Category Archives: Sunday lunch

Introducing The Physician, Edgbaston. A new pub with grub.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Edgbaston, Sunday lunch by


A few months ago I put out a post on my blog about The Physician on the Calthorpe Estate within Edgbaston Village. It is now open for business.

The building was once known as the BMI building and used to house the vast ‘Sampson Gangee Library for the History of Medicine’. But its heritage goes further back and is steeped in history. It is believed it was commissioned in 1863 when the Calthorpe Estate expanded to accommodate a huge population growth from the turn of the 19th century. 

 The building oozes historical grandeur; it’s high ceilings and large sash windows create beautiful rooms of all shapes and sizes which lend themselves perfectly to becoming a beautiful pub.

 

There is now a huge reclaimed wooden bar at the heart of the building, housing 8 local cask ales, with plenty of room for a 50 strong wine list and array of spirits. 

The bar overlooks a large wooden floored room, perfect to house the hustle and bustle of drinkers in front of the open fire. Just right for Winter.

It’s Off this area that you will find smaller rooms to squirrel away in if you choose to have more intimacy or you can opt for the light and airy garden room that we have created overlooking the flag stone walled terrace garden to the rear of the pub. There are also 2 rooms that can be used for private dining, both comfortably seating 16.

Lisa Rogers is at the helm as the General Manager, hailing originally from Southampton, she has worked within pubs since the tender age of 18, spending over 20 something years behind the bar and the last 12 of those in London as a pub manager. She jumped at the chance to run the Physician as it will enable her to live out 3 of her loves, great wine, good food and a love of history, as well as bringing her to her boyfriend Noel’s hometown to be closer to friends and family.

‘’The locals seem to be delighted with the transformation, everybody is bowled over by how much the building has changed. We have received so many positive comments and are loving getting to know our neighbouring residents and business people, some of whom we have seen almost every day since we opened.

The loveliest moment so far has been our first day when I opened the door at 5 o’clock to find a queue of people waiting to get in. And once inside everyone was keen to get a full tour around the building, something we are still doing often.

We’ve seen a good number of dog walkers, taking advantage of our fire side seats in the bar and are inundated with business lunches which just shows what a thriving place Edgbaston Village is’’.

Brunning and Price prides itself on building local relationships with suppliers, it’s up to the local management team to decide the line up on the bar and much of this is driven by customer suggestion. ‘’The most popular beer so far for us has been Silhill Purestar which comes from around 10 miles down the road in Solihull.

The menu has a fairly good split across all the dishes as people experiment to find their favourites.’’

For Vegetarians the menu includes:

Spiced butternut squash and sage soup, deep fried Cornish Brie with pickled cranberries and candied pecan salad, 

Hereford hop, leek and balsamic onion Quiche with new potato salad, Crisp tarragon, polenta salad with roasted peppers, aubergine, and smoked paprika ailoli.

Cauliflower and Sweet Potato biryani with lentil curry sauce and red onion bhaji and Pumpkin, spinach and Worcester blue cheese pie with roasted buttered kale and port gravy.

There’s also a menu for Sunday roasts, but no mention of a veggie option. 

“Customers seem to enjoy seeing our vast selection of over 50 gins and 80 something whiskies, so once we have settled in a little we will begin to pull together a calendar of tasting sessions where customers can come along to meet the brewer or distiller. First of all though, we will concentrate on welcoming as many people as we can through the door to celebrate Christmas with us’’.

Looks an excellent addition to Birmingham’s and Edgbaston’s informal dining scene. With the added bonus of been in a stunning and grand building.

Hopefully the food quality matches the decor. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Brunning and Price are a group of 57 pub restaurants that were founded in the North West of England and North Wales, however, through popular demand and with the assistance of an A to Z we have now ventured further afield and have a substantial branch of the family in the South.

Each pub has its own style and flavour, though you’ll find good cask beers, freshly cooked food, decent and affordable wine and a good shelf of malt whiskies throughout. We like to think we run informal places for people who like to meet, eat, drink and talk in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/physician/

http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/physician/menus/daily-menu/

Web: http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk.

36 Harborne Road, Birmingham, B15 3DH.

0121-2725-900
 

 

 

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Veggie Sunday lunch watch: The Station: Kings Heath, Birmingham. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Kings Heath, Sunday lunch, vegetarian by

  

The Station pub in Kings Heath underwent a refurbishment early in the year. Previously called the Sun at The Station, it’s now returned to its original name after been sold on. 

For many years in Kings Heath’s history it was the pub closest to the now erased railway station that ran via Moseley from the city centre. Oh for its return. The train line is still there and caters for mostly freight trains, but the name of the pub has now returned to its rightful place as the first point of call on the High Street as you come in from the city via Moseley. 



It’s a cosy local neighbourhood pub with a laid back feel with a large back room for events. 

With a good selection of real ale, cocktails and friendly staff it makes a nice alternative to the Hare and Hounds and Fletchers Bar further down the High Street on York Road and it’s refurbishment does the style and age of the pub justice. 

Ruth and I visited on a Sunday lunchtime in order to try out their Menu which includes a Veggie Nut Roast.

The Nut Roast came with lashings of Red wine gravy which is compulsory in my book and in many ways is a good test of the lunch. In this case the gravy was rich and punchy, though could have been a tad warmer. 

The Nut Roast itself was lovely. Nicely textured, with a moist nutty feel that wasn’t over cooked or under flavoured in any way. It came with a huge Yorkshire pudding and mixed vegetables of carrots and peas and roasted potatoes. It was a good size Sunday lunch, and very enjoyable. 

For pudding I  enjoyed an apple crumble with custard, which again was surprisingly good and in this case the custard was hot. 

The Station in Kings Heath is a lovely suburban pub to visit. The Sunday Lunch menu is good value and with decent sized portions is a nice alternative in Kings Heath to curry, Italian and tapas. Outside their is a large beer garden which is comfortable and is a nice sun trap in the sunshine. 

The vegetarian Nut Roast is to be recommended and was surprisingly full of flavour and depth and a decent choice for a roast in the area though not the best in the city by a long chalk. Well worth revisiting though for a straightforward hearty Sunday lunch in a cosy setting.

For a beer alone it’s worth a visit but stop for a bite to eat too, after all that trains not arriving for awhile. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

7 High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7BB.
0121-444 8749.

The Station

http://www.stationkingsheath.com/

The Station also puts on live music events  for up to 200 people and their back room can be hired out. 

Sunday lunch is served from 12-6 every Sunday. 

One course: £8.90

Two courses: £11.90

Three courses: £14.90.

They also serve food all day and brunch. All meat and eggs are free range. 

We paid for our meal in full. 

In praise of: Carters of Moseley. Michelin Starred dining from a Vegetarian perspective. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Moseley, Sunday lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
It’s taken me awhile to get this review posted, but in so many ways I’m pleased it has. You see a couple of weeks ago Carters of Moseley was awarded its first Michelin Star. 

Now back in May when Ruth and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with a meal so beautifully put together, this was just a dream in chef Brad and front of house Holly’s mind. 

Yet the hard work to amaze and impress and make this small neighbourhood restaurant one of the jewels in Birmingham is now been taken seriously by more than just mere locals like me and thus the story of Carters of Moseley evolves. 

It all began with a Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year in 2015, lots of garnished praise locally, plus a great review in The Independent newspaper. 

Yet, when Ruth and I entered chez Carters we hoped for a celebratory meal and man did we get one. 

From it’s mere storefront outside Carters provides food that is quintessential of the perfect neighbourhood restaurant, locally sourced ingredients, foraged often, good value for money food and service which is amongst the best and friendliest anywhere. 

For Vegetarians it’s a journey of enticing flavours, textures and innovation. The seasonality of ingredients used make it fresh, and exciting. 

Simplicity and restraint is central to the cooking, the preparation of the produce with its essence on ingredients is to be applauded. So why does this sound like a conclusion before I’ve shown the dishes? Well, this is a post that’s in praise of Carters of Moseley, not a review as such, but just me saying Vegetarians go there, don’t hesitate, just do it. You won’t regret it. 

So to the food: 5 course menu. 

   
  

To begin a trio of small dishes: 

  Courgette Flower, Ricotta.

  Sparkenhoe Biscuit

   Ogelshield Gougeres.

All three dishes show the touch of dash that makes up the Carters ambition. Good flavours, the precision in the presentation and cooking. A lovely trio. 

As a footnote, we also enjoyed some beautiful homemade wholemeal bread made from flour from the local 250 year old Sarehole Mill, served with butter for vegetarians. 

  Black Headed Gull’s Eggs: 

A seasonal addition to the set 5 course menu. 

Handpicked from around the South Coast of England. The eggs are hand selected by ‘Eggers’ regarded as the greatest eggs on the market. Only 20.000 are picked across the whole country and The season is only three weeks long. 

The whites were delicate, soft and melted in the mouth. A vibrant yolk orange in colour made for a creamy texture and rich flavoured finish. 
  Lichfield Asparagus, Moliterno Al Tartufo.  

A pretty dish of delicate seasonal (May) and local asparagus with an intense black truffle like flavour from the sharp beautiful cheese. An irresistible flavour and texture. 

  Parsley Grains, Lemon Pickled Fennel. 

Then, a satisfying risotto like dish. Prettyness, prediction and confident cooking with lovely flavours running through it. 

  Salt Baked Carrots, Barley Milk, Swiss Chard.

A dish full of flavour, the salt roasting bringing out the vibrant textures of the carrots and lays it on a bed of Swiss Chard. Very Copenhagen, well seasoned, well…’it’, well done. 

 Wye Valley Rhubarb with Rose and Custard.  

Finally to puds: A simple soothing to the palette desert, local rhubarb given refreshing flavours. Lovely. 

  

 
 Sheep’s yoghurt mousse, alphonso mango, pistachio.

Delicious, well presented and creative dish. A decadent desert. 

 Wedding anniversary surprise. 

Well tempered home made chocolate. A lovely touch. 

A word on the service which is amongst the best anywhere. It forms a huge part of our evening, and Holly was attentive and enthusiastic throughout.  It’s not stiff or formal, but friendly, the vibe is relaxed. It is true in this case that the service and food do work in tandem. 

Food at Carters is intricately simple and focuses on flavour, there are few ingredients on the plate 3 or 4 components which allows them to build a properly prepared dish that’s both seasonal and fresh and of the moment. 

The focus is on the food and their own style, which allows the five courses to be an menu to eat rather than to taste. The dishes build like an orchestration and leave you with a symphonic high by the final movement. 

Consistent in quality and true to their passions Carters cooking shows a smart touch in the kitchen. Not pretentious, not complicated and good value for money. 

Carters of Moseley is a lovely neighbourhood restaurant.  One that for vegetarians should be a must and a ‘when can we go.’

An adventure in food. 

One to savour. 
   

  
Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

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

5 courses are £45.

3 course lunch: £28. Half bottle of house wine £8. 

Sunday lunch: £32. 

Sunday Supper: £32. 

 No A La Carte menu served. 

We also drank a bottle of The Crusher Viognier 2012: £26.50. A beautiful Pale, Golden White. Delicious with the food. Plus two glasses of Champaigne. 

  

http://cartersofmoseley.co.uk/

2c St Mary’s Row, Wake Green Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9EZ. 

0121-449-8885.

https://twitter.com/cartersmoseley

The Plough Harborne reveals extension plans launching ‘Upstairs at The Plough’.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Craft beer, Harborne, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, Sunday lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

   
 
I have to say that I was happy to receive an email from The The Plough Harborne’s PR team about their revamp in November. 

Because if you asked me where the best place to get a whisky in Birmingham is I may say The Plough, if you ask me where’s the best Vegetarian Sunday lunch (so far) then tick the Plough. The best veggie burger, maybe the Plough though not tried it yet. The best veggie pizza maybe the Plough too, especially as their redevelopment includes a pizza oven, which gives it a good start in my book. The Plough cover all basis, from coffee, brunch and dinner. 

See my review of the Veggie Sunday lunch: 

https://vegiefoodie.com/2015/01/28/veggiesundaylunch-the-plough-harborne/

   Veggie Sunday lunch at The Plough. 

 Okra and Sweet Potato Hash Brunch
   
Veggie Roast. 

 
  
The Plough in Harborne is set to launch ‘Upstairs at The Plough’ this November. Work has started on the £750k project which will see the popular neighbourhood pub on Harborne High Street add a new first floor extension which will be home to two new private dining and meeting rooms whilst extending its ground floor by 40 covers. 
‘Upstairs at The Plough’ will be home to two flexible private dining rooms with 30 covers combined. The rooms have been designed to accommodate meetings or conferences with both boasting wi-fi, large flat TV screens and private audio systems. The entire space can also be opened up and cater for up to 40 people standing. 

The ground floor renovations will see the arrival of a new bar dedicated to showcasing The Plough’s global selection of rare, award-winning and artisan whiskies alongside a carefully curated collection of craft beers. 

The make-over will also see the arrival of a new pizza kitchen and oven and coffee bar. 

They are also introducing a family style sharing menu in the private rooms. 

The team have re-ignited their long term partnership with interior design expert Melony Spencer of Spencer Swinden to create the new spaces which have been designed to complement The Plough’s trademark eclectic design.

Adam Johnson, Director at The Plough, said, “At The Plough we pride ourselves on the close relationships we enjoy with our regular customers and we take their feedback really seriously. The idea for ‘Upstairs at The Plough’ was born as a result of the regular requests we received to host private events whilst the additional covers and kitchen space downstairs will allow us to develop our menu and product range, enhancingThe Plough experience further. We’re also introducing a family style sharing menu in the private rooms which will further enable us to cater for growing demand. We’re really excited about the next phase in the business.” 
Launched in 2003 The Plough has built a reputation for its menu of fresh home-cooked food and its imitable design whilst clocking up awards for its Sunday lunch, coffee and interior.
The project will create 10 jobs and is set for completion in November. 
  
Plans for The Plough. 

The Plough, Harborne has been serving fresh home-cooked food and the best coffee and Sunday lunch in the neighbourhood for 11 years. Established in 2003 The Plough has undergone extensive renovation since its launch boasting a quirky and eclectic interior and an ‘outdoor lounge’ that is airy, light and unrestricted by season. With a focus on quality and provenance, ingredients are carefully sourced locally to minimise the environmental ‘tread’ of the business where possible. No stranger to accolades The Plough has been recognised for its coffee, Sunday lunch and interior – named by the Independent as ‘best coffee shop’, celebrated by The Times for the best Sunday Lunch in the region and awarded the ‘Best Restaurant / Bar Design’ at the Northern Design Awards. 

Follow The Plough story here: 

Instagram : @ploughstagram 
Twitter : @PloughHarborne 

Facebook : The Plough Harborne 

https://theploughharborne.co.uk/

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊 
   Veggie Sunday roast Lunch  

  

   

   

Japanese Whisky at The Plough. 

 
   
   
Whisky at The Plough. 

Some of the photos courtesy of The Plough Harborne. 

Bistro 1847: National Vegetarian week 18-24th May, 50% discount booked via Veggie Foodie 0n Spring A La Carte menu. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Food, healthy, Independent, Sunday lunch, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

This week the 18th-24th May is National Vegetarian week. 

By reserving a table via Veggie Foodie you can save 50% on the Spring A La Carte menu for this week only. 

Bistro 1847 are offering 2 courses including wine for £17 and 3 courses including wine for £21. 

Book here via the link below. 

https://widget.resdiary.com/CheckAvailability.aspx?Id=5220&theme=bistromanchester&channel=VEGIEFOODIE

The deal is available: 

Sunday-Thursday-lunch and dinner

Friday and Saturday lunch and early evening 5pm-6.45pm.

Please note Sunday lunch is available on a Sunday. 

Wine can be substituted with beer or a soft drink. 

Also Bistro 1847 are offering 2-1 cocktails 17.00-19.00 Monday-Friday plus 12-00-17.00. 

   
  

 Halloumi/Tofu, mushy pea emulsion, lemon curd, sea herb. 

Bistro 1847 is a Vegetarian restaurant located in The Great Western Arcade in Birmingham City Centre. Its opposite Snow Hill Station and within an arcade that is known for its independent shops. 

Named after the year The Vegetarian Society (who organise National Vegetarian Week) was formed, 1847 aim to serve exceptional and innovative Vegetarian British Food alongside an array of tempting cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and spirits. 

With a leaning to creating good innovative dishes, using foraged and locally sourced ingredients its a restaurants that makes me proud to be a vegetarian. The dishes are innovative and intricately created and presented, 

Voted the Best Vegetarian Restaurant outside London, dining at Bistro 1847 is a real experience for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters alike. 

Modern, fresh and natural. 

To celebrate National Vegetarian week and the abundance of fresh produce that is available Bistro 1847 has launched its new Spring Menu. 

The first under new head chef Tony.

For Reservations with the discount 
Book Here via this link:

https://widget.resdiary.com/CheckAvailability.aspx?Id=5220&theme=bistromanchester&channel=VEGIEFOODIE

For menu see below link. 

http://by1847.com/menus/new-menu-feb-2015.pdf

I’ve previously reviewed Bisto 1847 on Veggie Foodie on a couple of occasions. For a taste and my thoughts see links below. 

https://vegiefoodie.com/2014/06/01/bistro-1847-homemade-and-british/
https://vegiefoodie.com/2014/12/01/tastychristmasmorsal-bistro-1847-christmas-menu-launched/

The photos below are from my previous visits to Bistro 1847. 






For reservations Book Here via this link for more than 25% off. 

https://widget.resdiary.com/CheckAvailability.aspx?Id=5220&theme=bistromanchester&channel=VEGIEFOODIE

Cocktails at Bistro 1847

   
 

Thanks for reading 

Andy 😊

Bistro 1847, 26 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5H

Twitter: @bistro1847

Facebook: Bistro-1847-Birmingham

Bistro 1847’s new look:

   
   

   
  

 

For details of Bistro 1847’s Kickstarter campaign to open a restaurant in Liverpool see below. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1699484970/lets-bring-1847-to-liverpool

#Veggiesundayroast: The Highfield, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Craft beer, Edgbaston, Gin, Real ale, Sunday lunch, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

    

The Highfield resides in a striking 1920’s Art Deco property. It’s classic white villa sits poshly in leafy Edgbaston looking inviting, cool and content in its new venture. 

The Highfield is now a gastro pub and restaurant rolled into one. With a lovely garden and two terraces it makes for a space to lounge in and take in those rays. This was the second time I’d visited, the time before pre Christmas for their Christmas menu (see here http://t.co/PM0y53KO5l ) and  I’ve always fancied Sunday Lunch there. It can be the best meal of the week, yes even for veggies. 

On a Sunday they serve a Sunday roast alongside a full alternative menu, dependent on your appetites. It’s good value at £11.50 for the vegetarian variety. The meat options slightly more. 

Sitting opposite Simpsons Restaurant and The Edgbaston bar and boutique hotel, The Highfield White and bright from the outside offers much the same inside. It has an inviting luxurious charm on entering. The bar area is often buzzing, though on a Sunday lunchtime was quieter and yes bar tables were free. 

  
I was visiting with Ruth, my parents and my uncle, on my recommendation, so the pressure was on 😊

We began in the bar with the compulsory (in my world) local  Langley’s No’ 8 Gin. This time with tonic, no junipers or cocktails today. Though recommended.

  
The lovely up front flavour of the gin, classic, perfectly balanced, with a robust flavour and smooth. A lovely gin, made not far away from The Highfield. A good start. 

So into the restaurant. The decor is contemporary, chic in a good way, with comfortable sofas and a light spacious feel about it. It’s a glorious eating space, so much natural light especially on a sunny day. Roll on Summer. 

   
 

I ordered for my starter the healthy sounding and vegan warm superfood salad of salt baked beetroot, lentils, and baby spinach, beetroot and thyme dressing. First of all its a feast for the eyes, bright and colourful. It was lovely, more filling than I initially thought, with contrasting beetroot favours and warning lentils against a crisp lettuce. It felt wholesome, interesting and easy on the eye. 

Ruth and my parents chose the vegetarian soup of the day. Warming tomato flavours with good croutons. It went down well. 

  
The veggie Sunday roast option was a Veggie nut roast Wellington, with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, celeriac and parsnip purée, Yorkshire pudding and veggie gravy. 

   

   
We also ordered a side of Cauliflower cheese

   

 

The nut roast Wellington was excellent. It had a good combination of mixed nuts, was moist and not over cooked in any way. It was a large portion and with the vegetables and yorkshire proved to be a filling roast. I liked the flavours, it felt home made and it showed an understanding of how a veggie roast can work when done well. 

We all felt that it would have been better had the vegetables been not so green (mangetout, and Broccoli) and had a contrasting colour in the bowl, maybe carrots or squash. But they were cooked well all the same. 

The Cauliflower cheese was lovely, a good cheesy flavour and cooked well. It Made for a contrasting colour on the plate. 

The roasties were very good, a proper job as were the Yorkshire puddings. 

   
 

For desert I did order the sticky toffee pudding, but it was probably the worst I ever had. Dry, overlooked, zero sauce. Inediable. The Highfield did kindly deduct the price from the bill after I explained. 

The Highfield’s veggie roast was very enjoyable.

The service was good throughout, friendly and mostly attentive, it didn’t feel rushed. The dining room is a lovely light space for daytime eating, with a garden view. This is certainly a plus when deciding upon a Sunday roast venue. For vegetarians it’s a good place to eat. The veggie roast is well made, filling and delicious. 

The Highfirld is an elegant and restrained dining venue but without any pretension. 

The Sunday roast is good value and with the quality seasonal ingredients used is ‘full of the good stuff’. 

Food is served all day from 8am-11pm. 

  
We paid for own meal. All opinions are my own and honest as always. 

Thanks for reading. 

Andy 😊

The Highfield, 22 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3DP. 

0121-227-7068.

http://www.highfieldedgbaston.co.uk/
The sample menu: 

http://www.highfieldedgbaston.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/SAMPLE-SUNDAY-BEST.pdf
  
   
   

  Photo courtesy of The Highfield. 

#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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