New Bar launch: Be At One Cocktail Bar, Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, City Centre, Cocktails, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Be at One is a new underground cocktail bar that’s just opened in the lower part of Piccadilly Arcade, opposite New Street Station in Birmingham City Centre.

Be at One has 150 cocktails available on its menu. They fall in four types, classic, signature, modern and virtuous and Virgin.

Be at One is located in the former Churchills basement snooker club in Stephenson Street at the back of Piccadilly Arcade, and will open on Friday May 13th.

The bar is part of a chain which currently has 31 venues across the UK including Bath, Bristol and Cardiff and 19 in London.

Be At One’s original bar was opened in 1998 in Battersea Rise, London.

The bar will be open until 3am every day except Sundays (12am close).

you can expect great service, an unbeatable party atmosphere and a pretension-free attitude!

On the menu you will find concoctions such as Banana banchee, Brazilian monk, Japanese slipper, Russian spring punch, devil in disguise and flame haired vixen.

Be At One will be the only bar in the arcade which also houses Faculty Coffee and 16 Bakery.

Ruth and I visited for their press launch on the 11th May. Here are some of the photos. Apologies for the darkness of them.

It was an impressive evening.

Margarita and Negroni.

A Perfect Negroni. Probably the best I’ve had in Birmingham. Full of Campari depth. Perfection and deeply Italian, just needed some Aperitivo snacks.

I also tried a top notch and my new favourite cocktail a Rob Roy.
Made from Beautiful Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and Dash of angostura Bitters. Well recommended, whisky lovers try it.

The Interior, dark but cool and funky style with a large island style bar and lots of red.

It has Bustling but fab service and bar staff that know their way round their drinks.

One of the bar’s quirks is a slightly sloping ceiling, from the days 100 years ago when The Picture House cinema was above.

The 34-page menu has 150 cocktails in it. Roughly £8.50 a cocktail. Some less expensive, some more.

Ruth’s Vesper cocktail.

Originally in the James Bond book Casino Royale and became his signature cocktail. Gin, Vodka and Kina Lillet. Top notch, she said and her new favourite cocktail. Ruth enjoying her Vesper cocktail.

Photos above from the press launch on May 11th.

There is a Happy Hour enables you to buy one cocktail and get one free for a partner.

The hours are from 4.30pm til 1.30am Monday to Wednesday, 4.30pm till 3.00am Thursday to Saturday and Sunday 4.30-Midnight.

For a list of their cocktails

http://www.beatone.co.uk/cocktails

You can find Bar At One on the New Street Station side of The Piccadilly Arcade B2 4BJ.

http://www.beatone.co.uk/cocktail-bar/birmingham

https://www.facebook.com/BeAtOneBirmingham

https://twitter.com/beatone_brum

http://www.beatone.co.uk/media/images/AWBe-At-One-WEB-No-Prices_1876.pdf

Drink Photos courtesy of Be At One.

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

All drinks in the photos and mentioned were complimentary from the press night.

Be At One Bar at the foot of the arcade, near the station and next to Cafe Nero.

29Mar2016

Rofuto brings Birmingham Dining to new heights this April.

Posted in Bars, Birmingham, City Centre, Cocktails, Japanese, Japanese food, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

I’ve been walking past the new Park Regis Hotel at Five Ways in Birmingham quite frequently and have seen it develop and fill the vacant space that sits next to the shops on the roundabout. It looks impressive, offering another landmark on the city skyline. At a cost of £50 Million, the development is due to open on the 29th March.

With 253 bedrooms, two Junior Suites and the largest Presidential suite in the city, it’s set to become a destination for leasure and business.

Inside as well as as the hotel a bar and two restaurants and ‘Shakina’ Urban Dry Spa will be on offer to hotel visitors and the public.

Renowned restaurateur, Des McDonald is set to shake up the Birmingham dining scene with his latest venture Rofuto, ( opening on the 22nd April) a restaurant set high in the City skyline at over 141 feet in the sky with incredible 360 degree views. Opening on 26th April with a £3 million investment, Rofuto will offer an izakaya-style restaurant, serving a high quality modern Japanese menu of world class dishes. The restaurant will sit alongside the stunning cocktail lounge and sake bar, Kurabu, from its unique rooftop position at the new Park Regis Hotel.

Located high above the City centre, the restaurant and cocktail lounge sits on the 16th floor of Park Regis, the new 4 four star modern luxury hotel located in the heart of Birmingham, Rofuto is a direct translation of the word ‘loft’ in Japanese and the interiors reflect this inspiration. With a large central bar, an open Japanese style kitchen and an eclectic mix of furnishings, unique hand painted murals and design, Rofuto is a truly theatrical dining space. Kurabu, with its panoramic views of the city skyline, world class DJs and a backlit bar is perfect for more intimate drinking and dining.

The vision for the restaurant and cocktail lounge has been created by one of the UK’s most respected restaurateurs, Des McDonald. With over 20 years’ experience running some of the world’s most high profile establishments including Le Caprice, Scott’s, Soho House and Annabel’s. Early in his career, Des was Head Chef at the world famous Ivy restaurant, before moving from the kitchen into the boardroom to become CEO of Caprice Holdings. Des was inspired to open Rofuto following visits to Tokyo and Singapore; he has developed every aspect of the concept, design and menu to bring a new izakaya-style restaurant to Birmingham’s thriving dining scene.

Des McDonald says: “I am delighted to be opening my first modern Japanese restaurant Rofuto, with my partners at Park Regis Birmingham. I love rooftop spaces, having opened four successful restaurants on the roof of Selfridges in London. I fell in love with the unparalleled dramatic views from the 16th floor, Birmingham is a great, vibrant city and I’m excited to become part of it’s dynamic and diverse dining scene.”

Rofuto will be open for lunch and dinner on Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday for lunch. The restaurant will serve modern Japanese cuisine, made using world-class fresh ingredients, from traditional sushi to yakitori from the grill. The menu is divided into six sections: Sushi and Sashimi, Tempura, Robata Grill, Mains, Sides and Desserts.

Rofuto also cater well for Vegetarians.

The menu includes:

Vegetarian futomaki; cucumber and roasted sesame hosomaki; okra hosomaki.

Starters- Sesame, Spinach with Cassava crisps.

Tempura- Goma tare tempura aubergine and fig.

Robuto Grill- Asparagus yakitori with butter soy.

Mains: Japanese Wild Mushroom Congee, Crispy Tofu and Parsley Chlorophyll.

Signature dishes on the main menu include Foie gras nashi pear gunkan Chinese truffle; Confit duck and raspberry sunomono; Saffron gindara with razor clams, Chinese sausage, kohlrabi puree and sea herbs; Sesame tuna tataki and soft shell crab with wasabi puree and black garlic crumble and Miyazaki Wagyu beef served with gobo crisps, avocado puree, garlic ponzu and truffle salt.

Desserts feature twists on European classics such as Matcha tiramisu and wasabi macaroon and Cardamom and coconut panna cotta with passion fruit.

Rofuto opens on the 22nd April.

Kurabu Cocktail lounge will offer an array of wines, beers and soft drinks, along with a bespoke cocktail list and unique sake offering to perfectly compliment the Japanese cuisine. Fresh Sake from Takashimizu Brewery in Northern Japan will be on offer, alongside Koshua aged Sake from Shiraki Brewery in central Japan. Rofuto will also offer ten Japanese Whisky’s which I’m very keen to try.

The cocktail list includes highlights such as the Red Lotus which combines Shochu, Tequila, Cranberry and Lychee Sorbet and Kietsu which is an exotic combination of infused Raspberry Sake, Passionfruit liqueur, Apple and Pineapple. Rofuto’s wine showcases some more unusual varieties such as Pecorino, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Blanc in the whites and a particular focus on low alcohol, low tannin reds.

The restaurant’s interior, designed by Tibbatts Abel (Interior Designer for Jinjuu Soho and Buddah Bar) is a fusion of urban, industrial and warehouse design inspiration alongside a fun and vibrant cocktail lounge style. Warm rustic timber is used throughout, with industrial tones and a palette of neutrals, warm taupe’s, greys and blacks.

Park Regis Birmingham opened on Tuesday 29th March 2016 and boasts 253 deluxe bedrooms, two junior suites, the largest presidential suite in the city, an executive level complete with conference and meeting space, and a business lounge with executive check-in facilities. The £50 million hotel is the brand’s first Park Regis in Europe and has created over 200 jobs for the region.

Rofuto will be running a soft opening with 50% off all food from Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd April via advance bookings only through

reservations@rofuto.co.uk

Rofuto Should be a super addition to Birmingham’s evolving dining scene and should offer something different, once again. I’m looking forward to giving it a try.

Thanks for reading,

Andy😊

Rofuto, Park Regis Hotel, 158 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1DT.

0121-369-8888.

Serving modern Japanese Cuisine from Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-late

Sunday 12-6pm

Not open Monday’s.

@Rofutotweets: Twitter.

RofutoBham: Facebook.

reservations@rofuto.co.uk

All photos and images from Rofuto.

The second restaurant is called ‘1565’ and will feature signature dishes, grills and classics. I’m unsure as yet on the veggie options. It will also house one of the largest outdoor terraces in the city.

10Jun2015

Muy Loco Tacos: #Tacoverthenation #TacoTuesday @ Cherry Reds Kings Heath.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Craft beer, Craftbeer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Street Food, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

I’ve come to realise that some of the best Vegetarian food on the planet is the type you can eat with your hands. Why else, do I like Street Food so much! From slices of Pizza in Italy, a veggie burger in a pub or in the sunshine, veggie hot-dogs, so rare to find unless at home. why? Or even, just a piece of cake or bun or scone. These are the foods that veggie dreams are made of- and this is why the Taco Tuesday that Muy Loco Tacos run at Cherry Reds is one of the most fun nights you can have. A match made in heaven, when eaten at cost and intimate Cherry Reds in Kings Heath, my kind of place, my kind of fun. Yes, then paired with sharp cocktails and craft beer what is there not to like. Oh yes I forgot Ruth and I can walk to it!

So that’s what we did a few weeks ago.

So take my Nutty Spinach falafel taco with #Blackcherry and #Spicychilli sauces. The tacos were finger licking good. The soft but foldable tortilla held the gentle delicate balls of spinach and falafel gentle, but when but into released a delicious flavour of yes summer an paired with the flavourful sauces which lifted the tacos above the ordinary. The sweet, sour, spicy combination helped and complimented the well made double shot Margarita creating a happy combination that made me smile.

Ruth’s meaty variety also got the thumbs up from her.

We also ordered some lovely sweet potato fries which were well made and I think necessary at times like this.

The cost for three tacos (always a veggie option) 2 sides and a drink was £8.

So now Muy Loco Tacos are taking a Kings Heath break until Tuesday September 29th. Only a few months, but back with more cocktails and a bit of a party I would think. Oh, and yes more Tacos.

See you there.

Thanks for reading.

Andy 😊

We paid for own food and drinks which included a craft beer too. All opinions are my own and honest as always.

@muylocotacos

Tacoverthrnation: Facebook.

http://www.cherryreds.com/index.html

3Apr2015

#TastyMorsel: The Botanist: out of the garden into the city of Birmingham

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Cocktails, Craft beer, Gin, Tapas, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

The Botanist, bar, restaurant will open in Birmingham officially on the 6th April and will be a concept like no other.

Think, whimsical and eccentric design, interior and a garden theme that makes grow your own seem even more attractive than it already is.

Beyond the wrought iron gates of Chamberlain House On Temple Street The Botanist offers for Vegetarians some good and varied food choices, and then it also has cocktails, Martinis in fact and long cocktails, so many good reasons to visit.

In fact 45 cocktails and 85 bottled beers are on offer. Plus real ales from Birmingham’s own Two Towers Brewery, and Oakham brewery,

The Botanist is located on Temple Street in the heart of Birmingham City centre just off New Street and near the cathedral in an area that is becoming foodie central and the place for food or a bar crawl.

The contemporary garden decor and live entertainment (music every day) should create a buzz, but it’s the food and cocktails I wish to highlight.

For Vegetarians the starters and nibbles and deli boards part of the menu are enticing, think homemade Humous boards, Turkish flatbreads, salads, garlic mushrooms, cheese, and roasted red peppers.

For £ 9.75 you can buy 4 items with Turkish Flatbread, and though it seems on first glance a bit salad heavy for vegetarians and vegans should taste good and be a good share. With the cocktails on offer by The Botanist sharing is for me where it’s at. Though some may prefer a larger plate.

Also on the menu for veggies is a home comfort cheese and onion pie, a Halloumi kebab with couscous, which is lovely and of course deserts, such as their sticky toffee pudding.

I was lucky enough to be invited on the 2nd to the media lunch, which was excellent as you will see in my preview post next week.

Some of the photos from The Botanist lunch below:

Alongside the botanical cocktails are cask ales, champagnes, a good mocktail list, and ciders.

Run by Living Ventures (New World Trade Company) who also have bars in Manchester and Newcastle, manager Julian Rose-Gibb ( formally of The Victoria) says it will feel like ‘home from home’ and will be a good living, working venue with a lively atmosphere, and eccentric design.

Find The Botanist on 14-16 Temple Street, Birmingham B2 8BG.

0121 600 7430

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

Photos courtesy of The Botanist.

23Mar2015

#TastyMorsel: Gas Street Social opens with tempting vegetarian dishes.

Posted in Bars, Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, City Centre, Cocktails, Craftbeer, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Real ale, vegetarian, Veggie Burgers by andydhare

Gas Street Social is a brand new bar and restaurant at The Mailbox in Birmingham City Centre nestled by the canal (with views) and offering a seasonal taste of home comforts alongside an eclectic menu and speciality drinks.

On offer for veggies are sharing plates, veggie burgers, cheese boards, and stone baked flat breads as well as pies including vegetarian on a Tuesday.

Alongside the food sits craft beer, delightful cocktails which are a speciality of Gas Street Social both handcrafted, modern and classics.

Inspired by the industrial and cultural context of Birmingham’s rich history centred on the concept of sharing and socialising.

The bar/restaurant offers large tables, intimate booth areas, a cosy- snug zone and caters for quick bites and lunches and lingering after work social fun.

As an independent entity owned by Adam Freeth from Redditch it promises to be a great addition to the Mailbox area and even more so as an independent venture amongst so many so so chains.

For vegetarians the menu offers dishes such as a superfood salad, soup, cheese board, social plates which seem the most tempting and include: Beetroot tart, sweet potato and quinoa, crispy arancini balls.

Mains include a veggie sweet potato and quinoa burger with triple cooked chips and watercress, and mushroom gnocchi.

Gas Street Social source their ingredients well as good independents do.

The sharing plates are £17 for three and £27 for 5 plates. Ideal in the Mailbox setting, by the canal.

Gas Street Social also have a dedicated children’s menu including vegetarian and a long list of tempting deserts.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the press dinner last week, but have heard good things about Gas Street Social and its decor and food options.

I’m looking forward to visiting soon though for a proper review of their vegetarian dishes and like the look of the sharing plates which I’m a big fan of.

As an alternative to the set three course meal places nearby it offers a real alternative.

http://www.gasstreetsocial.co.uk

Wharf side, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RL.

Facebook/Gasstsocial

Twitter: @gasstsocial

Photos apart from the top 2 courtesy of Gas Street Social, the top 2 courtesy of me.

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

20Feb2015

Review: Marmalade: Bistro at The Birmingham Rep Theatre

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

I’m not prone to visit a new restaurant within its early days of opening, due to
the potential to either be vastly disappointed or underwhelmed by the package presented.

So it was with some trepidation that Ruth and I visited Bitters N’ Twisted’s Marmalade’s in its first week ( its first proper night after a soft launch) seduced by the much trumpeted vegetarian dishes and a bargain 50% off opening week deal. Based at the Birmingham Rep Theatre near the ICC building/Symphony Hall and on Broad Street.

On entering we were quietly relieved to see that the old style of theatre dining had disappeared. A Nondescript, dull, quietness had been replaced by a modern, funky, wooden, quite cosy feeling space, that had all the hallmarks of other Bitters N Twisted venues. (Bodega, Jekyll and Hyde, Rose Villa Tavern to name just three).

I liked the room, long tables, small tables, good lighting, large windows, a bit like Bodega, but unique too the brand too. It had potential to be buzzy when busy.

The Bistro was quite busy when we got there, though the pre theatre guests would be engrossed in their play and the night was quite cold.

We were seated in a cosy corner and perished the menu. Service initially was quite slow, but generally improved as the night went on. Though it felt decidedly chilly and without a personable touch, more functional with little enthusiasm compared with say Bodega. Not fitting for a restaurant in its opening days, where you may expect that touch.

One must not grumble though, it’s early days, and this is something to work on.

We ordered a couple of drinks. Ruth a white wine me a Mojito. My cocktail was good, a good touch of rum, refreshing, sweet, what you would expect.

So onto the food.

We decided to order one of Marmalade’s small plate options to share along with some bread.

We ordered the stone bread basket, homemade butters (Balsamic and Thyme, Fig and Rosemary, and sun dried tomato) plus the Charred Kale, caramelised swede, coconut, cranberries, walnuts.

The bread we felt wasn’t as fresh as it could have been. It was ok. The butters didn’t taste of any ingredients in the description and were disappointing as we were looking foreword to trying them. Great idea though.

The Kale dish looked impressive, pretty on the plate. It was delicious, the crunch of the kale against the soft swede and blended into a coconut sauce felt quite Thai or Malaysian, subtly spiced and a good plate of food, and with the bread for dipping into the creamy coconut a good mix. For £7.25 good value shared with another sharing plate dish as a taster.

To follow I ordered the tasty sounding
Roast Aubergine, lentil, feta, Basil
Leaves, chick peas, croutons, curry oil, raisins, shiitake mushrooms salad. (A long title).

Which when it arrived didn’t look anything like the press release photographs, but was covered in rocket/salad which his the beautiful bright colours of the chick peas, lentils and aubergine, as if it was embarrassed by them. Shame. It was that presentation that grabbed me.

The official photo.

How it was presented.

On the whole though the taste of the dish was very good. Lovely flavours running through it, it felt healthy, warming, the chick peas, lentils, mushrooms and aubergine gave it a bite and vitality and with the toasted croutons made for a filling warm salad. I enjoyed it.

It would make a good starter (and is available as such) promising and with two other vegetarian main dishes plenty to return to, including a lovely sounding vegetable crumble with tofu.

We also ordered a good side portion of chips which were good.

Ruth ordered cod fish and chips which was she said ok, cooked well but a bit bland and unseasoned, and served with a small portion of chips, hence the extra portion ordered.

For desert we decided to share the brilliant sounding Repertory Mess- almond meringue, coffee sponge, whipped cream, raspberries, and blue berries.

It was ok, good in fact until we came across (about half way down) the cloying and overpowering coffee soaked sponge, and then a good mess became a tiramisu, a bit confused, we liked half of the pudding, but was left with an after taste of coffee not fruit and meringue. A shame.

br />

So on the whole Marmalade was a good experience. It has massive potential. Credit is deserved and due for the varied and from what I tasted good vegetarian dishes. A lot of work has been put into them and thinking of us veggies as an important diner. They show a progression and trend for a varied tastes, textures, and ingredients. Yet, maybe a curates egg on the day I visited.

The service was only ok, no one checked whether we enjoyed the food, no one checked how the veggie dishes were, no market research, not a great deal of enthusiasm but always polite.

I liked the space though, the decor, lighting and potential and I did return to enjoy a fine flat white the next day in the bar, and service there was much better.

So maybe a return visit in a few months, once things have settled down. Those veggie dishes deserve to be discovered. Theirs lots to like about Marmalade, the cocktails, the varied and imaginative menu, the pre theatre deal, and there’s some things to work on.

That’s normal at this stage, so perhaps I should have waited a little longer? But then I’ve always loved Marmalade…

See you again.

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

0121 245 2080

http://www.marmaladebirmingham..co.uk

@marmaladebirmingham

Facebook/ marmaladebham

Has anyone visited Marmalade yet? What did you think? Let me know your thoughts via the comments below and in Twitter @andydhare

Thanks for reading.

Andy 😊

We ate at Marmalade with 50% off the bill. The other 50% we paid for. My opinions are my own, honest as always.

I also drunk a delicious Brew Dog Punk IPA. Part of a good selection of craft beers on offer at Marmalade.

Three official photos courtesy of Marmalade and Bitters N’ Twisted

Thanks.

16Feb2015

#CoffeeTime: Marmalade at Birmingham Rep Theatre

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Coffee, Coffee Time, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian by andydhare

Marmalade is the new bar and bistro that opened last week at The Birmingham Rep Theatre on Broad Street near the ICC complex.

It’s bar and bistro received a lot of Social Media action prior to its launch and since, promising murmurings have been given on its food menu especially the much heralded vegetarian dishes.

Last week Ruth and I visited the bistro for dinner and you can read my thoughts on their aforementioned veggie dishes in a few days time.

As if once wasn’t enough to visit Marmalade Last week I decided coincidently to try their coffee, and why not. The Rep space has always had a cafe and on the whole I remember having a decent coffee their before.

Now Marmalade is owned by Bitters N Twisted who own Bodega, The Victoria, and The Jekyll and Hyde amongst others I thought it would be a good independent bet.

Good news is that it is.

I ordered a flat white, which was well made, creamy with a good sharp coffee under lying flavour, a very good coffee and it looks good in the photos. I was impressed that it came with a glass of water, very European. Excellent.

As a space to work it’s excellent, you are seated in the bar area and the friendly service on this occasion takes over. At £2.50 it is competitively priced. The seating is comfortable with plenty of room if you wish to work seated on a semi circle type seating with a large table.

I thought it was a good space, though small, it felt new, clean and with windows all around was light and airy.

They also serve sandwiches at lunch in the bar/coffee area so if you are peckish then it’s your lucky day. I didn’t see any cake offerings, but that maybe it was hiding, but if not well why not?

As an alternative to the nearby coffee chains of Costa, Starbucks, and Cafe Nero that you find in that Broad Street/ Brindley Place area then the Independent Marmalade is the real deal.

If you are walking through to Brindley Place or just want a small space to sit and take in a pleasant view then this is your place.

And remember it is independent.

I wasn’t disappointed. I hope you won’t be either.

Marmalade bar and bistro
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Broad street
Birmingham
B1 2EP

6Feb2015

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 andydhare

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

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Some of the veggie dishes at Marmalade.

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

29Jan2015

#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 andydhare

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.

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

Vegetarian sharing platter and Pika Pika Pop up.

15Jan2015

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 andydhare

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.

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.

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

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