Category Archives: Independent

#Coffeetime: Java Lounge, Birmingham City Centre. 

Posted in Birmingham, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

  
The Java Lounge has been brewing its coffee in Moseley for ten years now and to celebrate the unique independent coffee shop milestone has opened up a second store in the beautiful Grade 1 listed building on Colmore Row. 

Owned by Birmingham born Akram Almulad, Java Lounge offers Birmingham a taste of where coffee began, in Yemen. Which is where his parents were born. 

A few years to go this used to be the building that was home to Hudson’s Coffee Shop. At its time probably the best place to drink coffee in Birmingham City Centre. It’s building, coffee and refined table service a beacon of quality amongst the advancing chains, which were taking over the city. 

  
Happily, independent Java Lounge have now restored this coffee Mecca to its vintage beautiful best. 

Inside the mood is woody. A lot of panelling and leather seats, with the Java Lounge mural showing the journey of coffee filling one wall (and very interesting it is too).  It’s split into two rooms, the lighter first room by the counter and the more secluded second space beyond, ideal for working with the laptop, and taking advantage of the free wi fi 

Both rooms have their charms, solid wooden tables, plenty of space. An urban feel. They’ve made good use of the old inside of the grade 1 building and maintained the gorgeous glass ceiling in the second room. It’s a fine space, one worthy of good coffee and food. 

   
   
Coffee at Java Lounge is the convergence of science and art. They take advantage of technological advancements in standardisation and innovation whilst preserving the passion and craftsmanship of the cultural traditions.

You can buy lots of coffee. From Latte to Macchiato to Mocha, plus single origin coffee from around the world (from Yemen to El Salvador, only available as yet in Moseley. Plus from this week the delicious sounding double mocha).

There are numerous inviting cakes, hot food, such as wraps, (with a good choice for vegetarians) and salads.

 Plus a range of teas and milkshakes. 

   

    

 Beautiful original ceiling.

  
  Flat White at Java Lounge. 

The Flat White had a velvety consistency, with a good strong espresso hit which had the right amount of microfoam and flavour. One of the best no doubt in Birmingham. 

I’ve visited a few times over the last few weeks, on the three times I’ve had a flat white it’s been consistently excellent. 

My Cappucino I’ve tried was also very good, the right side of frothy, creamy and with a good espresso flavour. 

  
Cappucino. 

   
   
Chocolate brownie. 

The chocolate brownie, was delicious, a harmonious dose of chocolate and light feathery textures. Beautifully combined and with a hit of chocolate that combine yes the silky flat white well. 

Java lounge is certainly one of Birmingham’s best coffee houses. 

The passion for the coffee comes through in the vibe of the space, the service and in the coffee itself. It’s has a good all round experience with a City charm and this makes a worthy stop off for locals and visitors. 

http://www.javaloungecoffee.com/
  
 
  
Good solid wooden tables. 

  

   
   
Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Disclaimer: all coffee and food was paid for by myself and as per usual it’s an honest review of my experiences. 

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. 

#TastyMorsel: Now open Natural Healthy Foods, Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, City Centre, Food, healthy, Independent, Independent Birmingham, shops, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
  

What was once the 100% Vegan shop has now become Natural Health Food. Still based in Allison Street, Digbeth in the same building as Veggie/Vegan The Warehouse Cafe, it’s expanded its stock and had a complete refurbishment and hence  double quick relaunch. 

Lovers of Vegan, raw, Gluten Free, Organic, dairy free and Vegetarian and healthy plant based food will love it’s packed shelves in Birmingham City Centre. It’s genuinely a one stop source for health and nutrition based goods that are very tempting. 

I visited last week and was impressed with the stock on offer in the shop, which was very varied and catered for Vegans, Gluten Free and Raw food diets as well as vegetarian. 

The staff are friendly, enthusiastic, passionate and had a good knowledge of the products. I spoke with the owners Simon and Susan who were genuinely interested in the products they sold and especially the health benefits of reducing or cutting out sugar from your diet. 

Natural Health Food are in the process of setting up their website which when completed will allow the customer to purchase the products in the shop and more online to be delivered to the home. They are open to suggestions as to what stick they sell and what the customer would find useful and would like to see displayed. 

I found the shop beautiful presented, with real wooden shelves and cases to display the products which I was told was handmade for them locally to the shop, and gave the products an organic feel and look. They looked as if they belonged in the room and were presented in a very clear and ordered fashion. It was very easy to browse and find what you would need. 

What Natural Health Food are attempting to do is encourage a more plant based diet, and fashionably reduce the amount of sugar we eat in our diets by promoting those products as an alternative. 

The products I tried had zero sugar and you couldn’t tell, as the natural sugars gave the kick to the bars that compensated for this. In fact the moisture of the juices came through. 

This was especially true of the Raw Health bars. 

The face of health and vegan stores is changing as more products come to market. I’ve noticed the packaging is brighter, more inviting, more professional. The products are superior and you can feel the benefits and differences when you try them. What the Natural Health Food Shop are doing is embracing that change. This is good news for Bimingham and anyone who cares for what they eat and drink. 

There are plans to introduce make up and more beauty products too. Obviously cruelty free, vegan and organic. They already stock a fine selection of toiletries such as shampoos, shower fells and deodorants etc.

I’m looking forward to returning soon and buying some more and seeing how things are progressing. 

 
   
   
   
    
 
  
    
   
   
    
 

Products sold from, health bars, drinks, chocolate, snacks, gluten free products from pasta, gnocchi, flour, bread. Plus tofu, Ready meals, Fresh soups, toiletries, dairy free products, coconut water, teas and coffee. Plus many more. 

Natural Health Foods is a one stop shop for health and nutrition and being independent is a business well worth supporting and enjoying. 

Allison Street, Birmingham B5 5TH. 

Open: 10-7pm Monday-Saturday 

11-5- Sunday. 

   
 

  

Everyone needs good neighbours: 

Next door to The Warehouse Cafe. Birmingham’s original Vegetarian Restaurant. Pop in for lunch and dinner. In fact combine the two. 

  
Goodies kindly given to me by Natural Healthy Foods to sample. 

In particular the Raw Hemp and Protein Balls made by Raw Health  were delicious: organic fruits bursting with dates and the subtle hint of orange. Using raw organic ingredients, Raw Health soak and sprout the ingredients to bring their natural vitality to life. Using low temperatures to make them in order to keep the health giving nutrients and enzymes alive and well. Very enjoyable. 

   
 
 
The dark chocolate snack bar from Organica, Hazlenut nougat.

I also enjoyed the Coconut Water from Go Coco, which had a lovely sweet tasting and natural flavour. It tasted very refreshing and isn’t from concentrate. Includes 5 essential electrolytes. Won a GreatTaste award in 2012. 

  
 Fresh soup. 

  

   
 
http://www.naturalhealthyfoods.co.uk

@NHfoodsUK

Facebook: Natural healthy foods. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

Disclaimer: I was invited to Natural Health Foods to take some photos after mentioning to them that I was going to put a post on my blog on their opening. They gave me the products to try and pass on my honest feedback on what I thought. All opinions are my own and honest as always. 

Thanks to Simon and Susan for their time and showing me around their shop.

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. 

Review: Veggie Burger Watch: Jekyll and Hyde, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, City Centre, Cocktails, Gin, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by

  

I think you can tell a lot about a pub/restaurant by its veggie burger. Vegetarian burgers can be tricky to make as they sometimes don’t hold their shape and the consistency in the ingredients are imbalanced and hence the flavours and textures don’t quite work. I’m on a quest to find the best veggie burger in Birmingham. Of course I’ll eat them anywhere, but that is where I live so why not. I like a challenge. 

  
The Jekyll and Hyde is one of my favourite pubs in Birmingham City Centre. Owned by independent Bitters n’ Twisted the people behind Birmingham venues Island, The Victoria, Bodega and Marmalade amongst others. Offering a wide range of drinks from G & T to cocktails, to real ales and mocktails. The cocktail menu is inventive and the G&T menu enticing. Plus with it’s Alice and Wonderland like courtyard is great in the Summer months. 

The upstairs bar, Dr Jekyll’s Gin Parlour. All dark wood, decadent drinking and a gin infused eat me drink me fusion menu in the latter part of the week is a bar of moral ill repute. See my review here. 

THE JEKYL AND HYDE: GIN FOOD FUSION MENU IN THE GIN PARLOUR

It has over 90 gins and offers gin flights and cocktail master classes. 

Downstairs, Mr Hyde’s Main Bar is more retro, quirky and Cosy. Turn up one evening for a quick half and you may stay all night. The bar with cask ales, ciders and cocktails is a jewel of design and for raucous shenanigans can’t be beaten. 

It is here that the main food menu is taken. 

   
 The Mr Hyde Burger: Sweet Potato and Home made chick pea falafel with sweet chilli sauce was a very good towering veggie burger. 

The Flavours and textures of the burger were spot on. The hold of the burger was fine, stated firm, but soft. The chick pea falafel blended well with the sweet potato and with the sweetness of the chilli sauce for dipping made for a satisfying dinner.  Where the dish fell down was with my fries which were sadly not so crisp and didn’t have much of a potato flavour.  They weren’t the freshest and let the good quality burger down unfortunately. 

Ruth and I also ordered some onion rings on the side which were pleasantly the real deal and were superb. 

  
The onion rings fully made up for the disappointing chips. 

Yet the burger was a joy and certainly one of the best I’d had in Birmingham with good balanced flavours and was a fitting tribute to Mr Hyde. 

My burger was enjoyed with a pint of hobgoblin Gold and a pint of Sadlers Stout. Both superb beers, with the Gold in particular going well with the burger. 

   
    
   
Eaten in the lovely Jekyll and Hyde pub the veggie burger is to be recommended and taken with keen ales or decadent cocktails makes for a fun quirky evening. 

In fact the pub is unique in Birmingham for its eclectic drinks list and inventive shenanigans. The dark realm of Mr Hyde’s bar is perfect for drinking in the potion of veggieness and the gourmet dining of cold beer, it’s a firm favourite of mine, but please leave out your chips from Dr Jekyll’s microwave. 

http://www.thejekyllandhyde.co.uk/

28 Steelhouse lane, City Centre, Birmingham, B4 6BJ. 

0121-236 0345.

With independent Birmingham membership you receive 20% off food from Monday-Thursday. 

Home

   
   
Disclosure: We paid for our own food and drinks. My opinions are honest and accurate of my experience as always. 

Review: Mockingbird, Custard Factory, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars, beer, Birmingham, Craft beer, Digbeth, Food, Independent, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 

Anyone who went to Big Papas at The Sunflower lounge will know the work that Anthony and Craig put into their businesses. What’s always impressed me is their flexibility and nuance in understanding veggie diners and dishes, and what’s put out onto the table. They are open to experiment, your ideas and opinions. 

The vegetarian menu at their new venture The Mockingbird, Bar, Bistro and Theatre is evolving. It’s early days, it’s short at present, a bit too short, needs a couple of additions, maybe the Big Papas Mac and cheese, (please) veggie burger, sweet potato fries? why not? Plus think seasonal specials, be imaginative. 

We had the three dishes on the nights menu: Starters: Nachos with cherry tomatoes, salsa lemon and chive cheese, chunky guacamole, garlic and cheese ciabatta, and Main: Cauliflower and Brocolli fritters. 

   

 The Nachos, which we shared. A good Tex-Mex dish. The tortilla chips were crisp, though maybe on reflection the dish could have done with a few more to get the balance right with a delicious salsa lemon and chive cheese sauce and nice guacamole, which slightly overpowered the tortillas for that reason. The flavours were there though and the size was ok for a starter. Could do a larger plate to share as a larger starter. Enjoyed. 

   

 Garlic bread and cheese  

Well made garlic bread, with a nice balance in flavours. Thin, crusty. Very nice. Not too cheesy or greasy which I liked. Presented on a black slate which I liked. (shared) 

  
 Cauliflower and Broccoli fritters. 

My fritters had a good and plentiful filling of cauliflower and broccoli and a nice crisp fried outer breading.  

I enjoyed the fritters, the filling was different but had good flavours and filled the batter to leave a satisfying main dish. Again, the sauce that accompanied could have been reduced in quantity in order to get the balance right. I liked the tomato garnish though.

 Maybe introduce seasonal fillings, courgettes, mushrooms in autumn. 

I also ate a few of Ruths chips which were ok. 

Ruth also enjoyed the Buttermilk fried chicken with fries. She said it was fantastic. Perfectly cooked chicken. She knows, trust me!

The Brunch menu has a decent range of dishes, all of which can be adapted for the vegan diner. 
  

Brunch menu. 

  
   
   
   
    
   

Both Ruth and I loved the music played in The Mockingbird. A mixture, of soul, funk and a bit in between. It made for a good atmosphere and on a Wednesday night a steady flow of people were coming in, eating and having a drink before the film that was showing that night at the cinema that The Mockingbird has (Jaws in that case). The menu we had was the cinema/film menu and enabled you to take a desert with you into the film. 

   
   

The industrial feel of the decor and seating make The Mockingbird a chilled and relaxing place to visit for food or just drinks. The bar includes craft beers, including vegan beers (marked clearly) wine, and cocktails. 

I enjoyed two craft beers, the Goose Island IPA: 5.5% ABV, from Chicago, which has a fruity aroma with a dry malt middle and long hop finish. A very nice beer that went well with the informal food. A hop lovers dream. 

   
 
Plus, Meantime London Lager (suitable for vegans) from the award winning brewery based in Greenwich, London. It has the perfect balance of bitterness and hopiness, and is 4.5% ABV. If you like hoppy, malty beers this is for you. A really nice modern English lager, a quality beer. 

On a weekend they have DJ’s which we both agreed would be a great time to visit as well as comedy nights, a theatre and of course the cinema. 

The food at The Mockingbird is well executed, and though the options for vegetarians are limited at the moment, they are happy and excited to develop the menu further and ease the vegetarian and vegan diner. I liked The Mockingbird, in fact loved it. The vibe, the music, the concept. The hard work ethos pays off. I’m excited to see how those veggie dishes evolve and though not perfect at the moment you can see the potential and possibilities. It’s a place to visit at any time of day and livens up the Custard Factory somewhat in the day and for that it is achieving its aims well. 

The owners Anthony and Craig have the heart and soul for The Mockingbird, and yes this bird can sing. 

http://mockingbirdtheatre.com

        

Every Monday is Meat Free Monday at The Mockingbird with The Vegan Grindhouse taking over the kitchen. From Brunch/lunch to dinner keep an eye on social media for menus and guest chefs/Streetfood traders. 

See Mex it Up on Monday August 31st. Vegan Mexican street food. Guest kitchen. 

See below: re Vegan Grindhouse Meat Free Monday’s. 

http://t.co/dNpqBJ6b5Y

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Disclosure: Ruth and I were invited to visit The Mockingbird. Our food was complimentary but we paid for all drinks drank in full. In no way did this make my views biased which are honest as always. 

Thanks for the invite. 👍

The Mockingbird, the Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B 9 4AA. 

021-224-7456. 

  

  

Vegetarian dish of the day: Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Yellow Curry: Blue Ginger, Kngs Heath. 

Posted in Independent, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Vegetarian dish of the day, Veggie foodie by

  
Blue Ginger specialises in Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine. Based on Poplar Road, Kings Heath its a relaxed and friendly, small restaurant with good service and a chilled chatty atmosphere. With Batik runs on the table, it’s a pretty room with a South East Asian decor, and its a gem for vegetarians and Vegans in Birmingham. 

   

A stalwart of the main menu and a Vegan friendly dish the Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Yellow curry is an exotic dish. Take beautiful delicate cauliflower combined with the sweetest orange sweet potato and add extra Oriental veg and the brightest looking dish in Kings Heath is good to go. Add a touch of mild spice with just enough kick to fire a curry fanatic leaves a beautifully balanced dish that is a favourite of mine. Add an extra fragrant Jasmine Rice and the mopping up the sauce quality of the Roti Parata (bread) and you have a curry that’s simple street food indoors, made with skill with a sunny disposition that will have you smiling all season long. The future is yellow. 

   
 Cauliflower and sweet potato yellow curry. 
 

Find it at Blue Ginger’s, 32 Poplar Road, Kings Heath, B14 7AD. 

0121-444-0999.

Blue Ginger do a vegan only meat free menu every Monday. 

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. 

Brum Vegan Beer and Food festival @Two Towers Brewery, 15th August 

Posted in beer, Birmingham, Coventry, Craft beer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

This Saturday 15th August sees The Brum Vegan Beer Festival arrive at Two Towers Brewery, which is based just outside The Jewellery Quarter on Mott Street in Birmingham. Its a double Unit warehouse with a Two Towers/JRR Tolkien inspired signage outside. 

They craft their own beer on site some Birmingham inspired and some suitable for Vegans. 

The festival will showcase 12 beers that are all suitable for vegans and for £5 entry you can try 2 beers from the range of 12. 

The breweries at the festival include:

-Two Towers Ale- Hockley Birmingham. @TwoTowersAle http://twotowersbrewery.co.uk/ 

serving there Chamberlain Pale Ale 4.5%.

-Beowulf brewery: independent Birmingham brewery @BeowulfBrewing 

serving there Gold Wing 5.1%.

-Fixed Wheel Brewery @FixedWheelBrew

-Little Valley Ale-West Yorkshire @LittleValleyAle

-Green Duck Brewing Co’- Stourbridge @greenduckbrew

-Twist barrel Ale- Coventry brewery and tap house open at Far Go Village. @TwistBarrelAle

-Rock N’Roll Brewhouse- Birmingham’s only roof top brewery. @RocknRollBrew 

serving GoldenStroud organic Ale 4%.

-Stroud brewery- Cotswolds @StroudBrewery

-Angel Ales- Halesowen brewery. @AngelAlesLtd

 Including their Ginger Stout. 4.8%. 

  

  
There will also be food available from 

Vegan food providers and Birmingham’s esteemed Change Kitchen and Warehouse Cafe. 

Change Kitchen will be serving some delicious oniony Homity Pie and a veggie Thai Curry plus veggie samosas and cooked salads. 

http://www.changekitchen.co.uk/

http://www.thewarehousecafe.com/

More details can be found at 

And tickets can be reserved at 

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brum-vegan-beer-festival-tickets-17951131317 with £5 payment per person on the day at the door. 

It should be a good day and though vegan friendly beers are on the increase, they are still a rarety. 

This festival should provide enough choice to satisfy veggies, vegans and beer drinkers everywhere. Plus some great food. 

Thanks for reading.

Andy 😊

Brum Vegan Beer Fest full Beer list:

Angel Ales, Ginger Stout 4.8% 
Beowulf Brewery, Gold Work 5.1% 

Fixed Wheel Brewery, Carbon Black IPA 6%

Green Duck Brew Co, Duck Blonde 4.2% 

Little Valley Brewery, Ginger Pale Ale 4.0% 

Rock n Roll Brewhouse, Meat is Murder 4.1% 

Rock n Roll Brewhouse, Telstar 4% 

Stroud Brewery, Stroud Organic Ale 4.0% 

Twisted Barrel Ale, Inspired Pale Ale 5% 

Two Towers Brewery, Chamberlain Pale Ale 4.5% 

Two Towers Brewery, Complete Muppetry 4.3% 

Two Towers Brewery, Electric Ale 4.1% 

Two Towers Brewery, Hockley Gold 4.1% 

Two Towers Brewery, Smith and Pepper 4.1%

Two Towers Brewery, Mott Street, Birmingham.