible private dining rooms with 30 covers combined. The rooms have been designed to accommodate meetings or conferences with both boasting wi-fi, large flat TV screens and private audio systems. The entire space can also be opened up and cater for up to 40 people standing. 

The ground floor renovations will see the arrival of a new bar dedicated to showcasing The Plough’s global selection of rare, award-winning and artisan whiskies alongside a carefully curated collection of craft beers. 

The make-over will also see the arrival of a new pizza kitchen and oven and coffee bar. 

They are also introducing a family style sharing menu in the private rooms. 

The team have re-ignited their long term partnership with interior design expert Melony Spencer of Spencer Swinden to create the new spaces which have been designed to complement The Plough’s trademark eclectic design.

Adam Johnson, Director at The Plough, said, “At The Plough we pride ourselves on the close relationships we enjoy with our regular customers and we take their feedback really seriously. The idea for ‘Upstairs at The Plough’ was born as a result of the regular requests we received to host private events whilst the additional covers and kitchen space downstairs will allow us to develop our menu and product range, enhancingThe Plough experience further. We’re also introducing a family style sharing menu in the private rooms which will further enable us to cater for growing demand. We’re really excited about the next phase in the business.” 
Launched in 2003 The Plough has built a reputation for its menu of fresh home-cooked food and its imitable design whilst clocking up awards for its Sunday lunch, coffee and interior.
The project will create 10 jobs and is set for completion in November. 
  
Plans for The Plough. 

The Plough, Harborne has been serving fresh home-cooked food and the best coffee and Sunday lunch in the neighbourhood for 11 years. Established in 2003 The Plough has undergone extensive renovation since its launch boasting a quirky and eclectic interior and an ‘outdoor lounge’ that is airy, light and unrestricted by season. With a focus on quality and provenance, ingredients are carefully sourced locally to minimise the environmental ‘tread’ of the business where possible. No stranger to accolades The Plough has been recognised for its coffee, Sunday lunch and interior – named by the Independent as ‘best coffee shop’, celebrated by The Times for the best Sunday Lunch in the region and awarded the ‘Best Restaurant / Bar Design’ at the Northern Design Awards. 

Follow The Plough story here: 

Instagram : @ploughstagram 
Twitter : @PloughHarborne 

Facebook : The Plough Harborne 

Home

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊 
   Veggie Sunday roast Lunch  

  

   

   

Japanese Whisky at The Plough. 

 
   
   
Whisky at The Plough. 

Some of the photos courtesy of The Plough Harborne. 

Review: The Rose and Crown, Warwick. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Warwick by

  

   
 
Warwick is a grand old place. It’s castle is one of the most iconic places in the county and its character filled streets have been used for numerous tv shows including Doctor Who, Pride and Prejudice and Dangerfield amongst others. At the centre of the town lies the old square, the market square. The Rose and Crown is a 17 c inn with rooms and sits looking out into a market square, and has shaped its own character within the town, blessed with some modern touches it also has rooms and on the Saturday we visited was holding court to a pop up bar and the popular folk festival. Now I’m no Billy Bragg but I like a drop of folk and enjoy the musical notes of real ale. 

http://www.roseandcrownwarwick.co.uk/

Warwick lies 11miles from Coventry and a shortish train journey from Birmingham. It’s a place that Ruth and I have enjoyed before, though our castle visit a couple of years ago was scarred by severe rain and a drenching was had. Warwick has a number of small shops, antiques, cafes, restaurants, and a good independent streak. A nice place to visit at any time of the year. 

We had been invited on this occasion by Peach Pubs  (an independent pub company who also own The Highfield in Birmingham) to try out some of their vegetarian options. Having booked in for a Saturday lunchtime, we realised that our visit coincided with the Warwick Folk Featival which in itself created a nice musical atmosphere, (with live music and Morris dancers) and made Warwick very busy, and yes it was sunny.  

I was pleased to find an outside bar near the doorway of the inn from Church Farm Brewery an independent family run craft micro brewery in Budbrooke, Warwickshire. I  enjoyed their IPA which is brewed with citra and Crystal hops and was a nice easy drinking beer with a good full flavour, ideal for summer. 

  
Church Farm Brewery IPA at The Rose and Crown.

    

Certainly on walking inside you don’t get a feeling that The Rose and Crown is part of a small chain, as internally it differs to The Highfield. The inn has recently been refurbished and presents a light, clean lined, but traditional decor which is instantly inviting and relaxing. The inn does have a bar area and outside tables, though on this occasion with the festival, tables were taken. The restaurant part is to the rear. 

   
    
 

  

So to lunch. 

The Rose and Crown prides itself on its seasonal menu, with the freshest ingredients mixing classic, comfort and contemporary dishes. They have a select few vegetarian dishes which look good on the menu but could benefit from having a few more options. 

To begin I decided to try their ‘Soup of the day’ off their changing specials board, which was pea, mint, creme fraiche and for my main The Veggie Board, which I’ve been meaning to try for awhile. 

  
   
 
Pea, mint and creme fraiche soup with croutons. 

The Pea, Mint and Creme Fraiche soup was a thing of beauty. It had a warming, summery gaze, that with the added croutons was balanced and a happy starter. The seasonal flavour of the peas came through. A Faultless soup. It also looked stunning and indulgent. 

   
    
 

The Veggie Board consisted of stuffed artichoke hearts, and pesto Mayo, Heritage Tomatoes, salad, goats curd, spicy Hummous, and radishes with toasted pitta, and seeded straws. 

It was a simple looking dish, plentiful and packed with good Summery flavours.  I liked the seasonal crunchy radishes, and juicy firm heritage tomatoes. As well as the stuffed artichokes which were good to see on the board, (not often found on menus) and the presentation was inviting. 

The spicy Hummus and pesto Mayo (I didn’t really enjoy the goats curd too much) added a good dipping element with the crunchy and well made seeded straws and toasted pitta. A good board. 
The Veggie Board may not be an exotic or innovative dish but it’s summery and delightful for lunch. Its not too heavy and idle for grazing with a pint, maybe outside. It’s the ingredients that make the board work, I’m not sure it would work so well in the Winter for example  when the produce is not so fine, but it all depends on what’s put on the plate and makes up the board.
   
 

For desert I was happy to choose the Dip Your Own Strawberries which is a seasonal special I wrote about a few weeks ago. 

If any menu has strawberries on it in the summer I have to try it. It’s one of life’s foodie pleasures and reminds me of my childhood and strawberry picking. 

See here: http://t.co/A5sCOBVyqR

   
Photo courtesy of Peach Pubs. The Rose and Crown

   
The locally grown Dip Your Own Strawberries were presented on a board, with details of where they were picked (Staffordshire) and with each of the elements, strawberries, Valrhona  melted chocolate sauce and chantilly  cream I their own pot. With shortbread biscuits on the side for dipping. 

 The idea is that the strawberries and biscuits are dipped into the chocolate and cream, much like a clottedcream tea, maybe. 

The desert wasn’t too heavy. The strawberries, juicy, red, sweet in flavour. The chocolate velvety, thick and rich. The cream unctuous, sweet and thick. What’s not to like.

The shortbread though we’re disappointing. They were soft, not crumbly and a little wet at the base. Though homemade and looking the part they didn’t deliver the contrast the desert required. 

The dish worked in parts. It was fun, the ingredients were good but maybe the dipping could have done with a optional cocktail stick to assist the dipping. Maybe the flag could be used for that purpose. 

An intriguing English garden desert. 

  
The food at The Rose and Crown was excellent, the dishes I had were varied and fulfilling. The added bonus is the seasonality of the ingredients and the presentation which is thoughtful and well done. The menu is varied though I would like a few more (maybe one or two) additional Vegetarian dishes on there. The service was excellent throughout. Friendly and attentive and  I could tell passionate about the dishes. 

For Vegetarians The Rose and Crown is a good place to eat. The inn has good ales, wines and has a nice relaxed decor that feels authentically a country pub in a busy pretty town. 

It works on many levels. It was a charming and enjoyable lunch experience and as Billy Bragg sang ‘there is power in a union’ of beer and the freshest food. 

Serve the good stuff. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Thanks to Giles and his team for a good lunch and having us. 

Disclosure: Our food and drinks were complimentary. My views are my own and honest as I found the experience on the day. 

Click to access Rose-Crown-Summer-2015-ALLDAY-Menu-NEW.pdf

http://www.roseandcrownwarwick.co.uk/

 He’s not a folk musician? 

    
 

  
   

The Yard (an indoor, outdoor kind of space for dining and events. 

Meat Free Monday’s: The Vegan Grindhouse at The Mockingbird in Digbeth Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Craft beer, Digbeth, Events, healthy, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie, Veggie foodie brunch breakfasts by

       
 

Monday’s will never be the same if you are a Vegan or Veggie in Birmingham. 

The news is that esteemed and popular Vegan Street food traders The Vegan Grindhouse are taking over The Mockingbird at The Custard Factories kitchen all day on a Monday from August 10th for the rest of this year for a Meat-Free Monday’s special.

  

BIRMINGHAM INDEPENDENT VENUE AND POPULAR VEGAN STREET FOOD COMPANY TEAM UP FOR MEAT FREE MONDAYS STARTING MONDAY 10TH AUGUST.

The teams behind the successful Mockingbird Theatre, Bistro & Bar and Midlands based vegan street-food company The Vegan Grindhouse have collaborated to host a new destination event every Monday in Digbeth, Birmingham.

The event, The Vegan Grindhouse presents Meat Free Monday’s at The Mockingbird which is taking place every Monday from 10th August at Mockinbird Theatre Bistro and Bar, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, B9 4AA. 

The Vegan Grindhouse chefs will be serving up an all-vegan Americana style brunch menu from 11am-2pm, featuring waffles, scrambled tofu, granola, BLT and bagels. 

Then every Monday evening from 5-9pm there will be a new menu featuring food from different regions of the USA, such as burritos, Philly cheesesteaks, meatball marinara subs, mac’n’cheese and all American sides and desserts. There will be gluten free options available on each menu also. 

In addition to the food, Meat Free Mondays will also feature free film screenings in the theatre, music and a range of vegan beers, soft drinks and plant-based milks for coffees and teas.

Lisa Burbidge-Brown, Co-owner of The Vegan Grindhouse said “We are so excited to take on this weekly residency at The Mockingbird. To give people a fully vegan restaurant menu every Monday is a great way to promote the Meat Free Monday message of reducing or eliminating their meat and dairy intake due to health, environmental or ethical reasons and this is a great opportunity for people to try exciting new vegan food and see why going meat free is a viable alternative diet and lifestyle.”

The Vegan Grindhouse by Vegan Vox travels around the wider Midlands area to markets, festivals and street-food events to bring their high-end Americana handmade organic vegan food to a wide range of customers. 

They have traded across the UK including Birmingham, Warwickshire, Blackpool, Manchester, Wales and London since starting the business in April 2014 and have many more events booked throughout this year working with some of the big names in Street Food events.

The Vegan Grindhouse is a small independent all-vegan mobile catering company from the West Midlands, who produce organic, fair trade, cruelty-free tasty vegan Americana street-food and treats.

The Dinner menu will change each week and will be announced prior to the Monday. 

Contact the venue for reservations or just turn up on the day/night. 
So introduce non vegans and veggies to a meat free meal with new dishes not served up by The Vegan Grindhouse on their truck. 

http://www.thevegangrindhouse.co.uk/2015/08/exciting-announcement-meat-free-mondays.html?m=1

The Mockingbird, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 YAA. 

   
 

  
Dinner menu for The Vegan Grindhouse Meat Free Mondays. 

Dip into Summer with the best British Strawberries at The Highfield Birmingham. 

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

   
   
One of my loveliest childhood memories is the one of going strawberry picking with my family, and enjoying the sweetest taste of freshly picked produce (sometimes eating too many) and the thrill of then (much later) eating my Grandmas strawberry jam, with some of the abundant produce. 

I’ve always loved strawberries in Summer and along with the Asparagus season it’s my favourite foodie time. 

If there is any dish that includes British strawberries on the menu in a restaurant i’m always tempted by it. 

So I was pleased to hear that The Highfield in Edgbaston has introduced a new desert for Summer, well up to the end of July. 

According to them: 

 ‘To celebrate the start of summer the chefs at The High Field in Edgbaston have been on the hunt for the perfect British strawberry – deliciously sweet and full of flavour, blushingly red and juicy, with a perfect heart shape. And so that everyone can make the most of this superb summer produce, they have come up with a special way of serving it – Dip Your Own Strawberries.

 Their quest for the best British berry took them deep into the heart of rural Staffordshire to Lower Ruele Farm, where they met grower Charles Kidson and asked him what makes the best strawberry. Here they discovered that it’s all down to the variety, and how the plants are nurtured, that produces the pick of the crop.

 “Walking into the poly tunnels we were met with a blaze of colour from the pops of red dotted along as far as the eye could see,” says The High Field head chef Dean Jeffers. “We were just as struck by the way the strawberries are grown along rows of narrow table tops where the tender young fruits can gently ripen in the warm air before being picked from their delicate green stalks. Harvesting is done over several days, when each berry is deemed to be perfectly ripe, sweet and ready to eat.

 “Unable to resist popping one of the beautiful berries into our mouths, we discovered that it is nature, as well as nurture, that plays a part in growing the finest fruit. Only Driscoll’s Amesti strawberries are grown here, a modern breed chosen because of the intensity of flavour, colour and shape of the strawberries it yields. Runners are produced in Holland from the high quality plant tips and lovingly tended here on the farm in ideal strawberry growing conditions. The result is simply the perfect strawberry,” he says.

 After picking the perfect strawberries, the chefs went one better to bring the best of British summer to the pub, creating an irresistible dessert of Dip Your Own Strawberries. 

 Into one big pot goes a generous helping of large, juicy red strawberries; into another, a glug of gorgeous, velvety Valrhona chocolate sauce and one final pot a dollop of sweet Chantilly cream. The whole lot goes onto a board ready for you to dip yourself, with a pile of crumbly shortbread biscuits that are the perfect partner to the luscious fruit and dips.

 “The best British strawberries we could find, rich chocolate sauce and unctuous cream with the crunch of biscuits on the side are the perfect ingredients for the perfect dish,” says Dean. “It’s the best of British all in one place, and the best summer dish. It’s simply delicious. But as with all good things, it won’t be around for long so catch it while you can!”

 Dip Your Own Strawberries are being served at The High Field in Edgbaston from now until the end of July, priced £5.75. 

 To book a table, please go to http://www.highfieldedgbaston.co.uk

 The High Field is at 22 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, B15 3DP. Tel: 0121 227 7068. Highfield@peachpubs.com 

 To find out more about how the perfect strawberry is grown, please go to http://www.peachpubs.com/blog/10-things-know-driscolls-amesti-strawberry-lower-ruele-farm/

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

 

 

 

 

New Meat free Monday’s at The Church and Peel and Stone Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Food, healthy, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

From Monday 1st June Soul Food Kitchen have launched their very own Meat Free Monday. 

 Across both Soul Food Project sites The Church in the Jewellery Quarter and Peel and Stone there will be special offers on a selection of our Vegetarian and Vegan food offerings!

At The Church they’re offering 50% off all vegetarian and vegan main meals (excluding the Shia NoBeouf)

At Peel and Stone bakery you will get a free selected cake with any selected vegetarian or vegan sandwich. 

The bakery will also put emphasis on using less meat on a Monday in general too.

Showcasing how great food is without relying on the meat!

For details keep an eye on both Twitter and facebook accounts and websites. 

I’m sure to making a journey down to them soon to check them out. 

  
Blueberry & Goats Cheese Salad available at The Church.

Photography by Jack Adams.

http://www.churchjq.co.uk/

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

https://mobile.twitter.com/churchjq

https://mobile.twitter.com/peelandstone

For details on Meat Free Monday see below: 

https://mobile.twitter.com/meatfreemonday

http://www.meatfreemondays.com/recipes/

The Church, 22 Great Hampton Street, JQ, Birmingham, B18 6AQ. 

Peel and Stone, 33 Water Street, Birmingham B3 1HL. 

Pika Pika Pop up: Cherry Reds Kings Heath. 8th June. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Craft beer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pop up's, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

    

One of the best pop ups to attend In Birmingham for Vegetarians is at intimate Cherry Reds in Kings Heath. 

Pika Pika ( a catering group specialising in home cooked traditional Japanese food) will be in their monthly residence again on Monday 8th June. 

On the menu this month: 

Pika Pika are going to collaborate with Ramen JUNKO. 

  

Not necessarily veggie version of ramen noodle soup😊

According to Pika Pika,  Ramen JUNKO was formed by a Japanese couple based in Birmingham, they produce 100% homemade ramen noodle from the soup base to char shu pork and even handmake their own fresh noodles. 

There are many different styles of ramen noodle soup in Japan, but Pika Pika are going to serve the  Sho-yu Ramen (soya sauce soup base). Sho-yu soup base is one of the most traditional and popular soup bases for ramen in Japan. It is a clear brown broth with plenty of soya sauce added and cooked for at least half day, resulting in a soup that is tangy, salty, and savoury yet still fairly light on the palate. 

Ramen JUNKO has specially worked very hard on the Vegetarian version of Sho-yu soup. It has a very complex flavour clear brown vegetarian broth made with Konbu and mixed vegetable, cooked with soya sauce for a very long time, it is full of Umami.

All the Ramen are served with 100% homemade medium thick noodles, we made our noodles with some special water called Kansui water from Japan, which is the distinguishing ingredient in ramen noodles, it leads the noodles a yellowish hue as well as a firm texture.

What is Ramen JUNKO? 

http://wearepikapika.tumblr.com/post/120448036406/what-is-ramen-junko

Menu For Vegetarians: 

Vegetable Sho-yu Ramen £10
Home made medium thick noodles served in a complex vegetable soup, topped with seasoned boiled egg, bamboo shoots, beansprouts, spring onion, kikurage mushrooms, fried veggies with sesame oil and seaweed.

Additionally you can choose the following small dishes to accompany your Ramen. 

Onigiri £2.50

Rice balls with Nori seaweed and Takuan (Japanese pickle) x 2.

Boiled rice. 

It’s sounds a truly authentic experience, 100% Japanese Ramen Noodles are serving in Kings Heath! 

Reserve your table now, call 0121 441 3155. 

Pika Pika are not serving their ramen as a takeaway this month. 

They start serving from 6pm, little people are welcome. 

   

   

Last month Ruth and I attended the Pika Pika pop up. Cherry Reds is an intimate venue but carries pop ups really well. The space seems made for the low key, intriguing food that Pika Pika provide. 

Ruth and I shared a small dish between us: it had four pieces so was easy to share and made a good appetiser. 

The Vegetarian Makizushi was a Japanese rice roll with sweet potato, egg omelette, spinach, avocado, Takuan (Japanese pickles) and Mayo wrapped in Nori. 

The flavours were subtle, which made for good bite size pieces and had sweet but slightly spicy kick that were delightfully delicious. I could have eaten more. 

For the main course I ate the vegetarian kitsune-Don, 

Donburi means bowl abbreviated as ‘Don’ which is a traditional Japanese rice dish served in a big bowl with topped vegetables, boiled rice. 

The dish was a portion of boiled rice topped with deep fried bean curd and scrambled egg sauce with onion sprinkle, finely sliced spring onion and served with Takuan and spaghetti salad. 

It was a lovely dish, again a good spicy punch but without the hit of a fire. The flavours of egg, and the fried bean curd made for a contrasting textures and I enjoyed the spaghetti salad which gave it an extra dimension a lovely vegetarian dish. 

Pika Pika provide thoughtful vegetarian variations on the main menu. Beautifully made and washed down with the delightful Cherry reds craft beer selection it makes for a good value evening in a delightfully friendly and relaxed space. It’s like home from home with the best Japanese food. 

There were also 3 other vegetarian small dishes, so offering plenty of choice on the night. 

Pika Pika are at Cherry Reds in Kings Heath on the second Monday of the month from 6pm. 

   
     

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

We paid for our own meal. My opinions are honest as always, I wasn’t requested to write any post I just wanted to. 

For my previous review of Pika Pika from 2014 see here: 

Pika Pika Pop up @Cherry Reds Kings Heath

@wearepikapika 

Bar Opus: Snow Hill, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Craft beer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

    Bar Opus is the youngest sister in the Opus family that includes Opus on Cornwall Street and Cafe Opus at the Ikon Gallery. 

The other week Ruth and I were invited by Anne Tonks of Opus along to try out some of their vegetarian options. 

Bar Opus is at No’ 1 Snowhill in Birmingham City Centre, a new complex behind Snow Hill Station that is next to the new Midland Metro team line which should be complete shortly. It has a nice terrace that is primed for Summer and its reincarnation into something more uber cool in the forthcoming months, imagine those long cocktails, bar snacks and lazy afternoons. It’s a sun trap in the day and a lunch time favourite. 

In fact Bar Opus is very continental with its open kitchen and smart decor. Inside its modern, stylish, and has slick lines, in its simple design. It has cosmopolitan floor to ceiling windows, and is filled with thoughtful touches like its internal Parisian like clock face, and it’s well lit interior. With a mix of bar stool seating and low bearing tables it lends itself equally to drinking and eating. 

The menu a mixture of bar snacks/plates  to eat with those delicious handcrafted cocktails or quality wines or as a starter. 

Bar Opus has an extensive Breakfast and all day menu and more substantial dishes for lunch time indulgence. The sharing bar plates are varied and with good vegetarian options is one of the best places for informal veggie dining in the city. 

   

     
The Opus family of restaurants have a real skill in making simple ingredients and dishes taste well above the average, and it’s in their ingredient led principles where the flavours begin. The produce though is only half the story, it still has to be cooked and created into an irresistible dish which Bar Opus do well, simplicity in itself. 

For example our Asparagus, and Hollandaise from their specials menu was cooked perfectly, the dish sang and I feel may not be beaten this Asparagus season, it had a beauty of flavour, creamy, every element cooked perfectly, a real delight. Simple but hard to do in the wrong hands.

   
 

To follow I tried the homemade flatbread with daily vegetarian special. The flatbread, again perfectly indulgent, not over cooked, light, fluffy, with a delicious red onion jam which gave a punch to the dish and combined with feta worked perfectly. Plus, in its generous size makes a good starter alone or generous sharing plate to tear between friends.

To finish our meal I ate the Shashouka Hash, a very popular dish on their all day menu, and one that makes a lovely brunch or lunch dish too. Wilted Greens, rich vine tomato compote, potato cake, and fried egg. The fresh ingredients again shine through, the egg perfectly runny, the tomatoes full of flavour, lifted the dish from heaven to the space that surely must be above that in the veggie foodie world. Warming potatoes and the wilted buttery greens, completed the dish, which I think is a vegetarian must when visiting Bar Opus to eat. Again a simple dish brought to ex halted heights due to the quality of ingredients and the quality of the cooking. 

   
   

The Shashouka Hash

  
 

The vegetarian Flatbread. 

Yet, Bar Opus isn’t just about the food, but also the cocktails and a fantastic wine list. 

I tried on the night a beautiful Smoked Negroni. Now a negroni always reminds me of Italy. Lazy evenings in Florence, Rome or Venice. Though I’d never had a smoked variety which came to the table theatrically smoking and yes winking at me. It was delicious, part gin, part vermouth, and then Campari. I think Bar Opus make the best Negroni in the city and if like me you love this drink, then try it here. It’s an aperitif, and a classic. 

Ruth and I also loved the glasses of Pinot Gris we had with our food. From New Zealand, Dr Renwick, it was light, and complimented the informality of the food perfectly. Lovely. 

Bar Opus also have a good selection of beers, craft ales and real ale. 

The service throughout was excellent, and was warm, attentive and consistent throughout. 

   
     

Bar Opus is a smartly appointed bar with trendy background music and at times an office like clientele, but don’t let that put you off. 

It’s sophistication is in doing the simple things well. A mixologist that knows a cocktail from, well, a cocktail. A chef that knows how to get the best out of well sourced seasonal ingredients and creates delicious simple dishes that  make you feel hungry even though you may not be. So be tempted. 

Though the cocktails are the pull, the ace on top the pack of cards is the food, a thoughtful concept, and a gentle buzz, a European bar after work, but please don’t tell David Cameron because he may close it down, European Moir…for vegetarians its up their with the best Birmingham can offer, good dishes made well, decent choice, well made, sound drinks. 

And with the Summer approaching a place to chill outside and take in the sun, hopefully. 

Bar Opus is an all day venue that you may not leave, I like it, so do others, it’s the city bar redefined. 

Now where are my Euros. 

Bar Opus, One SnowHill, Birmingham, B4 6GH. 

0121-289-3939

http://baropus.co.uk/

http://baropus.co.uk/eating/

My previous review of Bar Opus. 

https://vegiefoodie.com/2014/11/07/bar-opus-launch-for-breakfast-lunch-and-after-5pm-fun/

@baropus: Twitter

We were invited to Bar Opus to review some of their vegetarian dishes. Our food was complimentary, but we paid for our own drinks. My review is independent of the invite and is honest and carries my own opinions as always. 

Thanks to Ann for the invite and Sam and Gail for their service and passion for their menus. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Twitter: @andydhare

   
 

Colmore Food Festival: Friday 3rd July and Saturday 4th July. Birmingham City Centre. 

Posted in Bakery, Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, City Centre, Cocktails, Coffee, Craft beer, Curry restaurants, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pubs, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

    

The fifth annual Colmore Food Festival is back in July and will showcase the superb food and drink offering in Birmingham’s business quarter, Colmore Business District (CBD).

25 venues, the majority of which are independent businesses, will be serving taster options priced at just £3 in Birmingham’s Victoria Square on Friday 3rd July and Saturday 4th July  11am-19.00 and is free of charge. 

This year sees three new independent CBD venues taking part in the festival, as well as the return of some of the district’s finest eating and drinking establishments, where visitors can sample an array of mouth-watering internationally inspired cuisines as well as traditional British options including many Vegetarian choices. Alongside the varied food offering will be artisan coffees, real ales, champagne and delicious cocktails. 

There will be a programme of live cooking demonstrations from top chefs in the District, as well as live jazz music, outdoor theatre, and other entertainment during the festival’s two day run. 

Confirmed participants: 

All Bar One, Ashas, Bar Opus, Chung Ying Central, Costa Coffee, Edmunds Bar, Edwardian Tea Rooms, Hindley’s Bakery, Hotel Du Vin, JoJolapa, Metro Bar and Grill, Old Joint Stock, Opus at Cornwall Street, Pure Bar and Kitchen, Purnell’s, Purnell’s Bisro and Ginger’s Bar, Refreshments by Centenary Lounge, The Bureau, The Old Contemptibles, The Square Peg, The Wellington Real ale, Urban Coffee Company, Nosh and Quaff, Yorks Bakery Cafe. 

For further information visit: 

http://colmorebusinessdistrict.com/

The Colmore Food Festival is always one of my favourite festivals of the year, it’s good fun and with good vegetarian food options on offer, plus a lively atmosphere it is a good family day out. Look out for further updates on Veggie Foodie as I have them plus more details on the vegetarian food options. 

Keep fingers crossed for a weekend of sunshine. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy😊

Note the first two pictures are courtesy of Clive Reeves PR team who brought the event to my attention. 


#Veggiesundayroast: The Highfield, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Craft beer, Edgbaston, Gin, Real ale, Sunday lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

    

The Highfield resides in a striking 1920’s Art Deco property. It’s classic white villa sits poshly in leafy Edgbaston looking inviting, cool and content in its new venture. 

The Highfield is now a gastro pub and restaurant rolled into one. With a lovely garden and two terraces it makes for a space to lounge in and take in those rays. This was the second time I’d visited, the time before pre Christmas for their Christmas menu (see here http://t.co/PM0y53KO5l ) and  I’ve always fancied Sunday Lunch there. It can be the best meal of the week, yes even for veggies. 

On a Sunday they serve a Sunday roast alongside a full alternative menu, dependent on your appetites. It’s good value at £11.50 for the vegetarian variety. The meat options slightly more. 

Sitting opposite Simpsons Restaurant and The Edgbaston bar and boutique hotel, The Highfield White and bright from the outside offers much the same inside. It has an inviting luxurious charm on entering. The bar area is often buzzing, though on a Sunday lunchtime was quieter and yes bar tables were free. 

  
I was visiting with Ruth, my parents and my uncle, on my recommendation, so the pressure was on 😊

We began in the bar with the compulsory (in my world) local  Langley’s No’ 8 Gin. This time with tonic, no junipers or cocktails today. Though recommended.

  
The lovely up front flavour of the gin, classic, perfectly balanced, with a robust flavour and smooth. A lovely gin, made not far away from The Highfield. A good start. 

So into the restaurant. The decor is contemporary, chic in a good way, with comfortable sofas and a light spacious feel about it. It’s a glorious eating space, so much natural light especially on a sunny day. Roll on Summer. 

   
 

I ordered for my starter the healthy sounding and vegan warm superfood salad of salt baked beetroot, lentils, and baby spinach, beetroot and thyme dressing. First of all its a feast for the eyes, bright and colourful. It was lovely, more filling than I initially thought, with contrasting beetroot favours and warning lentils against a crisp lettuce. It felt wholesome, interesting and easy on the eye. 

Ruth and my parents chose the vegetarian soup of the day. Warming tomato flavours with good croutons. It went down well. 

  
The veggie Sunday roast option was a Veggie nut roast Wellington, with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, celeriac and parsnip purée, Yorkshire pudding and veggie gravy. 

   

   
We also ordered a side of Cauliflower cheese

   

 

The nut roast Wellington was excellent. It had a good combination of mixed nuts, was moist and not over cooked in any way. It was a large portion and with the vegetables and yorkshire proved to be a filling roast. I liked the flavours, it felt home made and it showed an understanding of how a veggie roast can work when done well. 

We all felt that it would have been better had the vegetables been not so green (mangetout, and Broccoli) and had a contrasting colour in the bowl, maybe carrots or squash. But they were cooked well all the same. 

The Cauliflower cheese was lovely, a good cheesy flavour and cooked well. It Made for a contrasting colour on the plate. 

The roasties were very good, a proper job as were the Yorkshire puddings. 

   
 

For desert I did order the sticky toffee pudding, but it was probably the worst I ever had. Dry, overlooked, zero sauce. Inediable. The Highfield did kindly deduct the price from the bill after I explained. 

The Highfield’s veggie roast was very enjoyable.

The service was good throughout, friendly and mostly attentive, it didn’t feel rushed. The dining room is a lovely light space for daytime eating, with a garden view. This is certainly a plus when deciding upon a Sunday roast venue. For vegetarians it’s a good place to eat. The veggie roast is well made, filling and delicious. 

The Highfirld is an elegant and restrained dining venue but without any pretension. 

The Sunday roast is good value and with the quality seasonal ingredients used is ‘full of the good stuff’. 

Food is served all day from 8am-11pm. 

  
We paid for own meal. All opinions are my own and honest as always. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

The Highfield, 22 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3DP. 

0121-227-7068.

http://www.highfieldedgbaston.co.uk/
The sample menu: 

http://www.highfieldedgbaston.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/SAMPLE-SUNDAY-BEST.pdf
  
   
   

  Photo courtesy of The Highfield.