Category Archives: Independent

#CoffeeTime: Cherry Reds-Kings Heath &Birmingham City Centre

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Japanese food, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by

Cherry Reds have two independent cafe bars in Birmingham. One in Kings Heath near my house on York Road just off the high street and one in Birmingham City Centre on John Bright Street near New Street Station and opposite Brew Dog craft beer bar.

Both branches are intimate and quirky, with friendly staff, good alternative music and lots of charm. Try vintage furniture, comfy sofas, mismatched of course, vintage signage and a keen and developing craft beer range at the bar.

Cherry Reds are fantastic for vegetarians and vegans, they do gluten free cakes and all their food is made on the premises. From breakfasts, both veggie and vegan. Veg sausage sandwiches, Halloumi and mushroom sandwiches, jackets, salads, falafel burgers, and a falafel, Halloumi, and roast veg burger that I haven’t yet tried Cherry Reds has a bounty of veggie snacks and bites. They do pop ups, both Pika Pika (Japanese) on the second Monday of the month in Kings Heath and Taco Tuesday’s (soon to be relaunched) are fantastic nights, and great for veggies.

In the last few weeks I’ve been to both for coffee. I’ve eaten in Cherry Reds in Kings Heath before, both for Pika Pika Pop up (back in February) and Taco Tuesday, as well as lunch with Ruth.

During the course of the day in Kings Heath as on John Bright Street, Cherry Reds caters for differing food needs from all day breakfasts to burgers and craft beer.

The Kings Heath cafe bar is smaller, more homely, more intimate. This can be good and bad depending on how busy the bar is. Tables are rarer to find at busy times, but in the day it’s quieter especially in the afternoon after lunch the time that I enjoyed a Flat White and lovely chocolate brownie.

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The Flat white was well made, creamy and very enjoyable, but the brownie which I’ve eaten before is gorgeous, soft, rich, home made. A lovely chocolate flavour and a lovely balance to the flat white coffee and chocolate. Can’t go wrong.

I’ve also eaten lunch at Cherry Reds on York Road and shared a lovely and generous vegetarian sharer platter with falafel, olives, Humous, salsa, red pepper, and Halloumi, crudités, bread and delicious home made chips.

I recommend this dish for a lovely relaxing lunch or evening out with a couple of craft beers, ideal for sharing in a very chilled cafe bar.

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The Cherry Reds on John Bright Street is the larger and younger brother of the Kings Heath cafe bar. Set over two floors it sits on the corner proud and welcoming.

Exposed brickwork, mismatched vintage furniture, the themes and tones are the same but it’s less intimate, more spacious with more tables and room for an evening food and drinks fest. It has the same menu,

I enjoyed a delicious cappuccino creamy, warming, with chocolate on the top, no cake on this occasion but I do recommend their cupcakes. Veggie and vegan friendly. A delight.

Every last Monday of the month John Bright Street house a different food pop up, sometimes street food.

Delize Italian gave just completed a night with good veggie options and hopefully will do more in the future.

Both Cherry Reds do cocktails, again recommended, and wine. Look out on their website for cocktail nights, blues nights and food pop ups.

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Cherry Reds are independent and their aim is to provide great food and drink in a relaxed and cosy space. The atmosphere is laid back, snug, with friendly genuine service.

From 4-7pm Cherry Reds offer 2 4 1 cocktails every day, draught Beers, ciders, lagers, all very eclectic, all in a laid back way. Both are popular for different reasons, my local Kings Heath cafe bar almost feels like my long lost back room.

Cherry Reds also offer Independent Birmingham Membership card holders a free pint of ale, lager, cider or draught soft drink with every main meal ordered. (Including burgers and breakfasts)

Try them, they are brilliant for vegetarians and vegans, some of the best range of food in Birmingham.

All food and drink consumed at Cherry Reds has been paid for by me, enjoyed by me and thus my opinions are honest, and by me as always.

Cherry Reds
16 York Road,
Kings Heath,
Birmingham,
B14 7RZ

0121 441 3155

Facebook: CherryReds

Twitter: @Ilovecherryreds

Cherry Reds cafe bar
92 John Bright Street
Birmingham,
01216435716

Thanks for reading

@andydhare

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Vegetarian sharing platter and Pika Pika Pop up.

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#VeggieSundayLunch: The Plough Harborne

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Coffee, Coffee Time, Food, Harborne, Independent, Pubs, Sunday lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

The Plough in Harborne, in South Birmingham has a village feel and is filled with quirky independent details. It has a buzzy atmosphere and is well known by people in the know for its fresh homemade food, its Sunday Lunch and its coffee.

In fact it’s Sunday lunch has won the Times newspaper award for best Sunday Lunch in the region.

On a Sunday The Plough serves a Hearty brunch from 9am-12.30. Including a lovely looking vegetarian breakfast and numerous other veggie delights. The Sunday lunch is served from 1pm until they are gone. It is advisable to book as the restaurant was busy throughout our visit.

So it was for Sunday Lunch that Ruth and I ventured to The Plough.

For me-to try the the holy grail of vegetarian dishes-the vegetarian roast dinner.

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The Plough has a homely industrial feel about it. The design adds character and a modern distressed look to the wooden furniture that has a rustic cared for look. I liked the decor, the quirky vintage, potted plants and funky signs.

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The Plough has been praised for its Sunday lunch menu, it’s popular judging by how busy the restaurant and bar was and also for its coffee in its own right. A destination for #Coffeetime itself.

For me the vegetarian Sunday roast contours up images of home cooked food, Christmases, and family gatherings. That Cosy feel, tempting aroma and warming taste.

Vegetarians often get bypassed on a Sunday. Restaurants and pubs, prefer wrongly to provide soggy pasta, or a bland mushroom risotto into veggie punters. An irritation not a discerning foodie in their own right. They don’t take the time to create and test a dish that will bring vegetarians in and send them home happy. Satisfied.

Not the Plough-no not The Plough.

Ruth and I were seated near to the coffee action centre as I call it. The coffee station, on going entertainment for me. An area of action.

We both chose the veggie starter.

The Spicy Watercress Soup.

It arrived Served on a wooden board, in a lovely sunny blue bowl, the green of the watercress on the blue. The flavours of the soup were spot on, the gentle peppery bite of the watercress packed a punch and made for a warming soup and a lovely starter, served with good homemade crusty bread.

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For her roast Ruth chose the Beef. Which she loved. A generous plate of food, that was a class above the average.

I chose the veggie Apricot Stuffing roast.

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The roast looked stunning on arrival. A plate full of food. The Roast was delicious. The Apricot stuffing inside the outer crust of the roast, moist, subtle flavours, well seasoned and an element of harmony in the construction.

So many veggie roasts are overdone, overworked, and over flavoured. The Plough’s veggie roast was perfectly cooked, with the apricots adding a glamorous flavour that made the dish more exotic, enticing.

The best I’d had outside of my family home.

It was served with a creamy swede mash, and a delicious pea filled Yorkshire pudding and a braised red cabbage that was lovely, always a winner with me.

We both agreed to have a pudding, well it was Sunday.

Ruth chose the ice cream cone. Which we both thought was a cool vintage idea. She enjoyed her cone.

I ordered the fresh lemon and meringue cheesecake which though looked lovely was a disappointment when tasted. In part because their was too much biscuit and not enough lemon and meringue. The biscuit seemed unhappy being there, too cloying and not in proportion to the lemon which had a good flavour. A shame.

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We both felt we should order some coffee as we were being enticed by the coffee station. Try some it kept saying.

We both ordered a double espresso. They packed a punch, both superbly made. I will be back to try more.

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The Plough has recently introduced a new whisky list of rare and international Whiskies to compliment the large Scottish list they have already. It’s a stunningly large list. Very impressive.

I was advised to try the Swedish MackMyra single malt, so we ordered one of those and one of the complex Ardbeg 10 year single malt from the Islay region of Scotland. Which we shared.

The Ardbeg had a complex malty and peaty flavour that was exuberant and in your face, but for Islay lovers like ourselves its s great choice.

I didn’t realise Sweden made whisky so this was a treat. The MackMyra single Malt had a fresh nutty flavour, light in colour, with a lingering finish and slightly lemony. A nice gentle floral whisky and a lovely contrast to the peaty Ardbeg. Well recommended for something different.

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We also drank two glasses of white wine and a pint and half of Purity ale.

The Plough was full of people in the know. The staff and service was charming throughout, young and enthusiastic and happy.

The plough gets pretty busy so booking on a Sunday is advised. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, a mixture of families with small children, families without children, couples and friend groups.

For my first Vegetarian Sunday Lunch review the Plough sets the standard and maybe won’t be beaten on quality, touch and care. It’s worth spending a bit more. It’s worthwhile in the Plough’s case.

The king of the veggie Sunday roast.

Kick back and try for yourself and take your meat eating friends and family too.

They will love it.

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The Plough Harborne,
21 High Street,
Harborne,
Birmingham
B17 9NT

0121 427 3678

http://www.theploughharborne.co.uk

Facebook/plough.harborne

@ploughharborne

We were invited by The Plough Harborne as guests to try their Sunday Lunch menu. All food and drink was complimentary but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and honest as always.

Many thanks to Dan the restaurant manager for looking after us.

Has anyone had a good veggie Sunday lunch anywhere else? If its good then I will try and visit.

Have you tried the Plough Sunday lunch what did you think?

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

@andydhare

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Moseley and Kings Heath Craft Beer Festival Feb 6th-7th

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Moseley, Pubs, Real ale, vegetarian by

One of the areas related to food that I haven’t mentioned and covered much on my blog up to now is real ale, cider and craft beers.

I’ve always loved real ale and craft beer and see it as just as important as wine, whiskey and cocktails when talking about and eating food. In fact many restaurants are offering and encouraging ale and beer as part of its food menu and tastings.
Particularly Carters in Moseley, Turners in Harborne and of course their is the Pure Bar in the City Centre who are doing a 5 course Valentines night menu with a different tasting beer at every course, though unfortunately not suitable for veggies on this occasion though have veggie options on their main menu.

strong>The festival is taking place with money been raised for good causes is next weekend February 6th-7th at Kings Heath Cricket ground in Kings Heath South Birmingham.

Entry is £10. With £5 worth of beer vouchers and tasting notes and beer glass.

The Moseley, and Kings Heath Craft Beer Festival is organised by the Round Table, who are a organisation that do charity work with an emphasis on social activities and community events.

The festival is the newest event to be organised. This years event is been held at Kings Heath Cricket Ground renowned for its ale, having made The Good Pub Guide.

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This year the festival has a local theme with all 40 Beers having been selected within a 15 mile radius of the festival.

Cider is from Worcestershire, and Herefordshire and Specials ‘including Homebrew’ specially selected as champion home brew Beers.

For a full list of beers and ciders see

http://www.moseleyandkingsheathbeerfestival.co.uk/beers-amp-ciders.html

There will also be live rugby from the six nations on the big screen and live music all weekend.

See website for details:

http://www.moseleyandkingsheathbeerfestival.co.uk

Brewers at the festival include:

Church End
Holdens
Two Towers
Purity

There will and be food available. Details not known as yet. I will update when I know.

Though I know that veggie Veg Out Cafe, Kitchen Garden and Sylhet Spice from Kings Heath are sponsors.

It should be s good two days and hopefully will raise money for good causes locally.

Remember Entry is £10 which includes your festival beer glass, £5 worth of beer vouchers, and tasting notes for all the craft beers and ciders.

Cheers. Get the beers in😊

@moseleyroundtable
Facebook: MoseleyRoundTable

Six Eight Kafe and Two Cats Roaming Kitchen at Millennium point

Posted in Bakery, Cafés and Restaurants, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pop up's, Supper Clubs, vegetarian by

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As anyone who follows my blog will know I’m a keen coffee drinker and from time to time put up up #coffeetime reviews.

Though I have been to Six Eight Kafe on Temple Row in Birmingham City Centre (near the entrance of The Great Western Arcade) I’ve not yet reviewed it for my blog.

It is one of the best independent coffee shops in Birmingham (voted one of the top 50 in the UK by the Independent Newspaper) and though small is a bustling place with fine artisan coffee and beautiful cakes.

So the news that Six Eight Kafe are now this month January are opening up a new outlet in Millennium Point is quite exciting.

Six Eight Kafe have been running a trial pop up coffee shop there for a few months, and with its success have announced a new shop. It’s expected to be one of the largest Artisan independent coffee shops in the Midlands and will have a fully operational kitchen and will be licensed.

This will allow them to serve hot food and be open for longer hours I presume. The launch date has yet to be confirmed, but should be soon. Keep an eye on this blog for updates,

As a way of launching the fully operational kitchen Six Eight Kafe will be hosting Two Cats Roaming Kitchen roaming February pop up on the 17,18,19 February 2015.

Already they have hosted previous pop up kitchens on Temple Row so this will be a larger affair and the first with vegetarian options (on request)

Two Cats Roaming Kitchen is a pop up taking a modernist culinary approach to North Eastern European cuisine and making fine dining accessible and informal. Food is served on one shared communal table and with limited tickets for sale is a ticket only event.

Chef Nick Astley formally of The Church Inn in the Jewellery Quarter has now taken Two Cats full time after leaving The Church. Inspired by his partner Diana’s Latvian food, the Birmingham Post describes his food as ‘imaginative and ambitious’ and fellow local food blogger Full To The Brum have raved about previous pop ups taken place last summer.

As I’ve said this is the first time veggie options are available at every course so expect a modern imaginative approach to the dishes and a creative leaning to foraging and seasonal produce. It’s an exciting prospect for veggie foodies and at £31.00 for many courses, is great value.

The menu hasn’t as yet been confirmed for those dates but you may see veggie dishes such as:

Sweet and sour Jerusalem artichoke, milk ice, cream, Apple and dill.

Beetroot Tartare

Celeriac, truffle, hazelnut, and rose

Sorrel in February

And inventive puddings.

As well as a full non veggie menu.

Tickets are available via facebook.

http//Facebook.com/twocatsroaming

There are three dates so you will need to select the best for you.

Remember if you are vegetarian then you will have to let them know in advance via Twitter or Facebook on booking.

Look out for updates on the menu on this blog, and more updates on Six Eight Kafe.

Six Eight Kafe
Millennium point
Curzon street
B4 7XG

Six Eight Kafe
Temple Row
B2 5HG
0121 448 8099

Facebook/sixeightkafe
Twitter/sixeightkafe

http://www.sixeightkafe.co.uk

Hotel La Tour and La Tour Grill. A modern twist on the classic

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Whiskey by

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Late last year Ruth and I booked a staycation in Birmingham at Hotel La Tour via the Secret Escapes website. Worth checking on for good deals.

Hotel La Tour is in Birmingham City Centre, on the Digbeth side and is an excellent spot to stay if in the city to shop or take in Brums sights.

Hotel La Tour is a modern designed hotel that has a chic and quite sophisticated bar called Alvar which is brilliant for cocktails and a brasserie style restaurant called La Tour Grill which leans towards seasonal produce and is a steak specialist and serves a menu of classic British dishes. Presented with a modern twist.

La Tour Grill is also excellent for vegetarians as I surprisingly found out.

The Hotel has 174 stylish bedrooms which are modern in style and facilities, and on the whole are all you would require for a night away in the city or short break. Though our rooms was more basic than some it was comfortable and had all we required.

We had ordered dinner at Grill La Tour. I didn’t expect much to be honest, as a veggie, but I’m a bit cynical sometimes.

We began our evening as we do in a bar. The spacious and sophisticated area know as Alvar is a very relaxing and cool space. We ordered Gin Martinis. A check of quality, perfectly made, classy. It hit the spot.

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The bar area is comfortable with sofas and though quiet for a Friday evening still had a lovely atmosphere and is a must when staying at the hotel. In fact it’s lovely when in Birmingham full stop, with a huge cocktail, wine and drinks list including many many Whiskies 😊

We had booked dinner at La Tour Grill. A lovely space, with perfect lighting, and though large it felt more intimate than on first impressions. A real grower.

La Tour Grill uses seasonal ingredients. Sourced locally with some produce grown on their roof top garden allotment, Jardin La Tour, supported by
Edible Eastside in nearby Digbeth that I’ve championed before on this blog.

The Brasserie caters well for vegetarians with some options on the menu but on discussion with the waitress they had many more unseen and un menued veggie jewels that can be made upon request.

The waitress brought some excellent assorted breads to the table to eat whilst looking at the menu. These were varied, crisp and presented well. Always a good sign if the bread is of high standard.

I decided to order off the main menu.

I began with The Heritage Tomato and Burrata cheese salad. A lovely starter.

The tomatoes were fresh, grown on the roof, had a beautiful flavour and were both yellow an red in colour. Against the Burrata cheese you could imagine you were in Italy it tasted so fresh. The dish was also impressively presented. A simple dish, done well. Sounds easy, but rest assured i’ve had some rotters in my time.

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For my main course I ordered the delicious sounding
Asparagus, Pea, Courgette and Ricotta Risotto.

This dish surprised me with its gentle flavours and perfectly creamy texture. Throughout the dish the flavours of the fresh peas against the slightly charred courgette felt warming and surprisingly indulgent. A lovely risotto, one of the best I’ve had for years anywhere. I was pleasantly surprised. I also ordered some lovely hand cut chips because I have to Im afraid. I love chips. Beatutiful.

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So far so good.

For pudding I chose a dish that I had heard rave reviews about, the pudding to have, the signature dish.

The Jaffa Cake Pudding, candied orange.

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It wasn’t a cake at all, but was the elements that make up one.

The pudding was a joy. The orange served as a little mound of sponge with a candied orange on top and a pot of melted hot chocolate to pour over the top (as much or as little as you like) that was served with pistachio ice cream.

A winning pud. At a winning restaurant, which if I’m honest surprised me. Grills are usually not great for veggies.
La Tour Grill bucked the trend for simple well made dishes using well sourced ingredients, some home produced in their edible garden and a smart, relaxed dining room.

The quality of the ingredients did show through. I think this element made the real difference to the vegetarian dishes which at face value seemed simple but on taste much more complex.

I expected La Tour Grill to be a bit pretentious, but found the service friendly, professional and relaxed. All served as I’ve said in a lovely dining room.

The eating was the pleasure, and though the Brasserie wasn’t anywhere near full, it felt intimate and romantic.

The hotel and restaurant are ideal for dates, a night away, or a romantic drink in an excellent hotel bar. A sophisticated treat. Try it.

We headed back to the bar to sample the Whisky’s and brandy’s. A long list but someone had to do it. We sat next to the piano, no one was playing, but we could hear the gentle music swish through our minds like soothing harmonies.

I’ve also heard rave reviews from fellow bloggers about the afternoon tea. Bring it on.

La Tour Grill has also a chefs table near the kitchen. We had a view of the kitchen without the chefs table service. The table there seemed to be enjoying their experience.

Next morning we took breakfast in the Brasserie- a hot and cold buffet, of numerous breakfast items. The veggie breakfast items were good, though no veggie sausage. Very pleasant, without been overwhelming.

We enjoyed once again lovely service and it was a good way to end our short but very sweet stay.

Hotel La Tour
Albert Street
Birmingham
B5 5JE

A short walk from new street and Moor Street Stations.

0121 718 8000

http://www.hotel-latour.co.uk

Facebook: Hotel/la-tour

Twitter: @hotel_latour

We paid for our stay and meal in full all opinions are my own and honest.

We thank the hotel staff and restaurant staff for helping us to have a lovely one night stay.

@andydhare

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#feedyoursoul: Big Papa’s B. South take over the Sunflower Lounge

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

It’s hard to believe that The Sunflower Lounge on Small Brook Queensway near the Bull Ring and New Street Station in Birmingham City Centre is over 10 years old. I remember going there many times when I was younger for cool indie tunes and a chilled vibe, with work colleagues. It was always fun. Yet, I haven’t been for a long while since, not sure why, maybe you out grow these places and remember the memories with fondness of good times past.

So it was with nostalgic excitement that I found out that there is a grand refurbishment afoot at the Independently owned Sunflower Lounge which includes a #feedyoursoul new foodie residents
Big Papa’s B. South street food gurus and soulfood experts, so expect great soul food and soulful music, with good vegetarian options.

Having spoken to them I know that they are passionate about their food, and want to get their vegetarian options right. They are excited by the launch on the 21st January and of the new joint partnership with the Sunflower Lounge. Being permanent residents at
The Sunflower Lounge allows them to be free and interchangeable with the menu which is great for veggies and meat eaters alike. On the whole soul food can be very meaty, but also in this case very veggie too. What’s not too like?

The soul food menu will run for seven days a week, service times to be confirmed and will be a permanent fixture in The Sunflower Lounge’s top floor bar/restaurant.

So expect starters, mains and puds. Mains from Kale, avocado, and garlic aioli salad-healthy option, and Roasted Butternut squash, Mac and Cheese, with poached egg, plus a veggie starter and three puds.

Big Papa’s B. South, want to create an independent, unique and vibrant atmosphere in a venue that’s known for great food as well as great music.

Big Papa’s will still be doing their streetfood gigs and festivals. They will employ chefs whilst they are away cooking up a storm.

The Sunflower Lounge has been completely refurbished so my memories will be severly tested. Yet, one things certain the vibe will be the same, if not better, an awesome place to hang out with friends, eat great soulfood, and listen to cool music. For people like me that grew up in Birmingham it’s part of our history, now it has a new vibe, a new look, new menus,

its the #feedyoursoul vibe. Feel happy 🙂

Keep an eye on my blog for further details and reviews to come.

The Sunflower Lounge is part of the Independent Birmingham trail and supported businesses.

See http://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/thesunflower-lounge

The Sunflower Lounge
76 Small Brook Queensway
Birmingham
B5 4EG

@bigpapasuk

@sunflowerlounge

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#TastyMorsels: A few New openings 2015

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Tasty Morsels, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Happy New Year 🙂

2015 is already heralding a number of new openings and re openings in the early months of the year.

Indian Restaurant Pushkar will be launching a sister venue called Praza by Pushkar this month.

The new restaurant will follow on Pushkar’s focus on North Indian cuisine with cocktails aflowing.

However, the food will have a international influence.

The new menu will be created by Pushkar Head Chef Bishal Rasaily.

Praza by Pushkar will be located in the former Rose Muree restaurant on Hagley Road, Edgbaston the venue will feature an Art deco design with Monochrome colourways, glass, and chrome for a ‘chic and luxurious feel’.

Pushkar on Broad Street has recently celebrated in November 14 a five year anniversary.

Pushkar is one of the best restaurants in Birmingham for vegetarians in my opinion so Praza by Pushkar is sure to be equally good and veggie friendly.

keep an eye open on my blog for more opening details and menus.

Praza by Pushkar
94-96 Hagley Road
Birmingham
B16 8LU

Also, due to open is new bakery and independent coffee shop
Sixteen Bakery in Picadilly Arcade off New Street.

Set up by Lucy Lam of Faculty Coffee next door, its sure to be a place for bakes, cakes and coffee.

Be sure to keep an eye on this blog for more information.

@sixteenbakery

Independent Japanese resturant Woktastic has recently closed at The Paradise Forum due to the arrival of the redevelopment in that area.

Thankfully, it is due to re open in a new location as yet unanounced in the Spring in the City Centre.

For further details keep an eye on this blog and http://www.woktastic.co.uk and @woktastic.

I will be mentioning more new openings over the next few weeks.

Thanks for reading.

Andy 🙂

@andydhare

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#TastyMorsels: Cruelty Free Christmas Fair and Digmas @ the Custard factory Saturday 20/12

Posted in Bars, beer, Catering, Cocktails, Digbeth, Events, Festivals, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, shops, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

This Saturday the 20th seems to be the climax of Birmingham’s December Festive seasonal foodie calender.

It’s a bit like buses, you wait around for ages and then three turn up at once.

I’ve mentioned Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh already, but two more events also going on in or near the City Centre.

First off is, The Birmingham Cruelty Free Christmas Fair at Carrs Lane Church Centre B4 7SX in the City Centre.

From 10.30-4pm 30 stalls will be offering a wide variety of animal free products, chocolate, cosmetics, cakes, recipe books, soaps, sweets, and gifts and much more with delicious vegan catering from ChangeKitchen whom I’m big fans of and much more fresh food stalls and nibbles to tempt you.

http://www.changeKitchen.co.uk

@changeKitchen

Also, stbestcaterers, will be bringing top quality food, the best in Caribbean cuisine will be showcasing too.

http://www.stbestcaterers.co.uk
@stbestcaterers

Run by West Midlands Vegan Fest, promoting veganism in the West Midlands including free food fairs and events.

http://www.midlandsveganfestival.org.uk

Supporting local Animal Sanctuaries, campaigning groups and small ethical traders. The fair will be free entry and run from 10.30am-4pm.

The second event is Digmas 12pm-6pm at The Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham.

The Christmas Fair will be an alternative day out and be the best of local traders, Street food, a pop up bar and entertainment.

Digbeth Dining Club will be doing the food and for veggies and vegans the esteeemed Vegan Grindhouse will be there along with The
Bournville Waffle Company.

Alfie Birds another Veggie Foodie Favourite will be provideing the drinks with a pop up bar- including craft beer, Bailey’s Hot Choc, and Christmas Cocktails.

Street food and bar running until 8pm.

Plus, there will be live music, an Urban Village Vintage fair, and a Mockingbird Theatre treats (see website) plus other independent luminaries from The Custard Factory to tempt and loosen your purse strings.

So catch them both if you can, 🙂

Digmas @ the Custard Factory 20th December 12pm-6pm.

http://www.thecustardfactory.co.uk/digmas for full programme.

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Thanks for reading 🙂

@andydhare

Brum Yum Yum in Kings Heath 20/12 #kingshEATh 11am-5pm

Posted in beer, Events, Food, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Real ale, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Brum Yum Yum are due to take over the Village square in Kings Heath in South Birmingham on Saturday 20th December from 11am-5pm.

KingshEATh is a long running streetfood market that usually runs on the 2nd Saturday of every month. It was on last week on the 13th and lucky Christmas festive revellers have a second opportunity to enjoy fine street food, real ale, live music and the local Kings Heath vibe.

There is always plenty of food choice for veggies.

Look out for Bare Bones pizza, Mrs Mills, Ciao-Arancini (well recommended) Big Papas Beautiful South, and Bombay tapas and Pip’s Hot Sauce.

Brum Yum Yum have been selected as one of the top 5 food attractions in Birmingham by Visit Birmingham.

This Saturday see traders:

-Big Papas Beautiful South, soul food and soulful music, deep south
-Rolling smoke
-Flipping cow
-Bare Bones pizza
-Pimpernells Delights
-Nosh & Ciao, Italian street food. Inspired by Italy.
-Bombay Tapas
-Pelima Satay
-Mrs Mills, cakes, bakes, and brownies.
-Pip’s Hot Sauce, devishly spicy chilli sauces, and more

Plus, Live bands, DJ’s, Purity Craft Beer Bar,

and a special Christmas gift Market and ice grotto for children.

That’s Brum Yum Yum at the Village Square, Kings Heath #KingshEATh

11am-5pm 20th December 2014 for festive family fun 🙂

See you there.

Thanks for reading.

@brumyumyum
Facebook/brumyumyum
http://www.brumyumyum

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#TastyMorsel: The Eight Foot Grocer opens: A Feast of Veg in the Jewellery Quarter

Posted in Bakery, Breakfasts, Cake, Coffee, Food, Fruit and Veg, Grocers, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter, shops, St Paul's Square, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

If you are a vegetarian and you don’t eat or like fruit or vegetables, then maybe ask what’s the point. Veg are the kings of vegetarian and vegan living. All hail the veg 🙂

So in that respect any news that an Independent food grocer is opening in Birmingham is therefore greeted with the applause and plaudits it deserves.

That’s why I love the idea of The Eight Foot Grocer. i did wonder if the guy who owned it initially was a giant, that eating all those veg like your Mother told you to do had made him grow so much that he had turned into a fairy tale character, old Jack himself.

No in fact, his name is Chris James and his grocers is in the lovely Jewellery Quarter and is housed in a eight foot wide former loading bay near
St Paul’s Square.

Chris has turned a quirky venue into a new fruit and veg store selling exciting deli produce locally sourced where possible and all in a eight foot wide space. The store is in Caroline Street next to the Braderie Vintage shop and opposite The esteemed Bloc Hotel.

The shop is an eclectic mix of local art, and photography, and receives daily fresh bread deliveries from nearby Peel and Stone bakers and stocks such items as jams, marmalades, loaclly made Cufuffle preserves,
Kneals Chocolates, Pip’s Hot Sauce, pastas and olive oil.

It also serves porridge for breakfast, and sandwiches, salads, and cakes for lunch.

It’s a proper shop, independent and local and open from
8am-8pm Monday-Saturday.

The Eight Foot Grocer
13-15 Caroline Street
off St Paul’s Square
Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham
B3 1TR

@The8footgrocer

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