Category Archives: Cafés and Restaurants

New Indian Streetfood restaurant Zindiya set to bring colour to Moseley. 

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Curry restaurants, Food, Independent, Indian restaurants, Moseley, Real ale, Street Food by



There have been a lot of false dawns with restaurant openings recently. The hype doesn’t always result in a place been good for repeat visits. For Vegetarians disappointment when the menu is presented to you, a lack of choice, a lack of thought. I can safely predict that Zindiya doesn’t fall into that category looking at the menu which is on first glance predominantly veggie. 

Zindiya, a new Indian Street food eatery and cocktail  bar opened on the 7th February in Moseley, Birmingham in a building that has been empty for 10 years. Some of you may remember Lukers  the bakery. Others won’t, well it was 10 years ago! Remembering last week is hard enough. 

But, you’ll remember Zindiya. Well that’s the plan from owners Ajay and Shivani Kenth. Moseley born and bred, and back to rock the village with little plated curry stuff. Hurray! 

Derived from the Indian name for life and the name of the owners daughter ‘Diya’. Seating 90 people it’s decor is colourful bustling, Indian street food market. 

Across the road, is one of the best. Kababish a Moseley icon is different so don’t go to Zindiya expecting the same. This is Street Food, tapas like sharing plates and dosas, flatbreads and more sharing dishes than  a family picnic in the summer. 

It’s the Cocktails that are on the tips of people’s tongues though. Created by Rob Wood the man behind so many great cocktails in the city they borrow influences from all over India and can be paired with food, which I’m hoping to be convinced is ok. 

Purity Beers are providing the beers for those that prefer. Lawless lager and Longhorn IPA is the name of the game. Plus delectable bakes from Miss Macaroon and wines from city centre based Connolys. 

Also Birmingham Lager from Indian Brewery Co.

The food menu is reasonably priced and won’t set you back on your mortgage repayments and includes for Vegetarians: 

Chaat street food: £4

Pani puri, papri chaat, Bhel puri, Aloo tiki chaat, Pav Bhaji, samosa chaat, chilli Paneer, and Vada Pav ( potato pasty and bun with chutneys) 

Side Street: £3

Chilli cheese toast (Mumbai cheese and toast) okra fries, Mogo Chips, onion bhajis, Masala chips.

A La Carte: £6.50

Idli Sambaar ( steamed rice and lentil dumpling served with sambaar, a lentil based stew, with coconut chutney, 

Trio of Dosas, (Masala aloo, Paneer)

Grill Street: £7 cooked over charcoal. 

Paneer tika, 

Hara Bhara Kabab(served with yoghurt dip and salad.

Paranthe Wali Gali: Flatbread. 12-4 Saturday and Sunday only. 

Aloo Paratra: potatoes and onions.

Plain Paratra 

Gobi Paratra (cauliflower)

Metri ( fenugeek leaves) 

Deserts include Chocolate Gol Gappe and kulfi and Cin alla Kreer (rice pudding) 

With so many Vegetarian options Zindiya goes straight to the top of the must visit list (for vegans check beforehand). 

Also available will be An Afternoon tea which includes sandwiches, Pakoras, Cardamon scones and chai infused prosecco. 

For the best in good value eat-drink-share It’s sure to do well and bring a spot of Indian colour to Moseley. 

See you there. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Zindiya is at 21 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, Birmingham. B13.

Closed Mondays. 

0121-439-0953 Or hello@zindiya.co.uk for bookings. 

http://m.imgur.com/a/nuOtV 

See the above link for full menu. 


All photos courtesy of Zindiya. 

New menu at The Almanack, kenilworth. 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Vegetarians, there are numerous choices: Try out

Veggie Board- includes; 

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

Macaroni and cheese

warm crispy Camembert and fig relish. 

Parsnip and cheddar cakes, tomato chutney. 

Either/Or

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

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


Mains: 

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

Daily Deal: 

2 courses for £12.30. 

Monday 12-10pm 

Tuesday-Saturday 12-6.30pm

Starters: 

Parsnips and cheddar cakes, tomato chutney

Herb pancakes, mushrooms and spinach stuffing and gruyere. 

Mains: 

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

Superfood salad

Plus burger option: 

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

Sandwiches available daily. 

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

All photos courtesy of The Almanack.

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The site on Livery Street opened on Friday 13th.

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

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

For Streetfood veggies try: 

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

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

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

For the Breakfast menu: 

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

Egg Naan

Posh Avocado: Brown bloomer with avocado and poached egg. 

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


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

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

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

The Indian sodas are also ok.


Enough to brighten even the dullest of days. 

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

Officially open from Monday 15th January 2017.

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

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

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

FOLLOW : Twitter @IndianBrewery Instagram: @IndianBrewery

LIKE : Facebook.com/indianbrewery

Looking forward to trying it out soon. 

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

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

An Afternoon of Hendricks G& Tea at Bar Opus. 

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Gin, Independent, Independent Birmingham by

If like me you love afternoon tea, then this deal is for you. If like me you love Gin then this deal is the ideal after Christmas treat we all need in January. 

Bar Opus is one of Birmingham’s best city bars, have teamed up with premium gin makers Hendrick’s.

To celebrate everyone’s love of Afternoon Tea, and one of the finest gins in the world, the collaboration has been created to combine two very British lifestyle staples and create an experience for everyone to enjoy.
There will be three choices of delicious Hendrick’s gin based cocktails served in the Hendrick’s ‘Vintage t-Pot’: the Flora Dora, which mixes lime, raspberry and ginger beer; the fruity Chelsea Rose, which infuses apple, raspberry and lemon or the herbal Martinez with its orange bitters, vermouth, maraschino. 
This uniquely British experience also features a delicious assortment of homemade savoury quiches and sandwiches and sweets of scones, macaroons, lemon drizzle cupcakes and a coffee & walnut cake. 

They also have a completely Vegetarian option as well.

This includes: 

Savouries: 

Humous and Red Pepper Pitta.

Free range egg mayonnaise and cress

Cream cheese and cucumber

Tomato and caramelised onion quiche

Homemade scones with British clotted cream and fresh fruit preserves 

Sweets: 

Homemade macaron

Lemon drizzle cupcakes

Coffee and walnut cake

Hendrick’s premium Gin which was described by the New York Times as “the finest gin in the world is distilled and bottled in Girvan, western Scotland and will be served alongside the tasty treats to compliment.
Irene Allen, Director at Opus, said: “We wanted to marry our love of traditional British cuisine with everyone’s love for a stiff drink. Whether you are a gin lover or just a fan of afternoon tea, there is certainly something for everyone.”

The unique experience is £50 for two people and is available every Saturday from Jan 7th at Bar Opus from 2pm to 6pm. 

As well as this, from January, every first and third Saturday, they will be hosting Live Music featuring local talent courtesy of EQ Music from 6pm to 8pm.

For more information on Bar Opus’ Hendrick’s Afternoon Tea Experience, visit http://baropus.co.uk/

Sounds a lovely new year treat. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊


All images courtesy of Bar Opus and Clive Reeves PR. 

Christmas at Bar Opus: celebrate with cocktails. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Christmas, City Centre, Cocktails, Colmore business district, Drinks, Independent, Independent Birmingham by


Bar Opus Winter Cocktail Menu 

Bar Opus’ winter cocktail menu is just what the doctor ordered during this festive season. Featuring a range of sophisticated and elegant drinks. From brunch Martinis to an Opus Manhattan, indulge in classic cocktails made by expert mixologists and with a distinguished Bar Opus twist. Prices start from £6.50.

 CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS

 Bar Opus is getting into the festive spirit with these Cheerful Christmas Cocktails for £6 each

 STOLLEN SOUR

Amaretto, Dry Curacao Orange Liqueur, Madeira, Fresh Lemon.

Sweet and Sophisticated with a hint of Christmas Spice.

 MINCE PIE MARTINI

Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Demerara Rum.

Spiced and Fruity… Santa’s drink of Choice!

 SNOWFLAKE MARTINI

Belgian White Chocolate, Vanilla Vodka, Crème De Cacao.

Naughty or nice, This one’s for you.

 Christmas Party Punch Bowls

 Make Christmas your own bespoke event – FOUR easy steps to your perfect Christmas Party

 STEP 1) Pick your date, and call 0121 200 2323 to book your space at Bar Opus (ask for Irene!)

 STEP 2) Once your date is secured, take a look at our creative list of seasonal cocktails, wines and beers

 STEP 3) Steal the show with our unique Christmas Party Punch Bowls

 Choose one (or more) of our festive concoctions for your event, see below

 FISHBOWL serves 30 glasses (£75) | SUPERBOWL serves 90 glasses (£225)

 St. Clement’s Punch

Gin, Prosecco, Citrus Fruits, Frambois, Sugar Syrup

Peachy Punch

Prosecco, Peach Brandy, Peach Nectar, Orange, Soda

Winter Warmer

Bourbon, Dry Cider, Ginger Ale, Apple Juice, Angostura Bitters, Sugar Syrup

Fruity Punch

(non-alcoholic – 30 glasses £50)

Blood Orange, Cranberries, Mint, Sparkling Apple, Lime


They look full of festive merriment. Enjoy. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Ring in the holiday season with Park Regis afternoon tea. 

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Hotels, vegetarian, Veggie, Veggie foodie by

Park Regis Birmingham has added a very special festive Christmas Afternoon Tea.

Here It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas.

Afternoon tea is a lovely treat as a gift, party, or special romantic indulgence.

It’s Available until the end of the year, visitors to the hotel’s 1565 Bar and Lounge will be able to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea full of tempting festive treats and even a glass of fizz.
Park Regis’ Festive Afternoon Tea includes ‘Snow White’ marshmallow (check for veggies) and coconut knot, lemon frangipane drizzle, clementine mousse, ‘Nut-Crackers’ dark chocolate macarons, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a glazed ‘Egg-Nog’ brulee tart – all of which are certain to leave you Santa-sfied.

For Vegetarians alongside this it will include The below replacement sandwiches. Vegans can also be catered for with advance notice (same for veggies)

– Roast pepper and hummus
– Mozzarella and pesto
– Mediterranean roast vegetable and aioli

Alongside this are a delicious assortment of savoury snacks, including British roast turkey sandwiches with cranberry and apple chutney, Warwickshire truckle cheese with red onion chutney sandwiches and ‘Sleigh’ roasted sirloin of beef on a toasted brioche bun. To kick the whole thing off are a duo of festive amuse bouches Which can be veggie.

The Afternoon Tea comes with a selection of teas, coffees and hot chocolate, and for those really looking to get into the festive spirit, a glass of Prosecco is available as an extra treat for just £5.

Robin Ford, General Manager of Park Regis, said: “Our Afternoon Tea has already proved to be extremely popular throughout the year, but we’ve been busy giving it a festive makeover just in time for Christmas.

“It’s the perfect way for couples, families and friends to finish an afternoon of Christmas shopping as it provides visitors with the opportunity to sit down and enjoy some fantastic festive treats in the comfort of our 1565 Bar & Lounge.”
Park Regis’ Christmas Afternoon Tea is available at £25 and tables can be booked by calling 0121 369 5555.

Looks a lovely seasonal tea in one of Birmingham finest hotels.

As a veggie My advise is always to check the ingredients used in the above treats. Substitutes may be available with the sweet ones.

For more information see

Home

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Park Regis Birmingham, 160 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1DT.

In Praise of: Blue Ginger, Kings Heath, Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie, Veggie foodie by

Sad news reached me last week that the excellent Kings Heath based restaurant Blue Ginger is closing down after Christmas.

Blue Ginger has been one of my favourite restaurants ever since Ruth and I first visited when we first met, roughly eight years ago. We’ve enjoyed such great nights and meals together and I can’t remember how many times we’ve visited this small neighbourhood gem in Birmingham.

Dishes such as the outstanding Carrot Cake (savoury not sweet, a majestic dish and one of the best in the whole city, captures the simplicity of the restaurant dishes combining carrots, mooly, rice flour and spices). Possibly my favourite dish in Birmingham. Then there’s the curries Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Yellow Curry, a mild but exotic delight of vegetables. A delicious flavour. The jackfruit and Rabutan Red Curry, sweet and savoury together, with the Jackfruit the star combined with aubergines and mushrooms.

Both dishes are Vegan friendly.

Blue Ginger also became known locally for its Vegan night on a Monday. 7 main course dishes to choose from and numerous starters. Some going and if the truth be told it’s one of the best places for Vegans and Veggies to eat in Birmingham. It’s comfortable easy going service combined with deftly constructed Malaysian and Singaporean dishes packed with flavour made it popular and a relaxing and warm venue to visit. The atmosphere often buzzy and the space just the right side of intimate lent itself to a solid informal date night venue.

Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Yellow Curry

Carrot Cake Jackfruit and Rabutan red curry.

Mixed veg platter: for the undecided. Including the divine carrot cake. Kang Kon leaf side dish.

Roti Prata and rice. Essential to mop up the curry.

Pandan crepe: for afters. Good neighbourhood Restaurants like Blue Ginger are few and far between in Birmingham which seems to favouring the more glitzy venues these days and although the food at Blue Piano is the same as Blue Ginger the ambience and intimate space isn’t. In saying that I’ve enjoyed Blue Piano on the two occasions I’ve visited so will be visiting again in the new year for my Carrot cake fix.

Just to say that Ruth and I feel sad that Blue Ginger’s leaving us, gone but not forgotten, let’s just hope that the space is used by another independent restaurant and hopefully not another curry house or kebab shop. It’s a good space and deserves a new favourite to develop in Kings Heath.

Thanks for all the meals and good times from us both.

All the above dishes are available at the excellent Edgbaston based Blue Piano. Well worth a visit.

For my review of Blue Piano see here:

The Blue Piano restaurant and bar

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Blue Piano,  26 Harborne Road, Birmingham, B15.

The Blue Piano Restaurant, Bar and Guesthouse

Veggie takeaway watch: Esme’s Eats, Kings Heath

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Caribbean, Independent, Kings Heath by

Sometimes a takeaway is just what’s required on a Saturday evening and after eating numerous (and enjoyed) Kings Dining curries a change was in order. 

Ruth’s a big Caribbean food fan. She loves the meaty curries and flavours that are de rigour of the region. 

I’ve eaten a bit of Caribbean food, but as a veggie it’s harder to find the variation in dishes to keep me keen and interested. 

What I’ve eaten I’ve enjoyed and having been brought up in Handsworth the homemade Jamaican Rum Cakes I’ve had resulted in superlatives that I can still see, feel and hear now. 

So it was on a cool Saturday evening that I walked up to Esmie’s Eats to collect our food. This local Kings Heath restaurant has had a bit of a makeover in recent months and offers, breakfasts, lunches and evening meals as well as takeaways. Inside it’s cafe like, but in a lovely way that makes it feel authentic and when busy would provide a cracking atmosphere that is the escence of the Caribbean. 

That evening it was quiet, I’d ordered over the phone and felt instantly comfortable and trusting of the lovely service and friendliness of Esme’s charms. The menu isn’t as you would expect full of Vegetarian dishes but at this point I didn’t mind and the Veggie Mutton Curry intrigued me and scared me in equal measure. 

Made from soya protein and mushrooms slowly cooked in its own juices its a delightful dish, that was as piping hot as the Strictly dancing that gobbled me up with my thirst quenching Purity Ubu beer. Full of good flavour and subtle spicing it was a lovely warming dish that was deeply satisfying. Served with Rice and Peas. 

We also ordered a portion of Fried Dumplings and a side portion of Plaintain which were both excellent and added to the curry. 

For heartwarming food Esme’s Eats is a good choice for an alternative weekend bite. Especially if you live with a meat eater and don’t won’t to do without the Veggie Mutton Curry is heart- warming food with good flavours and spicing and a satisfying meal for a winters evening. 

For veggies well worth trying. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊



Esme’s Eats is located in Kings Court in Kings Heath High Street opposite ASDA. 

3 Kings Court, 93 High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7JZ.

0121-439 8282.

Restaurant Review: Sabai Sabai, Moseley, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Gastro Card, Independent, Moseley, Thai, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie, Veggie foodie by

Picture the scene. Out with Ruth,  a romantic meal cut off from the main Moseley drag on Woodbridge Road. A window table, private, candlelight, very nice. When suddenly out of no where a group of drunken men walk past and decide to pull faces at the window and shout out things you hear on a Saturday night, breaks the romance and a scene remembered to this day.

Then picture the scene when for Ruth’s Birthday meal we arrive at the same restaurant and see a table for two free in the same window, hearts miss a beat and words I’m not sitting there pass through our mouths.

Fear not there are also free tables inside so we sit comfortably away from the door and aforementioned window. That’s the story of one of our many visits to Sabai Sabai in Moseley. One of three Thai restaurants owned by Torquil and Judee Chiswick. The others in Harborne and Stratford Upon Avon have their own identities, their own regulars. We though love the intimacy and bijou feel of the original, (10 years old) it’s perfect for couples and for a little romance.

The Bohemian ways of Mosley Village dictate that the decor is as rich with colour as the food. There’s a good buzz about Sabai Sabai and it’s popularity desires you book on a weekend.

Having recently won the Best Oriental Establishment at The Food Awards, held in Manchester, Sabai Sabai’s star is ascending. The recent opening in Stratford Upon Avon is the first out of Birmingham and a hit already with the theatre crowd.

And then the food. So often Thai food can be so richly spiced that Fireman Sam needs to be called out to rescue the choking Norman. But here delicate flavours are contrasted and compliment perfectly the booming spice that makes these dishes whisper fire.

Kanam Jeeb Pak starts me off. Steamed mix veg dumplings topped with crispy garlic and served with a delicious sweet dark soy sauce contrasting perfectly the depth of flavour in the dumplings which are perfect for dipping. Balanced flavours, crisp and firm a delight.

Sabai Sabai have a huge choice for Vegetarians from stir frys to a recommended  Phad Thai and a tempting set menu for the undecided. My choice the Gang Ka Ree, yellow curry, was a colourful and vibrant veggie slice of heaven. Golden fried Tofu simmered in coconut milk with potatoes, onion, mixed veg in a mild and sweetly spiced yellow curry sauce. It’s a deeply satisfying main course with just the right amount of sweetness from the coconut milk to pronounce the rich creaminess which though milder than some of the dishes packs a punch on many levels with its vegetables and sophisticated delicacy.

I ate it with Kao Pad Kai (Egg fried Rice) which worked beautifully with the outstanding curry.

We also shared some delicious Pak Choi in garlic sauce, stir fried perfectly. A joy.

I have found desserts are sometimes hit and miss in Thai restaurants. An after thought, an add on that they feel they must put on the menu because we dictate we need a pudding after the meal in the west. Much like some Indian desserts many are underwhelming.

The distinctive green colour of the Pandan leaf makes  a vibrant pancake into a satisfying end to the meal. It offers a wonderful subtle flavour to the gentle coconut. Traditionally a breakfast sweet originating from Bali it proves to make a fantastic dessert and well recommended to quench the spicyness of the previous courses. A winner.

Pandan leaf pancakes with coconut.

Sabai Sabai in Moseley is a lovely restaurant. The food is top notch, and with invigorating flavours and a cosy feel it’s a recommended dining choice in Birmingham for Vegetarians. 

The only critique I can find is that the service can be erratic (not listening, waiting for drinks, a tad rushed) and either very good or a bit noneplused. Though always friendly and at times efficient it’s just best to put up with it as it’s a minor quibble and doesn’t detract from a lovely experience.

The Cosyness and intimacy of the venue is an asset and I was pleased the music volume had been lowered (as once it was so loud it was more club like than romantic restaurant). Sabai Sabai in Moseley is one of the most romantic spots to eat in Birmingham and perfect for a date. Just remember though if you are seated in the window to watch out for interruptions, can it be funny? though with Thai food this good who can fail to miss out on this real taste of Thailand.

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

We enjoyed a bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with our meal. A good though pricey wine choice at £29.95.

We paid for a food and drinks in full and why not I’m happy too.

Sabai Sabai Moseley, 25 Woodbridge Road, Birmingham B13 8EH.

0121-449-4498.

http://www.sabaisabai-restaurant.co.uk/

Sabai Sabai is part of The Gastro Card and you can receive 10% off food bill Sunday-Wednesday.

To buy a card see link here:

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/buy/

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/
http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/restaurants/sabai-sabai-moseley/

Veggie Foodie Tip: 

Have a glass of top quality wine at the excellent new independent wine bar Cheval Blanc in Moseley Village before dinner. Cocktails also served.

I enjoyed a glass of Red, Le Gourmand Domaine du Janicer from France.

Ruth a superb Gin Martini.


The Mockingbird Cinema and kitchen launch. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cinema, Custard Factory, Digbeth, Film, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegan, vegetarian by


One of Digbeth’s most popular bars will be launching as a dedicated cinema following a major reinvestment into the business.


The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen based in the Custard Factory, will become a full-time cinema from Friday, November 18 – officially launching with the Warner Bros’ mega-release Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.  

Following 12 months entertaining audiences with screenings of cult favourites – from Brat-pack classics to rib-tickling horrors – The Mockingbird will become one of the city’s only independent cinemas, screening blockbusters straight from Hollywood.  

The 100-seat cinema will typically offer four screenings a day, seven days a week, with special offers and concessions available to its customers.

For example, anyone booking to see the 11am and 2.15pm screenings of Fantastic Beasts can buy tickets for the price of just £5. 

Traditional cinema refreshments, like nachos, popcorn and sweets, will be available from the box office. 

However, for those who want to make a day or an evening out of visiting The Mockingbird, the cinema’s kitchen and bar will be open, offering a wide variety of southern American inspired food. 

Popular picks from the menu include chilli-cheese fries, sandwiches, and vegan burritos. 

The cinema’s co-owner and chef, Anthony Duffy, has also designed a specials menu and cocktail menu that will change to compliment the films on show. 

 As an example, those booked in to see J.K.Rowling’s latest offering, will have the chance to dine on a ‘fantastic feast’ or search through the cinema’s library for a list of magical cocktails.   

The cinema’s owners spotted that customers loved the quirky additions of movie-related meals and themed cocktails, so they wanted to make that a key part of the cinema experience they have on offer.

Anthony said: “We knew people wanted something a bit extra when we started putting on film nights where themed food and drinks were on offer as a tribute to what we were screening”.  

“One of our biggest successes was hosting a sold-out screening of The Big Lebowski, where every customer got a White Russian and an In-N-Out Burger. We still get people emailing us asking if we’ll be putting on another event like it. Well we’ll be doing it permanently now.”

Head of programming, James Brown, explained that he and his fellow co-owners wanted to make The Mockingbird a destination for film and food lovers – where they could spend all afternoon and evening enjoying the cinema and bar. 

James Brown, head of programming, said: “People love cinema.
“It’s an entire experience for a lot of people – to go out, maybe eat beforehand, buy snacks and enjoy a movie. 

“We wanted to create the ultimate cinema experience with The Mockingbird that few other cinemas can offer.”  

Anthony added: “We’ve aimed to create a destination in the Custard Factory.
“A place where people can join us for food, films, drinks and even dancing at the weekends, when our resident DJs take over the decks to spin some soul, disco and funk.” 

The bar will be open from 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, then from 11am till late on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Well worth a visit and supporting this unique independent business and the food is excellent. 

The Mockingbird Cinema

The Custard Factory

Gibb St

Birmingham

B9 4AA

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊