New venue from Taste of Liquer and No’ 21 Milk Street. No21 Digbeth launch Friday 27th January. 




You can never have too much Street Food in my opinion so the news that another weekly Street Food event is hitting Birmingham is exciting news for those seeking a relaxed and informal Friday evening. 

The team behind Taste and Liquor and 21 Milk Street is launching a new venue called No21 Digbeth. The venue is located on Milk Street and is described as “a new hub for global street food, cultural festivals and diverse community events.”

Launching on 27th January the opening launch will showcase a weekly Indoor Street Food hub across Winter and Spring made up a range of international flavours paired with contemporary traders. 

Taste and Liquor wanted to provide an offering that is as unique as the city itself. It won’t just be meat heavy too with Vegetarian and Vegan options.

Boxfood will be doing Vegan Caribbean food and it’s their 1st Birmingham showcase.

Plus the Indian Butcher will have Paneer dishes  and Pizza Di Bruno will have veggie pizzas..

The Turk will also have a vegetarian option. 


The Friday event also shows support to new and emerging talent by giving new traders the chance to experiment and play with ideas without the pressure of having to take on a restaurant. Taste and Liquor aims to support new chefs throughout the year. 

Taste and Liquor’s Friday event will be championing live music, emerging bands and DJ’s With an exclusive platform showcasing the regions hottest acts. Speakerbox, a showcase produced by Sharinta K Athwal will present  the best of the regions raw talent and hottest emerging stars of 2017.

Every Friday welcomes The Digbeth After Work Club between 5-7pm where local residents are invited to start the weekend early, with specials two-for-one offers on all drinks. Head towards the main bar, featuring bespoke cocktails, craft beer, wines and a vast range of bespoke tonics and spirits. 

Monthly themed events will also be held every last Saturday of the month. Highlights include Gin and Meat Festival (February), Besr of British Street Food (March), Brum’s Big Fat Pizza festival, (April), Mr Hyde’s national Burger day festival (August). 

Cultural celebrations and festivals will also include Holi Rave colour festival in April, Taste and Liquor 1st birthday party weekender in May, Asian indepen-dance a celebration of 70 years of Indian independence in August and Digbeth Mela in October. 

Taste and Liquor at No21 will launch on Friday 27 January and will be hosted every week. Friday entry will be free from 5pm. Last food orders at 10.30. 

For more information log into http://www.tasteandliquor.com.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😋

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



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. 


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. 



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. 


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.

#Digmas: Christmas Fair with Vegan stores and Veggie/Vegan food. Saturday 26th November.


Merry #Digmas:

Brum’s favourite independent Christmas fair and family day out returns to the Custard Factory!

Kick off the festive season in style at #Digmas, Birmingham’s favourite independent Christmas fair and family day out. The fun-filled event will return to the Custard Factory at the heart of Birmingham’s Creative Quarter on Saturday 26 November from 11am to 6pm. 

Entry is free. There’ll be something for everyone in the family; from street food, gin, craft beer and market stalls for the adults to Santa’s grotto, face painting and craft activities for the kids.

Tara Newman, Head of Events at the Custard Factory, said “#Digmas is a Digbeth tradition for foodies, friends and families looking for an alternative to the usual pre-Christmas crush on the high street. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique stocking fillers, enjoy a day out and get into the festive spirit”.

At the heart of the Custard Factory there’ll be a lively indoor market with high quality art and crafts from the Paperdolls Handmade Markets plus locally-made cakes, chocolates and other goodies. 

There’ll be Vegan stalls filled with gifts, and fashionistas can peruse the rails of clothing from a selection of leading brands.

Shoppers will enjoy browsing the Custard Factory’s resident shops who will all be open during the day’s festivities. They can enjoy a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst revelling in live music by the lakeside from Bostin Brass, The Glamophones and a cheerful carol singing quartet.

Foodies will tantalise their taste buds with some of the best street food in the city and dishes include macaroni cheese,  warming soups, spicy curries and irresistible churros and chocolate. Plus cakes by Mrs Mills. The covered food court will have a great atmosphere with a DJ playing festive favourites, perfect for meeting up with friends to enjoy a glass of gin or craft beer from the pop-up bars.

The kids will have a great time too with a visit to Santa’s grotto and a packed programme of festive storytelling performances, craft activities, cupcake decorating and face painting.

 #Digmas is free to enter and all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun, food and festivities. Advanced booking for some activities is recommended. 

http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/digmas2016 for more information.

Alongside all of the fantastic entertainment, food and activities already revealed, they have been working with local organic and Vegan friendly drinks company U-Juice to curate a friendly selection of vegan stalls at #DIGMAS! Food & drink, clothing, jewellery, beauty products and lots, lots more – all produced ethically and organically.


Other Vegan and Veggie friendly traders also thete will be Aah Lovely, (handmade gifts including ceramics, bags and cards), Dr Ice ( Men’s grooming products), Viva la Vegan (organically made clothing and best fashion brand award winners), Hugletts Wood Farm Animal Sanctuary, (handmade gifts) Badger’s Dairy Free, (side dishes), Purely Vegan (Vegan Grocers) The May Bakery (Vegan cakes, cupcakes and cookies) Honest Skincare, and Custard Factory resident Clink craft beer have a Vegan range too. 

The May Bakery.

Street Food from Littlesixtythree ( soups and stews) locally produced served with fresh crusty bread and Quarter Horse Coffee and Hot chocolate. 


Yumlaut: traditional German Sausage with Vegan-friendly and deliciously named ‘Veggie Brat’.

Churros Susanna: Churros and chocolate. Plus dairy free. Sugary happiness. 


Veggie Foodie favourites The Indian Rasoi: Indian Street Food and curry to warm you up. 


Holy Moly Macaroni: Macaroni cheese who are launching on The Birmingham  street food scene at #Digmas, plus offering a Vegan option that replaces cheese with butternut squash. Comfort food with a difference. 


Holy Moli Macaroni.

Plus drinks from Gin Box and Clink Craft Beer who will have vegan/veggie choices. 

Read more about the Vegan stalls on offer on Sat 26th here: 

http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/uncategorized/digmas-2016-first-vegan-ethical-market-custard-factory/

Looks a lovely way to kick off the Christmas period, and celebrate Birmingham’s independent and creative scene. 

The Custard Factory and sister venue Fazeley Studios are based in Digbeth a short walk from Birmingham New Street and The Bullring shopping centre in the heart of Birmingham. The area has long been established as one of the countries leading creative and digital business destinations, with a thriving business community residing alongside Birmingham’s independent retailers. 

http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/

http://www.fazeleystudios.com/

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

The Glamophones who will be singing at #Digmas.

All images and photos courtesy of The Custard Factory. 

6/8 Kafe Craft Beer festival 10/11/12th November, plus discount.


Scaffolding is a necessary pest, a bit like slugs eating my veg or wasps in the summer. 

I once went to Florence and the great cathedral was covered in the stuff. How annoyed was I. The same happened in Rome with The Trevi Fountain. I was not amused. 

But then it comes off, as if by magic the structure below appears, more beautiful, brighter and and all is well. 

This is what 6/8 Kafe hope now their monstrous outdoor cover has been taken down and to celebrate they are having a craft beer festival. Well why not, they deserve it. Let’s toast progress! 

Sitting at the back of House of Fraser on Temple Row 6/8 Kafe is an independent coffee shop of some repute in the city and a innovator of the fine art of the Barista.

Festival organiser and proprietor Dav said:

”Our festival is about enjoying local beer with the amazing people that make them.

”It’s about tasting, learning and enjoying everything about craft beer. 

The line up includes: 

On Thursday ‘meet the brewers’. 

Burning Soul Brewing:

Bringing OCT IPA 6.7%

Mount Olympus Pale Ale 5.2%

Insert [Blanc] Single Hop Ale 5.2%

On Friday there is a ‘meet the brewer’ session with Twisted Barrel Ale who are launching their annual winter special ”Dark Knight Rises” and a Belgian Dubbel at Six Eight.

http://www.twistedbarrelale.co.uk/


On Saturday two Black Country brewers Sacre Brew at 6pm and Fixed Wheel are at the festival. 

Fixed Wheel will bring ‘Carbon Black IPA 6.8%, ‘Coffee Fix ‘6.1% and ‘Single Speed Equinox’ 4.5%.

Sacre Brew will bring  3 beers: Sloe Loris, Wendigo, & Donkey’s Years! 

Throughout the festival they will have live acoustic musicians appearing and playing to their hearts content. 

Tracks like down with the scaffolding should be popular on the playlist. 

http://www.sacrebrew.com/

Home

Tickets are £3.66 or £2.66 using my discount   ANDY_H at the checkout which will get you your first pint and access at the event. Enter the promotional code at the link. Andy_H.

Here: 

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=JuO6H&m=gcE2TaB8ITvENEE&b=VsnXDFvrrJivKpZnMQMmMQ

https://www.facebook.com/events/1618496268450152/

Also present will be Digbeth Dining Club favourites Stufo providing the food. 
http://www.stufo.co.uk/

http://www.sixeightkafe.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1618496268450152/

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊


#TastyMorsels: Two Towers Beers go Vegan Friendly and introduce a new ale. 


Over the last few weeks there has been a lot of publicity (particularly on the BBC) about Vegan friendly beer. 

Two Towers Brewery in Birmingham, have now announced that all their cask ales will now be Vegan friendly. Their bottles have been for a long while and this is great news for Veggie ale drinkers and dare I say it all ale fans. 

Two Towers Brewery have always been  supportive of Vegan and Veggie friendly drink and food holding the Vegan Beer Fest annually and holding nights that are devoted to vegan food at their pub The Gunmakers Arms in Birmingham city centre. 

Their bottles are also available at Vegetarian restaurant The Warehouse Cafe in the city and can be found at Brum Yum Yum street food events in Kings Heath amongst other places. 

A selection of Vegan friendly beers from Two Towers Brewery. 


Nx West Midlands have introduced the No’11 Ale trail around their bus route. Anyone who has travelled on the No 11 bus will know that it’s a long route around the city (called the Outer Circle). 

The trail is a handy guide to where to find real ale (CAMRA recommended) on the bus route. See below. 

Their are 11 pubs in total and stamps can be collected at each of the pub. 

Collect all 11 and receive a prize. Monthly prizes given. 

See blow link for details of pubs and map. 

Click to access ale-trail-z-fold-leaflet.pdf

To celebrate the route Two Towers Brewery were commissioned to brew a celebratory ale to mark the occasion. 

Called surprisingly the No’ 11 Ale its tasting notes suggest it’s a very pale ale with light fruit flavours, suggesting the sunshine that the ale appears to project. Sitting on top of biscuit malt and slight nutty hints. 

It is available along the route at selected pubs. 


On Saturday October 22nd The Gunmakers Arms will have another night of Sri Lankan vegan food with Gayanis Kitchen HQ, with Two Towers beers to go alongside five different vegetable dishes. 

For more details see their Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1787785324836610/?ti=ia

Gayanis Kitchen HQ.

A collection of Vegan friendly beer from TwoTowers brewery. 


Two Towers beer at Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Adams urges diners to Love Food Give Food in aid of Action against hunger.


  

Adam’s on Waterloo Street in Birmingham City Centre has joined forces with the UK food industry to support Action Against Hunger’s Love Food Give Food appeal, calling on food lovers across the nation to eat out and help raise crucial funds towards the fight against child hunger.

Menus and venues across the country will be supporting Love Food Give Food this year as hundreds of restaurants nationwide unite to collect funds and support Action Against Hunger’s vision of a world without hunger. The appeal will also mark a significant moment for the humanitarian organisation as it celebrates 18 years of partnership with the UK food industry.
By adding on a voluntary £1 donation to their customers’ bills, restaurants were able to raise £330,000 for Action Against Hunger last year.

Diners can make a huge difference by eating out at Adam’s where customers will be given the opportunity to add a small donation to their bill.
By treating yourself at Adam’s you will be providing vulnerable communities with access to safe water and helping families in some of the world’s poorest countries to feed themselves and their children for generations to come.

Adam Stokes from the eponymous Michelin starred restaurant said, “Helping this cause is very important to me, I love food and through food you can bring happiness and joy. By this small donation on each bill we can very quickly raise money to help people who are less fortunate and hopefully bring to them a little bit of that happiness and joy.”
If you really love food, why not show it by sharing? Head to Adam’s and turn that culinary passion into action against hunger. For more information on what’s going on during the campaign, and how you can get involved, visit actionagainsthunger.org.uk.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Birthday season at Veggie 1847 Birmingham.



1847 Birmingham will be three later this month. The time has certainly flown by and Head Chef Tony and his team have certainly moved the restaurant forward and raised the game. 

When Birmingham welcomed 1847 it was certainly a turning point for Vegetarian food in the city. With innovation and seasonality central to the ethos of 1847 it’s certainly cemented itself as a must visit in the city, and some of its deals across the year speak bargain in a major way. 

1847 also offer a full Vegan menu. 

1847 are also planning a refurbishment of the whole site within the next couple of months. Exciting times! 


 1847 Bristol will also be one in October and 1847 Brighton one in November.

To kickstart their birthday season they’re offering two courses plus a small glass of wine for £1847. *

*T&C

You Must book online at  ahttp://www.by1847.com/ and quote “Birthday” in the booking comments.

For maximum tables of two people

Available in Manchester & Birmingham Sun – Fri & Bristol & Brighton everyday throughout September.

Bristol not open Monday & Tuesday

Full contact details, locations and menus can be found on the website.

Happy Birthday to one of Birmngham’s best and most innovative restaurants. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊



All photos courtesy of 1847.