Tag Archives: Birmingham City Centre

Marmalade: Bistro, coffee, cocktails, and great for veggies

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Uncategorised, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

IMG_2700

IMG_2697

IMG_2694

Marmalade is the new bar/bistro that is opening on the 6th February at The Birmingham Rep Theatre in Centenary Square near the Symphony Hall and Broad Street.

It’s a joint venture from Birmingham Rep and independent Bitters ‘n’ Twisted who also run the successful Bodega, Rose Villa Tavern, The Victoria, Island Bar and The New Inn in Harborne.

Promising eclectic furnishings, quality wines, ales, craft beer and cocktails galore as well as an innovative food menu that is open all day for coffee, bar snacks, light lunch or pre theatre dining.

There will be a special food offer of two courses for £15.95 or Three courses for £19.95 from a set menu. A Pre theatre menu.

Bitters ‘n’ Twisted are keen for Marmalade to be known for its food menu as well as for the existing theatre, it’s an ideal place for a post theatre drink or just for dinner.

Having spoken to Bitters ‘n’ Twisted a few months ago I knew the menu would be brilliant for vegetarians, as they have considered their menu carefully with numerous innovative dishes on offer. 😊

Having now seen the menu this holds true with nine dishes on the menu and 5 sides plus of course puddings.

The food menu is split into five sections Appetisers, Small plates, Main courses, sides and puddings.

Try, goats curd, black olive tapenade, croutes, watercress, balsamic, or the lovely sounding beetroot, and feta croustade, samphire, bearnaise sauce, orange on the appetisers.

Or, Bosworth’s Ash Goats Cheese and watercress pancakes, Apple chutney or charred kale, caramelised swede, coconut, cranberries, walnuts. Which I have been told is delicious. Thanks Vicky😊

Or Sesame, Coated Halloumi, Seared Honeydew, Melon, Black olive tapenade.

For main courses you could try Mediterranean Vegetable Crumble, tofu, Roast Tomato sauce, Spinach, figs. Sounds lovely.

Or Quinoa, Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Olives, coriander, toasted butter bean, cannelloni, bean salad.

Or Roast Aubergine, Lentil, feta, Basil leaves, chick peas, croutons, curry oil, raisins, shiitake mushroom salad.

For sides try a number of salads, the roasted sweet potato and fig salad sounds delicious, as does the baby spinach salad, dates and walnuts.

Puddings include a Repertory mess, plum orange and apricot crumble and a gingerbread cheese cake. Yummy!

Vegetarian Appetisers are priced between £3.25 and £6.50 vegetarian small plates between £6.75 and £7.25 and veggie mains priced at £10.95. Puddings at £5.75.

I think the menu shows innovation and real thought for vegetarian diners, and many high end restaurants and bistros could take a leaf out of Marmalade’s book. Credit is therefore given to Bitters ‘n’ Twisted. Thank you.

Of course the proof is in the pudding as they say (or in the small plate) so I look forward to trying some of the above dishes soon and feeding back shortly.

The Marmalade Lounge bar is happily affordable, focussing on the creative and intrigue of its food menu. The veggie options certainly show exciting flavour combinations with an independent twist and style that would be expected. Food that is fresh and local where it can be.

For vegetarians Marmalade has the potential to be one of the most exciting new openings in Birmingham City Centre this year.

Remember Marmalade is open today. They are taking bistro bookings online via their website and serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10-12 noon and Sunday lunches hereafter.

I will check on the menu and update my post. Full menus see below.

http://www.marmaladebirmingham.co.uk

http://marmaladebirmingham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/marmalade-food web.pdf

Also follow them on Face book/Marmalade and Twitter @marmaladeBham

You may even bump into Paddington.

Marmalade Bistro Bar
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2EP

0121-633 9349

br />
IMG_2694-0

IMG_2695

IMG_2696

IMG_2697-0

IMG_2698

IMG_2699

IMG_2702

IMG_2701

IMG_2703

IMG_2706

Some of the veggie dishes at Marmalade.

Photos courtesy of Bitter ‘n’ Twisted and Jack Spicer Adams.

IMG_2732

IMG_2731

IMG_2730

IMG_2735

IMG_2733

IMG_2736

#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.

br />
IMG_2558

IMG_2557

IMG_2559

IMG_2566

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.

IMG_2554

IMG_2555

IMG_2556

IMG_2563

IMG_2565

IMG_2561

IMG_2562

IMG_2636

IMG_2635

IMG_2666

IMG_2634

IMG_2629

IMG_2626

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.

br />
IMG_2667

IMG_2665

IMG_2628

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

IMG_2627

IMG_2671

IMG_2670

IMG_2664

Vegetarian sharing platter and Pika Pika Pop up.

IMG_2586

IMG_2174

IMG_2587

#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

2015/01/img_2473.jpg

2015/01/img_2474.jpg

2015/01/img_2475.jpg

2015/01/img_2540.jpg

#TastyMorsel: Lounging at The Loungers Cosy Club

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Food, Harborne, Kings Heath, Real ale, Tapas, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers, Veggie foodie by

Well it would be rude not to 🙂

One of the finds for me since I started my blog is the casual Loungers cafe bars that offer all day casual eating, drinking and community chilled fun, quirky atmosphere, amd a relaxed vibe whatever the day or night or occasion.

They are extremely popular and what I like about them community driven. My local one in Kings Heath, do fundraising, have book sessions, do charity work, they have a community notice board where people can promote events, local information.

They offer a space for families to dine in a casual way with children’s activities and games, as well as offering an informal drinking and dining scene for evening down time.

Birmingham and Solihull already have four Loungers bars.

<strong>Arco Lounge in Harborne, Loco Lounge in Kings Heath and Desco Lounge in Shirley at the new Park Gate shopping centre. and Verdo Lounge in Wylde Green.

All four offer a similar menu, from Breakfasts, all day brunch, lunches and an evening menu and a changing specials board.

Plus coffee, cocktails, wines, real ale and craft world beers. An all round winner.

They are cosy, quirky, family friendly home from home, and ideal for catching up with friends or an informal date night or as a place to work in or write over a coffee.

The food, i’ve had is excellent, from tapas, to Burgers, to specials, and puds. They are very popular with a cross section of the communities they serve, and are buzzy and lively and always busy, day and night.

For vegetarians and vegans, they offer a comprehensive menu. vegetarian breakfasts, veggie Kedgeree, sandwiches, tapas, veggie burgers, and risotto and Mac and cheese.

They have a full vegan menu which is to be commended and serve vegan wine.

Brunch is served all day, and on Tuesday’s in Kings Heath there is Tapas Tuesday where you can get three tapas and a glass of wine for £9.95.

There is also an extensive gluten free menu, a kids menu and cakes, coffee and puds.

See website for menus: http://www.theloungers.co.uk

For my review of Loco Lounge Kings Heath here

https://vegiefoodie.com/2014/11/26/veggieburgerwatch-loco-lounge-kingsheath/

So it was with a degree of excitement that I read in
The Birmingham Post that the company Loungers are planning to open a cafe bar called The Cosy Club in Birmingham City Centre hopefuuly in the Spring

They have purchased the old historic Midland Bank building on Bennetts Hill opposite The Lost and Found bar and Issacs curry restaurant near the already successful Pure Bar and Fumo.

They plan to offer a similar cosy all day cafe with 30’s sofas, a quirky atmosphere and a similar menu. Expect to see vegan/veggie breakfasts up to 6pm, Mac and cheese with a twist, Veggie Bean Burgers, sharing veggie plates and cheese plates, delicious puds and coffee galore.

Details are still a bit vague, but for Birmingham City Centre it should be a great place to chill with good coffee, and a cocktail and for veggies and vegans it should offer more food choice than many other places in the city do.

What with a new restaurant from Lasan and
The Botanist Bar also to open nearby in the Spring, that part of Birmingham will become even more of a haven for foodies.

It should be retitled the Colmore Foodie district.

Keep an eye on my blog for more details on the all the above over the next few months.

Also, now open is Quinto lounge in Sutton Coldfield which is the 5th lounges bar to open in the West Midlands. This has opened this week on the Birmingham Road.

The Lounges Cafe bars are an excellent all rounder. Give one a try. 😊

Arco Lounge: 147 High Street, Harborne, B17 9NP

Loco Lounge: 32-34 High Street, Kings Heath B14 7ST

Desco Lounge: Park life Shopping centre, Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3AX

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

@andydhare

2015/01/img_2420.jpg

2015/01/img_2418.jpg

2015/01/img_2422.jpg

2015/01/img_2425.jpg

2015/01/img_2423.jpg

2015/01/img_2421.jpg

2015/01/img_2424.jpg

#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

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/70e/67676794/files/2015/01/img_2415.jpg

Veggie Foodie Guide to: The Birmingham Christmas Markets for vegetarians

Posted in Events, Festivals, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pop up's, shops, Tapas, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Veggie Foodie Guide to by

Navigating the Frankfurt German Market in Birmingham City Centre at this time of year for vegetarians and vegans can be difficult.

The times I’ve been out with Ruth, family and friends and whilst the meat eaters have a array of fleshy delights us veggies are left eating cake and pastries and if we are being greedy Garlic Bread. Good but hey, we like Christmas too 🙂

Then of course it is easier for veggies to drink more at the market than eat some super independent food.

This year it appears their are though some jewels to be sought out and tasted. Yes, you have to search and yes you have to walk a bit, but it is worth it..trust me 😊

IMG_2265.JPG

IMG_2266.JPG

The Birmingham Christmas market that stretches all the way from The Bull Ring up New Street into Victoria Square and onto the area around the Town Hall, and the Art Gallery up to The Hall of memory and up to the New Library of Birmingham and the Big Wheel.

The lower part from the Bull Ring to Victoria Square is the long running and expensive generally German Market which turns Birmingham tourist crazy for a month and makes Brum feel like a European city bathed in Christmas joy. It’s good fun and full of drinking dens, but little hot good veggie food.

The Frankfurt Market leads into the Birmingham Christmas craft markets by the Art Gallery which is much more independent and has a greater amount of food outlets that veggies can enjoy and stretches up to the New Birmingham Library.

br />
IMG_2256.JPG

IMG_2249.JPG

IMG_2250.JPG

IMG_2252.JPG

On wandering around the markets last week with my brother Pete (also vegetarian) we found a number of options.

Within the Birmingham craft market (further on from the Frankfurt Market) by the old Central library and Birmingham Art Gallery lie two good options to begin with for veggies.

First is Woktastic which serves noodles and a variety of Japanese dishes some veggie options. A good option. They also have a stand at Paradise Forum and restaurant too.

Then, nestled within the Christmas trees at the top of the steps lies The Mumbai Grill. For curry and a spicy kick it can’t be beaten. They have a vegetarian menu that includes a vegetarian platter, onion bhaji wraps, samosas, channa chaat, and a chana chickpea wrap. They also have balti chips.

IMG_2246.JPG

IMG_2244.JPG

Then, further through the Paradise Forum over bridge past the Hall of Memory you will find local Pips Hot Sauce, a creperie, and a fully veggie and vegan falafel stall.

The falafel stand sells numerous falafel options, a veggie burger, and is the markets only completely 100% veggie option. Prices start from £4.50. It looks brilliant, and I can’t wait to try it. Their are falafel wraps, spicy Jalapeños, grilled Halloumi and other falafel dishes. See menu.

IMG_2241.JPG

IMG_2240.JPG

Next door so to speak is a Creperie stand that sells sweet and savoury crepes and has veggie options on the savoury side. The creperie has outside tables and is popular.

Next door to the Creperie nearest the New Library of Birmingham is Pips Hot Sauce with vegan options.

Trader Pip Bradley from Kings Heath sells dishes such as sweet potato fries, nachos, salsa, jalapeños, guacamole, and vegan friendly sauces. Try a combination of the dishes and a few sauces maybe?

Pips Hot Sauce also sell gift packs of her superb sauces that can be brought as gifts. Well recommended.

IMG_2259.JPG

IMG_2242.JPG

IMG_2257.JPG

IMG_2258.JPG

IMG_2259-0.JPG

IMG_2255.JPG

IMG_2260.JPG

Back to The Frankfurt Market, their is a stand that sells pizza, and Italian sandwiches near the Town Hall and a stand in the centre near the fountain that sells a nice spinach and feta strudel. Plus, sweet ones too. One I’ve not noticed before.

Then last but not least is the aforementioned garlic bread stand, that is a delight. Try it with cheese, always a winner, but this year it seems not the only hot option. Stationed next to the long bar nearest to the Council House on Victoria Square.

As well as those hot food options their are a number of sweet food stands and some are brilliant. I will leave you to discover those 🙂

As always the Frankfurt Market divides opinions in Birmingham, but at least some independent and local food traders are involved in Birmingham’s Christmas Markets, and their is always Digbeth Diner and Brum Yum Yum to satisfy that independent street food demand.

If you get out into Birmingham have a good Market experience and eat, and drink and be merry, but watch those alcohol prices at The German Market that are quite steep compared to elsewhere. Their are a good selection of drinks at the craft market, near the town hall, including mulled cider, mulled wine and Pims.

Their is also a Hogan’s cider tent near the hall of memory with sofas inside. Looks great, very popular.

Have fun and thanks for reading and Happy Christmas. 🙂

IMG_2267.JPG

IMG_2262.JPG

IMG_2263.JPG

IMG_2264.JPG

IMG_2261.JPG

IMG_2254.JPG

IMG_2254-0.JPG

Library of Birmingham

IMG_2248.JPG

IMG_2253.JPG

IMG_2304.JPG

IMG_2305.JPG

IMG_2303.JPG

IMG_2302.JPG

IMG_2298.JPG

IMG_2299.JPG

Winter Season Markets: Digbeth Dining Club: Winter Wonderland, Spotlight, Digbeth

Posted in Events, Festivals, Food Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Birmingham has a thriving Independent food scene and its Streetfood is well known accross the Uk.

As I’ve mentioned many times on this blog , I’m a big fan of this informal and fun way of eating and for vegetarians and vegans it’s filled with choice and delicious indulgences.

This winter season their are many fab choices for the streetfood and Christmas Market fan.

As an alternative to the Frankfurt German Market, Birmingham has a few independent options and one of the best and most innovative and decorated this December is in Digbeth.

The Digbeth Dining Club @ Spotlight, Digbeth (just behind The Old Crown Pub)

It’s held every Friday and Saturday from the 5th December from 5.30pm, free entry (plus December 18th-21st) Yes, that’s a four day weekend From Thursday 18th-Sunday 21st December 🙂

For full details of the line up, check their website.

http://www.digbethdiningclub .co.uk
Twitter: @digbethdiner

Plus, others to look out for:

Are two this Saturday.

Winter Season Market @ The Bond, Fazeley Street, Digbeth.

Enjoy a canalside setting, a courtyard of streetfood, real ale, cocktails and independent crafty stalls of artists, artisan food producers, designers moored up on barges, and beneath a huge Victorian canapy.

-Peel and Stone bakers from the Jewellery Quarter
-Buddha Belly: Awad winning Thai street food, good veggie options
Fresh Rootz: Veggie and vegan food (award winning)
Fire and slice: Woodfired pizza
Hungry Toad: Mexican flavours

amongst others.

and craft ales from a routemaster bus.

Run by Street food traders The Bournville Waffle Company (puds from a converted caravan)

The cost is £1.50 adults, kids go free.

12-6pm Saturday 6th December

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

Brum Yum Yum are @ the Square Birmingham City Centre on the 6th December Free entry.

#Christmasfest

vintage bargains, Bert and Gerts, streetfood.

http://www.brumyumyum.com
@brumyumyum
@thesquare
facebook/Brumyumyum

for full details.

Finally Brum Yum are back in Kings Heath for their Christmas streetfood KingshEATh on the 13th December at The Village Square Free entry.

I will update the food vendors when I have more details.

Thanks for reading.

#TastyChristmasmorsal: Bistro 1847 Veggie Christmas menu

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Independent, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

IMG_1774.JPG

IMG_2284.JPG

Bistro 1847 in Birmingham City Centre last week launched its modern vegetarian Christmas menu.

They have a two course and three course menu available from Monday to Friday over lunch and dinner, plus Saturday all day and Sunday lunch.

There is also a six course taster menu available. Contact the bistro for the menu.

The menu includes vegan options too.

To make a booking call Birmingham on 0121 236 2313.

Or email them at Christmas@bistro1847.co.uk

Booking is advised.

For the menu see

Click to access ChristmasPDF.pdf

Or at http://www.bistro1847.com under Christmas

Please note the menus may differ to the ones on the website.

Menus: 2 courses £18
3 courses £24

And a tasting menu is £40 for six courses plus coffee and petit fours.

Bistro 1847 are also running a cocktail masterclass for £29.00 for 2 courses and £36.00 for three courses including 2 cocktails which you will be shown how to make yourself.

For my review see below:

Bistro 1847
26 Great Western Arcade
Colmore Row
B2 5HU

http://www.By1847.com

@by1847

0121 236 2313

br />
IMG_2267.JPG

IMG_2285.JPG

IMG_1795.JPG

IMG_1796.JPG

Review:

A visit to Bistro 1847 whatever the time of year is a joyous experience of perfect harmonies and sweet choral voices, but at Christmas it’s like a sweet Christmas carol that evokes the season and makes you swoon and smile.

As always with Bistro 1847 the dishes are innovative, quirky and a pleasure to the eye. The service on the night Ruth and I visited was spot on, attentive and friendly with an enthusiasm for the seasonal menu and knowledge of the excellent cocktails which we enjoyed.

Ruth and I chose off the Christmas mini a la carte-grazing menu.

br />
IMG_2318.JPG

IMG_2316.JPG

IMG_2312.JPG

IMG_2315.JPG

To begin we ate:

Lemon-grass, chili, coconut, parsnip, potato crackling, wild mushroom, (2nd photo)

Ruth really enjoyed the complex flavours and the combination of textures on this dish.

I ate the

Wild herb sauce, wild sea cabbage, Brussel sprout, potato crackling and ‘parmesan’ dumpling: (1st photo)

I have to say an outstanding dish, you either love or loath sprouts, but even the most hardened sprout hater would love the textures and slightly crunchy cabbage and bitter sprout flavours of this dish which was a real twist on the Christmas tradition. Lovely.

To follow we both chose the same dish:

Spiced squash and nut praline filo, real ale gravy, seasonal vegetables.

IMG_2319.JPG

Probably the most traditional Christmas dish on the menu. Deliberately chosen for this reason. It ticked all the boxes for us, a real warming, filling comfort food dish, with lovely notes of squash and real ale gravy. The filo was delicious, firm, but soft, beautifully presented, a real winner.

For desert Ruth chose and enjoyed the Christmassy toffee flavours of the Sticky toffee, chestnut, smoked ice cream

I chose the sorrel, white chocolate, Apple, Douglasfir.

Very Bistro 1847, a lovely combination of flavours with the white chocolate running through the dish, really nice.

We finished off with two coffee liqueurs, which were a coffee hit, almost espresso like, lovely.

The Christmas mini a la carte menu is a lovely festive menu. Innovative, thoughtful with a delicate leaning to the season, tradition and most definately jolly and different.

On the night the Bistro was full, which was lovely to see and why we booked and wished to visit on a Friday night.

For a different Christmas type experience with good veggie and vegan dishes Bistro 1847 is a restaurant worth checking out.

IMG_2320.JPG

IMG_2321.JPG

IMG_2322.JPG

IMG_1783.JPG

Our two meals and cocktails were kindly complimentary, we also purchased ourselves two glasses of organic wine and a side of fresh bread. All opinions expressed are my own and honest as always. A favourable review was not required.

I would like to personally thank all the staff at Bistro 1847, chef Alex, and Damien for all their kind support of my blog this year.

Thanks guys and have a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Here’s to the New Year’s dishes. 😊 and further visits in 2015.

Thanks for reading

Andy 🙂

HARD TO FIND WHISKEY: WELL NOT ANY MORE

Posted in Events, Festivals, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter, shops by

I came across information on The Hard To Find Whiskey shop in Birmingham’s Jewellery quarter via Twitter and a fabulous piece in the Birmingham Post by Mary Griffin.

http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/…/good-whiskey-no-longer-hard-7878177

I’m a big whisky fan and single malts always go down well with me.

Birmingham has a few places that you can buy whiskey by the bottle, the Whiskey shop in the Great Western Arcade is the pick of them and the most reliable for a good range and good service.

That is until now. The Hard to Find Whiskey Shop is different, it aims to sell those hard to find drams for collectors, but also celebrates single malts and splits their display into whiskey regions, areas and a section for foreign imports. For example Japanese.

The shop newly opened in the Jewellery Quarter is crammed full of whiskey from the most expensive at £35.000 ( a 50 year old Macallan) to a £25.00 bottle plus £1.95 on some whiskey liqueurs.

They also sell Macallan honey, marmalade, and even a whisky bath gel, for those indulgent whiskey moments,

The shop is on Spencer Street and has set out its displays on whiskey producing regions in Scotland: The Highlands, The Lowlands, Campbell Town, Islay, The Islands.

The Hard To Find Whiskey Shop Also sells Bourbons, blends and is in the process of setting up tasting masterclasses and a bar stool area where customers can sample the whiskey.

Keep an eye on their website for details and classes when they arise,

http://www.htfw.com

There is also a growing link with whiskey and food.

Itihaas restaurant have recently held a whiskey and indian food tasting with the Birmingham Whiskey Club who run events throughout the year.

There maybe plans for more nights like this and the growing trend to pair Spirits with food is becoming more available such as Jekyll and Hyde’s Gin tasting and gin inspired food menus.

The Birmingham Whiskey club have up on their website an event next March 2015 Birmingham’ s whiskey festival at The Bond in Digbeth, where the Soul Food Project and Peel and Stone will be developing a menu for the festival. Menus to be announced.

http://www.whiskeybirmingham.co.uk

The Birmingham Whiskey scene is certainly on the up and for Hard to Find Whiskies the shop in Spencer Street, Jewellery Quarter is the shop to start.

Go seek out those Whiskies😊

http://www.htfw.com

1 Spencer Street
The Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham
B18 6DD

08456803489

Email: sales@htfw.com

http://www.Facebook/HTFWhiskey

@HTFWhiskey Twitter.

The Whiskey Shop

Unit 35 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5 HU

http://www.whiskeyshop.com

IMG_2027.JPG

IMG_2025.JPG

#TASTYMORSELS: NEW BAR AND RESTAURANT OPENINGS NOVEMBER 2014

Posted in Breakfasts, Cafés and Restaurants, Food, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Tapas, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

There are two new bars/restaurants opening in November 2014. Both of which will be superb for vegetarians and be a classy addition to Birmingham and to Worcester.

The first is Bar Opus from the Opus Team who will be opening their third venue after their Opus Restaurant on Cornwall Street and Cafe Opus in Brindley Place in Birmingham City Centre. Bar Opus will be based in a new Snow Hill complex near the railway station in the Colmore Business District and adjacent to the new Midland Metro line due to open in 2015.

Bar Opus will be open for breakfasts, and lunch, but it is the after 5pm hours where the bar will come into its own. Its inspiration will be Barcelona and Copenhagen, offering shared plates of food created from an open kitchen. There will be good vegetarian options. The ethos will be the same as the other restaurants, well sourced local produce, creatively delivered with a twist. Bar Opus will also have a terrace on the piazza of the new One Snowhill building which should enhance the continental idea, ableit in the Summer months. 🙂 a full wine, cocktail and drinks menu will be available.

It’s a city bar redefined.

Bar Opus is due to open its doors on the 6th November 2014.

http://www.opusrestaurant.co.uk
@baropus

http://www.baropus.co.uk

The second #TastyMorsel is in nearby Worcester where the fantastic Bodega Cantina will be opening in November. Bodega owned by the Bitter N’ Twisted group already have a very successful and veggie friendly bar/restaurant in Birmingham City Centre which is superb.

Bodega are known for their hand crafted cocktails and delicious food in equal measure, will be offering their authentic South American food-Burritos, nachos, and tacos with a large vegetarian selection. It will be right next door to Foregate Street train Station. They are not taking bookings as yet, but keep an eye on their website, facebook page and twitter page for details, or you can sign up for their mailing list on their website.

Bodega will also be offering their Go Go Burrito take away service.

All being well Bodega will be opening in Worcester at the end of November.

I will keep you posted.

Two great openings:)

@bodegaWorc
@bodegaBirm

http://www.bodegacantina.co.uk/locations/worcester

14 Foregate Street Worcester WR1 1DB (near the train station)
01905 22200

IMG_2013.JPG

IMG_2019.JPG

IMG_2022.JPG

IMG_2016.JPG

IMG_2106.JPG

IMG_2105.JPG

IMG_2107.JPG