Category Archives: Cafés and Restaurants

Vegetarian Dinner with Worcester Produce @ Opus Cornwall Street, Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Events, Farm producers, Fruit and Veg, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

Direct from the source, are words that we hear often when it comes to our food. The question, do you know where your food comes from? as an (attempting) grower of vegetables it is close to my veggie heart. It is something we should all care about. 

Last week I put a post on this blog regarding the new Birmingham Food Assembly in Kings Heath that has just launched. Where producers and customers can meet and where fresh produce can be picked up after ordering online. You know the source, you trust the grower. 

Opus on Cornwall Street follow that ethos. They know where their veg, potatoes, fish, meat, herbs etc come from. They have met the farmers, seen the farms, been involved with the process of ground to fork or spoon. 

Fruit, salad and vegetables are grown in nurseries of Worcester Produce  across the Vale of Evesham (Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire) and were picked on day one and were with Opus on day two. The produce is nurtured by local farmers for nearly a year. 

From Pershore Worcester Produce work exclusively with local growers to provide the best food. Grown with pride and nurtured by local farmers the sourcing supports the local community and is lovely to eat. 

The source dinner series of events that Opus at Cornwall Street run is a chance for diners to meet their suppliers and hear their compelling stories. Opus have a mission to promote their farmers, fisherman and wine makers, hence the Source Vegetarian Dinner with Worcester Produce. 

  

Opus celebrates the freshest of ingredients, independent and market fresh top quality produce allows the ingredients to dictate the menu and allows Opus to buy each day from their suppliers. 

The Vegetarian Source dinner is a five course meal with wine (cost £50) with an Aperitif at the begining and coffee at the end. It is a chance to hear the compelling stories of how the food is grown, which for me is so fascinating and an inspiration for my humble but improving growing abilities. 
  
  

  

Menu and paired wines. 
   Fresh bread to start. 

Ruth and I began with an Aperitif in  the bar (a crisp Prosecco di Valdobbiadene from Trvisol, Italy) which allowed the guests to gather and the atmosphere to build. 

Opus is a stylish restaurant, it has a fine dining tone with an informal bistro like quality. It’s a place for an occasion. The Source dinners are certainly a celebration. 

    

First Course : 

Westland baby sweet peppers Avocado, almond, quail egg, nasturtium. 

Baby peppers are unusual and are not for the mass market sadly. They Made a beautifully sweet dish with a fine quail egg on the side. A nice starter. 

Served with ‘No Stone Unturned, Senillion/ Chardonnay, 2014, Australia. 

  

  
Second Course: 

Burnt English onion consommé Spring onion and goats curd 

A rich flavoured clear soup, with a beautiful stock made from the burnt onion from Redford in Nottinghamshire. A classic, given a veggie twist. A refined dish made delicate by the goats curd which worked well with the depth of flavour in the clarified stock. Delicious. 

Served with Domaine de Bellevue, Sauvignon Blanc, 2014, France. 

  

Delicate Ingredients before the soupy liquid was poured over. 

  
  

Third Course: 

Salt Baked Offenham celeriac, Summer truffle and oat granola. 

The most surprising dish of the night. Surprising in the fact that it was beautiful. A simple looking dish packing loads of flavour. The salty celeriac combined with the earthy truffles. With the breakfast like granola providing a crunch and bite on the side. Very impressive. 

Served with the same wine as above. 

  
  

Fourth Course: 

‘Beet’ Bourgignon, Fennel, maitake mushroom and home dried Drews Farm tomato ravioli. 

Take golden and purple beetroot from Evesham Vale and present it with a perfectly made ravioli with delicate and inviting flavours of fresh summer tomatoes. A celebratory Summery dish. Vegetarians are a mushrooms best friend.

Served with ‘Domaine de Bertier, Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014, France. 

  

Fifth Course: desert. 

Evesham Vale courgette cake, Dorset cream cheese, Crushed hazelnuts, Worcestershire carrot and lime sorbet. 

Crushed hazelnuts with the well baked courgette cake, a really enjoyable end to the meal. The sorbet was beautiful. 

Wine, see above. 

    

The Vegetarian Source Dinner at Opus Cornwall Street is one of the Vegetarian food highlights of the year. For both Ruth and I its a must do every year. It’s a friendly, formal, but celebratory experience. Think a wedding where the happy couple are the vegetables and Opus Restaurant. 

The dishes, were thoughtful, creative and celebrated the freshest produce. Most of the diners were non vegetarians which may be surprising, but maybe not when you can see what good Produce can help create. Just, lovely food, made and grown with passion, pride and a sense of adventure. The celebration of veg, herbs and edible flowers, luxurious, harmonious and in Opus’ hands, modern, Engaging, a family ‘wedding.’

Every source does have a story. 
    
  

  

Disclosure: we paid for our meal in full. All opinions are my own. No review was requested. But who could resist. 

Opus at Cornwall Street, 54 Cornwall Street, Birmingham, B2 2DE. 

0121-200-2323.

http://www.opusrestaurant.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/OpusCornwallSt?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://twitter.com/worc_prod

http://www.worcesterproduce.co.uk/

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Good Food guide 2016 announces Cafe Opus as a Birmingham’s ‘local gem’. 

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Bars, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Craft beer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

  
Cafe Opus at Ikon has been named Birmingham’s ‘local gem’ by The Good Food Guide 2016 a superb achievement for the Ikon Gallery based cafe. 

The contemporary cafe was given the seal of approval by The Good Food Guide 2016 earlier this month (Friday 4th September), stating that the food was “fabulous and excellent value for money” whilst the setting was “the ideal opportunity to watch the world go by”. 

The Good Food Guide, which was set up in 1951, reviews restaurants, pubs and cafes across the UK, to highlight the best eating establishments in Britain. Reviews are compiled by feedback sent in from readers, as well as anonymous inspections to ensure every entry is assessed afresh. It does not accept advertising so readers can be rest assured that every review is authentic and honest. 

Irene Allan, director at Cafe Opus, said: “We opened our local gem two years ago on the ground floor of the magnificent Ikon gallery and to have this accolade from the UK’s best food guide is fantastic news. The fact that these entries are based on anonymous inspections is an even greater achievement, and is proof of the commitment and passion of our manager Greg, chef Zack and the team to provide quality and value to our customers. We are very proud.”

The entry is not the first time Cafe Opus has received attention from top food guides, as it was recently described as “one of the country’s top 18 venues for al fresco dining” by Stylist magazine and one of the “top 10 inspirational indies to eat for well under £10” by The Guardian Travel Guide 2015. 

   
    
 
Opus at Cornwall Street, the flagship restaurant of the Opus family, was also entered into the food guide and received high praise for its “vibrant modern British dishes based on fresh, seasonal produce, delivered by confident staff”. 

I’ve enjoyed numerous good meals and drinks at Cafe Opus, and the terrace is certainly one of the best outdoor eating and drinking areas in Birmingham. 

For my most recent review, see here: http://t.co/he503QGrWu

For more information on Cafe Opus at Ikon, please visit:
http://www.cafeopus.co.uk/

  
Manager Gregg and chef Zac. 

Photo courtesy of Clive James PR. 

   
   
   
 
Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

All other photos are my own. 

Leon is bound for Grand Central Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Coffee, Coffee Time, Food, vegan, vegetarian, Vegetarian takeaways, Veggie foodie by

  

  

  

  

Now food should taste good, and do you good. 

Well that’s the ethos of Leon the “naturally fast food” restaurant that has been a major success since its Carnaby Street opening, in 2004, will open up a new restaurant in Birmingham New Street Station. 

Leon has further London branches including Ludgate Circus, Spitalfields, The Strand, Regent Street, Cannon Street and Bankside. 

Owner John Vincent sees the Birmingham restaurant as a flagship  site. He founded the restaurant with chef Allegra McEvedy and Henry Dimbleby, the once Governments advisor on school meals. It is named after Mr Vincent’s father. 

The restaurant are most famous for their takeaway boxed meals. 

http://leonrestaurants.co.uk/menu/all-day/

  
For Vegetarians and Vegans Leon has often been cited by those in the know, as been one of our best foodie friends with numerous options on their menu. 

Expect to see Vegetarian and Vegan options such as: 

Hot boxes: Sweet Potato falafel served with Italian brown rice and fresh slaw,  

Lean Gobi-cauliflower and potato curry with rice. (Vegan) 

Wrap: Grilled Halloumi with fresh leaves, pink cabbage, slices of pickle, tomato, parsley and mint and sweet chilli jam. 

Salad: Original superfood- Broccoli, peas, avocado, cucumber, quinoa, feta, parsley and mint, toasted seeds and pot of vinaigrette. 

Vegan Superclean Quinoa Salad, 

Shredded Kale and peanut.

poached egg pots and saucy beans, 

Porridge, cinnamon and banana. 

Sides: 

Leon baked fries. (Vegan) 

Hummous (Vegan) 

Crushed Pea salad (Vegan) 

Click to access 14.PAPER_MENU_2015_SUMMER_MAY.pdf

Leon have also announced some new autumn dishes such as:

Roasted Cauliflower and Courgette salad, and roasted Aubegine pot side.

Plus Better Burgers after 5. 

Veggie is Grilled Halloumi burger. 

  
The award winning food menu looks very tempting and from what I’ve read, the dishes are popular and well liked, so all I have to say is bring it on. 

Leon also serves teas and organic, fair trade coffee daily. 

Leon will be opening at New Street Station in a few weeks time. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Disclaimer: Photo and images courtesy of Leon. Apart from the first two that are mine, as are the Grand Central photos. 

   
   
  
Grand Central Birmingham/New Street Station. Home of Leon in Birmingham. 

#Tastymorsel: Bring on the revolution: Tapas Revolution set to open up at Grand Central. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Food, Spanish, Tapas, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 

   
 
With tapas and small plate sharing dining becoming increasingly popular in Birmingham we welcome another to its growing canon. In this case it’s a small chain with a big reputation in London. 

I love this form of eating, it’s social, and it allows you to sample more dishes and with a hood drink or two it’s s great way to relax after work or on a weekend. For vegetarians in fact it’s usually works well, and allows for seasonal ingredients to be used more vociferously. 

Tapas Revolution, the Spanish-style tapas restaurant group from Omar Allibhoy, is set to open its fourth site in Birmingham this September.

The all-day tapas bar in Grand Central will feature a copper-topped bar, an open kitchen and marble tables, and will serve a changing menu, from breakfast, which will include pastries, Spanish-style coffee and freshly-squeezed Valencia orange juice, to lunch and dinner options such as a paella for £7.95 including a glass of beer, wine or soft drink included. 

For Vegetarians:

Nibbles: pan con alioli, pan con tomate, toasted almonds, olives, 

 Tapas: Try Gazpacho de sandia, Piquillos peppers stuffed moth mushrooms, Paratas Bravas, potato and onion tortilla, red and yellow tomato salad, or fried sweet padron peppers. 

Desserts will include churros (long, thin doughnuts) prepared to order and fried in specialist “churreria” equipment imported from Spain, and then tossed in cinnamon and sugar and served with a hot chocolate dipping sauce.

 The drinks offer will begin with sangria, available between 5pm and 7pm, (on half price) plus Estrella de Galicia beer on tap and a craft beer menu from every corner of Spain, including one brewed with honey and Mediterranean seawater. There will also be a selection of Spanish-brewed gin and wine from all regions of the Iberian peninsula.

There will also be Spanish sandwiches (bocadillos) and coffee available to take away.

First launched in 2010, Tapas Revolution began at Westfield Shopping Centre in White City and now has sites at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent and in London’s Shoreditch.

Allibhoy said: “Tapas is more than food; it’s part of everyday culture. Food and life are always best shared. Tapas Revolution in Grand Central is my version of the lively and bustling tapas bars back home. Birmingham has a great food scene and is increasingly becoming a destination city. I wanted to get involved in the buzz happening here and bring a real taste of Spain to the city centre.”

Life and tapas are best shared. 

You can find Tapas Revolution at Grand Central from Thursday September 24th. 

http://www.tapasrevolution.com/section/45/1/birmingham/557a0749502c604e7953ec5ab02d8693

http://www.tapasrevolution.com/

http://www.grandcentralbirmingham.com/

http://www.tapasrevolution.com/section/8/1/omar-allibhoy-tapas-revolution

@tapasrevbham

tapasrevolutionbirmingham: Facebook

tapasrevolution: Instagram 

   
 
Omar Alibhoy (The Antonio Banderas of cooking according to Gordon Ramsey) riding the bull of Birmingham. 

  
All photos and images courtesy of Tapas Revolution with thanks. 

  
Desert at Tapas Revolution 

  
Photo courtesy of Grand Central. 

   
   

   
   
  
Grand Central Birmingham. 

The Bluebell in Henley in Arden nominated for two prestigious regional awards 

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, Henley in Arden, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Warwickshire by

 

The Bluebell in Henley-in-Arden, the two AA rosette awarded gastropub, has been nominated in the ‘best pub’ and ‘best restaurant’ categories in the Coventry & Warwickshire Tourism & Culture Awards 2015.

The 14th century gastropub, which has two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, offers diners a simple, European cuisine with an indulgent twist, while its traditional bar plays host to craft beers, local cask ales and fine wines. 

Celebrating a decade in business this year, The Bluebell has become one of Henley-in-Arden’s most desirable drinking and dining destinations, with its emphasis on quality and provenance of food not going unnoticed by the judges.

The awards, which have been organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and media company Quidem, have been designed to showcase the diverse range of attractions, venues and experiences that Warwickshire has to offer, and will take place on Thursday 24th September at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. Winners in some categories will then automatically be entered into the 2016 Visit England Awards.

Leigh Taylor, owner of The Bluebell, said: “To be a finalist in two of the categories is a huge achievement. We aim to deliver top-quality food that is sourced locally, as well as provide a welcoming and traditional bar for our drinkers, and it’s fantastic to be recognised for our hard work – especially in our 10th year. We’re looking forward to the ceremony and hope that we can bring back an award.”

  
The Bluebell’s philosophy is that they work with local chosen producers to develop a seasonal menu with the produce that’s available. 

I’ve never been to The Bluebell, and though their vegetarian options are limited they sound tempting and seasonal (which is great) and they are willing to be flexible on request which is even better. 

On their current sample menu on their website they list: 

Starters: 

Roast vine tomato and red pepper soup, rosemary focaccia, basil pesto. 

Deep fried Halloumi, baba ganoush, Cotswold tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, basil oil. 

Mains: sadly only one choice, 

Pomme Anna, broccoli and black pepper purée, pickled red peppers, goats cheese. 

They also offer Afternoon Tea and provide various menus from £18 PP for te seasonal to £40 PP for the Duval LeRoy Rose Tea. 

  
In particular The Bluebell looks a good place for a mixed party of veggies and non veggies. 

For more information about The Bluebell visit: 

http://www.bluebellhenley.co.uk/

http://www.bluebellhenley.co.uk/menu/

http://www.bluebellhenley.co.uk/afternoon-tea/

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

  
Photos/images courtesy of Clive Reeves PR and The Bluebell Henley. 

#TastyMorsel: Nathan Eades announced as Head Chef of Michelin Starred Simpsons Restaurant. 

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

  
Exciting news reached me yesterday through the Twitter world that Nathan Eades, former chef owner of Epi at The Courtyard in Bromsgrove has taken over from Matt Cheal to become head chef at Simpsons. 

Ruth and I have been to Simpsons numerous times since we met. The place is fantastic, a beautiful building, sophisticated, iconic in Birmingham and a special place to visit for that celebratory occasion. It just has a way of making you feel special and indeed cossatted. 

On the last two times I’ve bisited though I’ve felt a little underwhelmed by the Vegetarian dishes. Though not bad in any way, I felt other like for like restaurants in the Michelin world and indeed in Birmingham did things better. More adventurous, more care, more emphasis on the ingredients.

Having tried Nathan’s food at Epi in Bromsgrove and raving about it on my blog, I’m excited to see what veggie concoctions he can come up with in his new kitchen. It should be interesting and I’m sure an improvement. See my review here: 

EPI RESTAURANT: BEAUTIFUL VEGETARIAN DISHES IN BROMSGROVE WORCESTERSHIRE

Nathan’s appointment comes at a time of major change for the restaurant which is currently undergoing the latter stages of a refurbishment. 
Nathan will be in the kitchen ready for the reopening on Wednesday 16 September. 

Nathan began his culinary year as a catering student at Worcester College and spent two years working as an apprentice at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire. In the past 11 years he has worked at Lainstone House in Winchester, Swinfen Hall Hotel and spent a year in Vancouver working at the Wedgwood Hotel and Spa. Prior to setting up his own restaurant Nathan spent more than a year working as senior sous chef at Fishmore Hall Hotel in Ludlow, the only restaurant in the area to hold three AA rosettes at the time. 

The new look Simpsons will be reopening with limited availability from Wednesday 16 September, please call 0121 454 3434 or email info@simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk to reserve your table. 

For further information please visit: http://www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 

  
How Simpsons will look after its refurbishment. 

Photos courtesy of Nathan Eades/Simpsons. 

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. 

Nomad: version 1 revisited. Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Kings Heath, Pop up's, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 
If you blink you may miss it. You see Nomad version 1 has only 3 weeks until Chefs Alex Claridge and Brian Smith and their merry band of Nomadic roamers leave fair Kings Heath and set up a permanent home somewhere away from my homestead and barter with a new crowd and venue in the big smoke. 

It’s been good having you in the Heath, and the kitchen Garden Will never be the same again. 

If moving from one place to another is true of the concept Nomad then it’s sure true of the nature of the Vegetarian dishes Ruth and I enjoyed last week. 

When we first visited back in April (see here http://t.co/RjhlejagxY) the food concept was still evolving and the vegetarian dishes though incredible were works in progress rather than the more formed and intricate plates that we now find. As with all concepts it takes time to develop a voice and in this case understand the customer and the nomadic skin you work in. 

So in this case the Seven courses we enjoyed were more complete plates of food, larger in size and scale and more rounded than before. Yes, in fact more adventurous and certainly an advancement in textures and flavours. Now maybe that’s the Summer produce, rather than the April Early spring variety, but I’d like to believe that it’s the added confidence of a kitchen more in tune with the diner and the Nomad concept including the ingredients. 

I’m not going to do a full review of the meal as your dishes may be different from ours, but suffice to say it was an outstanding meal. Indeed I think Alex is cooking the most innovative vegetarian food in Birmingham and certainly some of the best veggie food Birmingham has ever seen. 

So here are my photos of our meal.

   
 
Rowan berry doughnut

  
Globe artichoke, seared lettuce, egg yolk, nasturtium. 

  
Tomato, fennel. 

  
Broad bean, samphire, pea, tree mallow cheese. 

  
Burnt cauliflower, hay infused curds, ash dumplings, sea herbs. 

  
Caramelised white chocolate, strawberries. 

   
 
‘Sea buckthorn meringue pie’

If pushed then I would say my favourite courses were the Globe artichoke, the Broad Bean and the final desert the meringue pie. 

The only course that didn’t deliver so well was the Rowan berry doughnut which could have done with a touch more filling, but still they were delicious as a bread substitute. A nice idea though. 

The deserts in particular were a stunning improvement on our previous visit, much more pudding like and a good size portion. Excellent summery flavours. 

In all the courses the size of the portions were spot on and as a tasting like menu it was excitingly put together like a long journey of the pallet. 

Another nod to an improvement is with the service which is informed, crisp and friendly. A real asset to the Nomad experience. 

If you are able to get a table at Nomad in August at The Kitchen Garden then please do go. There is limited availability. 

For bookings: 

https://www.resdiary.com/Restaurant/Nomad

For Vegetarians it’s essential dining in Birmingham and one that’s improving all the time. 

In fact by time it reaches venue 2 in late September in the City Centre it may be nomadicly moving in another galaxy. It certainly makes the changing seasons and the advancement Of Autumn  quite exciting. 

See you on the other side. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Disclosure: We paid for our meal and drinks in full. My opinions are my own and honest as always. 

Nomad have also introduced their own wine and drinks list which is a positive development and compliments the food well. 

   
    
    
    
   
The night owl at the Kitchen Garden. Part of the Big Hoot Birmingham trail.