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

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Food, Gin, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Pubs, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

As I often say, a Gin a day…well maybe not so true, but one or two occasionlly is ok:) Well at The Jekyl and Hyde pub on Steel House Lane in Birmingham City Centre, you can choose from over 90 gins, how decadent, how difficult:)

At the Jekyl and Hyde a drink is not your usual type of drink. It’s a sophisticated spot, one of those places you visit for a quick half and end up staying all night. If you like Gin then it’s the place for you.

As a pub it offers cocktails, real ale and good food in a vibrant atmosphere of decadence with a little Victorian sophistication thrown in.

It is named after author Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Victorian novel ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde’-double personalities run wild, split into two-the Gin parlour (Dr Jekyl) upstairs and the cosy bar (Mr Hyde) on the ground floor.

The mood of the pub/bar is quite unique in Birmingham, a contrasting space to wile away time. The gin parlour is all dark wood, with blue table cloths laid out for dinner. An atmosphere of decadence and moral ill repute is the norm here 🙂 The downstairs bar is more quirky and cosy with a long bar and an even longer cocktail list.

They have a cute beer garden designed in a themed Alice in Wonderland style that has to be seen to be believed. A really nice courtyard for that summery weather 🙂

Upstairs, in the Gin Parlour on a Thursday night through to Saturday The Jekyl and Hyde serve a gin Food fusion menu (Eat Me, Drink Me).

You can order two courses or more from a changing seasonal menu for £12.50 with vegetarian options that offers good quality food at reasonable prices.

This is why Ruth and I visited (and for the gin) to see whether the infusion is good or evil.

On walking into the parlour you notice that its a relaxed space in contrast to the bar downstairs. The taste of gin requires that, and with its huge menu one needs to be relaxed enough to work you way through it 🙂 Here cocktails and a gin tasting menu are available. As it was a week night I stuck to drinking the Langley’s gin (a local tipple that The Bureau Bar also serve). Langley’s N0 8 is very good indeed, and goes well paired with the food.

I’m looking forward to returning to try the gin tasters one non work night.

For our starter we both ordered the Smoked Mushroom and Tarragon Soup:

The soup had a good smoky mushroom flavour and colour, with the tarragon complimenting the slight gin infusion. It was a good soup, a nice size, but was perhaps not so piping warm as it should have been, that let it down slightly.

For my main course I chose a Asparagus and Savoury Frangipane Tart, which I enjoyed. The tart was well made, nice pastry, with a good flavour of the charred baby gem lettuce and asparagus that accompanied it. It was served with an extra side of boiled potatoes and had a delicate gin infusion that made it a succcesful and enjoyable tart.

Ruth enjoyed her non veggie main course, and we both decided that we would like to sample their deserts. After all a naughty pudding in the Gin Parlour..well why not.

I decided upon the wonderfully named Mr Hydes Raspberry Mess with a Ophir Gin Coulis. As messes go it was a very good one. The Raspberries blended with the cream and the gin hit the right spot and is well recommended.

Ruth chose the Sticky Toffee pudding, which she said was ok, but she’d had better.

For a different bite to eat, then The Jekyl and Hyde is the place to be. The gin parlour is a lovely space to relax after work, the menu is good, the food above average and with friendly, hospitable staff who are happy to advise and recommend gins, and cocktails it can’t be beat for quirky independent charm. In fact it is what makes independent pubs like this so charming in Birmingham.

For vegetarians, though limited in menu choice on the gin infusion menu it is good value and tailored with the gin menu is a fun night out. The pub menu has veggie burgers (which are very good) and need revisiting, veggie pies and such like.
See website for details.

So try the Jekyl and Hyde and be seduced by the gin, the hospitality, the parlour, the cocktails, and then be transported to a bygone era-The Jekyl and Hyde era of good and evil potions.

The Jekyl and Hyde
28 Steelhouse Lane
Birmingham
B4 6BT

wwww.thejekylandhyde.co.uk
@jekyl_n_hyde

Facebook The-Jekyl-Hyde

http://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk

For more Independent bars, pubs and restaurants see The Independent Birmingham website above.

Disclaimer: We paid for our own meal and all of my opinions are usual are honest and true.

26Aug2014

#VEGGIE/VEGAN FOOD HEROES: 100% VEGAN SHOP AND THE WAREHOUSE CAFE

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Catering, Independent, Independent Birmingham, shops, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

The second and third veggie/vegan Food Heroes are the
100% Vegan Shop and The Warehouse Cafe in Digbeth Birmingham.

They are both housed in the same building, on Alison Street, Digbeth near the Bull Ring, Selfridges and Moor Street Station.

The 100% Vegan Shop is an independent one stop shop which aims to promote the vegan cause by being a good honest business.

They are passionate about all things vegan, from good honest whole food staples to the little treats that are hard to find. It was started by a couple of vegans who wanted Birmingham to have a good honest business with exciting products, promoting the vegan cause. They are based in The Friends of The Earth Warehouse building in Digbeth.

They stock, vegan alternatives to traditional products, such as cheese, meats, ice cream, dried fruits, flour, nuts, seeds, tofu hand made pasties, pies and gluten free products such as breakfast cereals, and biscuits and cakes. They also sell household products.

For full range see their website:

http://www.100percentvegan.co.uk/our-range

Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian or neither The 100% vegan shop is a lovely independent shop in Birmingham and well worth taking a look at for new and interesting stock.

Open 10-7pm Tuesday-Saturday.

100% Vegan Shop
The Warehouse
54-57 Allison Street
Digbeth
Birmingham
B5 5TH

0121 633 5539
Twitter @100pcvegan

http://www.100percentvegan.co.uk

The Warehouse Cafe is Birmingham’s original Vegetarian restaurant. It’s independent and a must visit for any veggie or vegan or anyone who likes good healthy food.

It is based in the same building as the 100% Vegan Shop in Digbeth Birmingham and has been serving unpretentious food and a good dose of a healthy sense of humour for a many a long year.

Their healthy food is very well regarded in Birmingham, and the environment is cute and has a nice atmosphere.

The Warehouse Cafe is committed to sustainability and its core values. They recycle and use a bicycle courrier (or foot) for the majority of fresh produce that is delivered.

They are piloting a scheme to use local allotment produce gifted by friends and supporters in their resturant.

The menus caters for both vegetarian and vegan, and there are a healthy selection of vegan dishes available:)

For menus see http://www.thewarehousecafe.com

They are open:

Tuesday-Friday 12-3.30pm and 5.30-10pm
Saturday 12-3.30pm and 5.30-10pm
Closed Sunday, Monday and Bank Holidays.

facebook/thewarehousecafe
Twitter: warehousecafeUK

0121 633 0261

The Warehouse Cafe
The Warehouse
54-57 Allison Street
Digbeth
Birmingham
B5 5TH

I plan to visit The Warehouse Cafe soon to eat and do a review.

Do you have a particular favourite? It could be in Birmingham, The Midlands, or beyond. Anyone that should be mentioned, that flies the flag for vegetarians and vegans:) Let me know either in the comment box or via twitter @andydhare.

14Aug2014

#TASTYMORSELS: RICO LIBRE @BARN STREET DIGBETH BREAKFAST AND TAPAS

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Lunch deals, Tapas, Tasty Morsels, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Another new addition to Birmingham’s Dining scene is Rico Libre @Barn Street Breakfast and Tapas. Stationed in the Digbeth part of the city 5 minutes from the Custard Factory and 4 minutes from Digbeth Coach station on Digbeth High street they sit in what was a diner, but is now a hot new tapas bar that masquerades as a cafe in the early daytime.

Rico Libre serve Breakfast Monday-Friday 8am-2pm which includes a delicious vegetarian Breakfast comprising of veggie sausage, Herby Mushrooms, grilled Tomato, Sauteed Potatoes and toast with tea or coffee for a bargain £4.20.

They also serve the enticing Huevos Rancheros a Mexican Breakfast of Tortillas x2 Fried eggs x2, tomato salsa, cheese, refried beans, and sour cream for a bargain £5.00.

They also serve sandwiches and salad boxes at lunch time and are popular with businesses in the local area.

Also, at lunchtime they serve Tapas-Monday-friday from 12-2.30pm but not evenings in the week as yet.

This has been rolled out to now include Friday and Saturday evenings 5pm-10pm.

The cost is 3 dishes for £10.00 with bring your own alcohol.

On the menu for vegetarians are a number of options:

-Champinones Al Ajillo-Mushrooms sauteed in garlic and parsley
-Grilled Haloumi with Rustic Tomatoes, and Basil.
-Patatas Bravas-Fried Potatoes, with rustic tomato.
-Patatas Alioli-Fried Potatoes with garlic Mayo.
-Grilled aubergine, with red mojo sauce and salsa.

They also serve bread, toasted garlic bread and olives.

Also, desert Creme Catalan is veggie.

Rico Libre has had some good reviews so far on Tripadvisor. Search Rico Libre @Barn street.

Seems a real independent find especially for a good value tapas lunch whilst in the Custard factory or a breakfast before a visit. Looking forward to visiting soon.

Their are some terrific Vegetarian options on the menu.

The Custard Factory and Digbeth has so much to offer and is a thriving community of exciting foodie and vintage shopping places. 🙂

The area maybe unfamiliar and tucked away. They have painted their building bright green so that it can be noticed 🙂 It is on the Corner of Milk Street and Barn Street in Digbeth.

Directions are on their website.

Their is parking near by on the road and around the area.

http://www.rico-libre.co.uk

@rico-libre Twitter

0121 687 8730

Rico Libre @Barn Street
1 Barn Street
Digbeth
Birmingham
B5 5QD

12Aug2014

#TASTYMORSELS: VEGETARIAN PIZZA WATCH

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, pizza, Tasty Morsels, vegetarian by andydhare

Pizza has often been the default food option for vegetarians. I’ve always been fond of pizza, from trips to Italy and memories of beautiful Italian squares.

In Birmingham their is a renaissance in pizzas, with many places offering good pizza options and creative toppings for vegetarians. Many now use a sourdough base and wood fired ovens.

Ruth and I didn’t intend to visit Alfie Birds at the Custard factory in Digbeth last weekend, but we were their for the vintage fair and needed some lunch so thought why not.

I had wanted to try their veggie pizzas for awhile.

We shared a chunky vegetable pizza, which was very good. A thin base, lovely fresh vegetable flavours and an added twist of beetroot on it, which enhanced the texture and attitude of the pizza. With a pint of Italian lager and a side salad it was a good example of the improvements in the city with the introduction of more creative thinking to ingredients and toppings.

Alfie Birds use a woodfired oven too so that could be a factor.

They also do a delicious sounding vegan pizza with spinach and a vegan pesto.

I plan to visit again and do a full review soon, when i try some more of their veggie pizzas along with their cocktails which are two for one Monday to Thursday.

Alfie Birds plan to launch a new menu soon. See website for menus and events.

Alfie Birds
Custard Factort
Digbeth
Birmingham
B9 4AA

@alfiebirds

http://www.alfiebirds.co.uk

The Victoria theatre bar on John Bright Street in Birmingham city centre do a deliciously sounding sourdough based
Squash the Goat pizza, goats cheese, butternut squash and chilli jam.

I’m planning to revisit the Victoria to give it a try along with their cocktails.

The Victoria do a two for one offer on all pizzas on a Sunday.

@theVictoria

The Victoria
48 John Bright street
Birmingham
B1 1BN

New to the Pizza scene in Birmingham is street food family run company Bare Bones Pizza Company, who use a wood fired oven to make their Neopolitan style 10 inch pizzas.

They have intriguing veggie names such as:

Barebones- A classic tomato based pizza.
Boneless- A vegetable, mushroom, red onions, sliced green peppers, and Buffalo mozzarella toppings.

They have also introduced a vegan pizza to their repertoire with tofu.

They also do garlic bread and a sweet pizza of Butterscotch sauce and sliced apple with a cinammon mix spice.

They will be creating their pizzas from a van near you:)

See them at

20/08 Victoria Square: Fine Food market
3/9 Kings Heath Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh
13/9 Independent Food fair at Millenium Point
17/9 Fine food fair at Victoria Square
15/11 Kings Heath Brum Yum Yum

They can also be found in Leamington Spa and Sutton Coldfield. See their funky website wwwbarebonespizza.co.uk for details

@barebonespizza
info@barebonespizza.co.uk
07795 1144 26

Also new to the Birmingham scene is the Dark Horse pub in Moseley village on the same site as the Cross Pub and Mo Dough pizza pop up.

They have a wood fired pizza oven and reports say the pizzas are very good.

I am to try one at some point and review it for this blog.

@darkHorseMosele

http://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/the-dark-horse

Where would you recommend for veggie pizzas?

Is there anywhere I have missed?

Disclaimer: The view expressed in this post are my own and are honest. I paid for my own meal at Alfie Birds.

4Aug2014

#Coffeetime: Faculty in Piccadilly Arcade Birmingham city centre

Posted in Cake, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Tea Shops by andydhare

Faculty is a small, charming and hip place in picturesque Piccadilly Arcade in Birmingham City Centre off New Street and near to New Street Station.

Faculty is a focused coffee and tea shop serving brewed drinks to have in or to take away, fresh home made cakes, coffee beans and equipment.

It has a simple and quirky decor and signage which allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. They have a small hot drinks menu.

I recommend the coffee. On the two occasions I have been I have had a Cappuccino and on this occasion a Flat White, both excellent.

The Flat White, was superb, smooth, with a good back kick of coffee, with the roasted beans giving it a quality finish.

The cups that it was served in was pretty with a delightfully decorative spoon. Lovely:)

I had it with the Monte Carlo cake, (see picture) which was a kind of viennese whirl with a shortbread topping, which was extremely good.

I’ve also enjoyed a superb chocolate brownie. The cakes are all home made and fresh and change often, the quality of care and the ingredients shine through in the same way as the coffee.

The room is made up of old school desks and seating and has a quirky character that is endearing and makes Faculty different to other coffee shops in the city. It’s that quirkyness that gives it a unique identity and reminds me of some London coffee bars, that are very hip and happening places to be.

The staff and owners Geoff and Lucy are very friendly, welcoming and passionate about their product and are happy to chat to the customer. It is this welcoming attitude which is valuable in attracting repeat customers and making for the unique atmosphere of Faculty.

They also serve tea, though I didn’t try any on this occasion I could see that they encourage you to let the leaves brew correctly, using a timer that they give with the sparkling pots.

For me what makes Faculty one of Birmingham’s best Indie coffee shops is that they really care about the product, how it is made, what kind of beans they use, their suppliers, their cakes and how they look and taste and the welcome.

The space is small, but big on ideas and exceptional in every way.

Suppliers: Square Mile Coffee roasters
Waterloo Tea.

Faculty
Coffee and tea shop
Piccadilly Arcade
Birmingham
B2 4HD

open 8am-6pm Monday-friday
10-5 Saturday
11-4 Sunday

@facultycoffee

@PiccadillyBrum

Disclaimer: I paid for the coffee and cake myself. The views expressed are my own and are honest.

28Jul2014

Birmingham Summer Market Saturday 2nd August 2014

Posted in Events, Festivals, Food Festivals, Independent, Street Food by andydhare

This Saturday 2nd August their is fun in the sunshine at the second seasonal Summer Market.

From 12-7pm at The Bond on Fazeley Street Digbeth experience artisan vendors, for food and crafts, local artists, street food, bars and music.

If you have a penchant for all things Independent and vintage this is for you. The entry fee is £1.50 for adults and children free.

The Bond is near the canal side and has a court yard, covered terrace and an indoor area. If it rains there is plenty of shelter, if its sunny, then take your sun block 🙂

There will be a good time summer atmosphere, where a vintage routemaster bus will serve liquid refreshments such as real ale and cocktails.

There will be handcrafterd necklaces, art deco notebooks, and vintage jewellery being sold.

Vendors include: To be updated

-Becky’s Bhajis
-The Bournville Waffle Company
-Brum Yum Yum
-Independent Birmingham
-Deli@Edgbaston
-Sixty Three Islands
-The Mexican Bean
-Pizzafireslice
-Sai Buddha Belly
-Big Daddies Diner
-Waffle Speak
-Jabberwockyfood

See them at The Bond Company, 180-182 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 5SE.

@theBondco
@seasonalmarket
http://www.summermarket.co.uk
@independentB’ham
http://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk

Should be a great day of all things Independent:)

21Jul2014

Tasty Morsels: New Pop Up’s.

Posted in Catering, Events, Pop up's by andydhare

There are a few pop up’s on top of the ones at Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath doing the rounds at the moment. The one’s I like the look of are the ones that give different types of food a chance.

Over the next few weeks sees two such pop up’s.

1. 63 Islands Caribbean are a new caterer cooking dishes influenced by the Spanish, French, Dutch and Indian settlers to the Caribbean. They have a pop up at Cherry Reds on John Bright Street in the city centre near the Alex Theatre and Turtle Bay serving their food on the 28th July from 6.30pm. They do have a veggie and vegan options.

There is:

1 starter a Spicy Pumpkin Soup
1 main a dish called Channa (spiced chick peas) served with coconut, infused rice and peas or flatbread (roti).

Plus a few side orders including plaintain and spicy pickled coleslaw and flatbread (roti) which are all vegan as are the chickpeas.

Contact 0121 643 5716 for details and reservations.
@63_Islands for menus.
@Ilovecherryreds

2. Pika Pika (whom I’ve mentioned as being at The Hare and Hounds Kings Heath foodie nights on the 24th July see previous post) are a Japanese Catering group who specialise in serving Oriental Fusion Cuisine.

Pika Pika have another pop up evening on Wednesday 30th July 2014 at The Ort Cafe in Balsall Heath/Moseley area. They will be providing an authentic Japanese pop up dinner experience which again includes veggie and vegan options on the menu. This takes place on the 30th July from 6-9pm.

Reservations are recommended email josie@ortcafe.co.uk or call 07845 083 322.

wwww.ortcafe.co.uk/pika-pika-pop-up
@wearepikapika
http://www.wearepikapika.tumblr.com

If I have more information at any point on menus for Pika Pika I will update the post.

Pika Pika will also be testing their culinary skills at a pop up at Cherry Reds in Kings Heath on 11th August 2014. I will keep an eye and post the menu in due course.

Finally, Cherry Reds again (busy people :)) have a pop up kitchen in their John Bright Street cafe on the last Monday of the month. This will be a different street food vendor every month. Watch this space for updates and check on their website http://www.cherryreds.com for details.

Plus, every Wednesday Cherry Reds in John Bright Street are offering a bottle of house wine with every purchase from the menu. Sounds a bargain. 🙂

15Jul2014

Brewsmiths: Coffee and tea #Coffeetime

Posted in Cafés and Restaurants, Cake, Coffee, Coffee hour, Coffee Time, Independent by andydhare

I’ve been hearing about Brewsmiths for awhile, via social media and Independent Birmingham. So it had to be on my ‘hit list’ to visit for #coffeetime 🙂

Brewsmiths is a little out of the centre of Birmingham, but well worth the short walk to nearby Livery Street, by Snow Hill Station (rear entrance) next to Connolly’s wine shop and near the Peel and Stone bakery. It sits in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter (St Paul’s Square and city side) and is a cosy and quaint looking place that is the epitome of independent in Birmingham.

On walking into Brewsmiths I immediately felt relaxed by its cosy air and wacky cushions, books, and comfy seating. It’s like a home from home kind of place, a very relaxed home with friendly staff and a feel good atmosphere.

Brewsmiths is owned by Andrew McKay who gives the impression that he knows his coffee and his audience well. Brewsmiths make superb coffee. My cappuccino I tried was excellent, well made, smooth, Italian style, with a an excellent coffee blend, deep and well executed.

I didn’t eat any food as I arrived quite late in the day and there wasn’t much choice on offer as far as cakes were concerned, so vowed to return and sample another time. Having though seen the reports, their cakes and all day breakfasts and pastries sound superb.

Brewsmiths is a quaint and homely coffee and tea destination, it has a relaxed vibe, with free wif fi (always a bonus) and an excellent selection on smart boards behind the counter of coffee and tea. They specialise in both, so for tea lovers it is a cool place to go too:)

It has mixed seating. Some comfy seats, some long communal tables, some and many cushions. It seems to be spacious, though it’s small inside, it’s cosy, and feels as I have said like a home to chill in. It plays laid back chilled music, its snug, and wort trying at different times of day to get a different atmosphere. I certainly will.

Brewsmiths plays to a mixed crowd, those on their way to work, those making use of the free wi fi and those out strolling in the lovely Jewellery Quarter.

It has fully stacked bookshelves, that can be read and brought if you wish, (proceeds going to the Big Issue). It’s a place to come back to over and over and is well recomended.

I sure will be, now I’ve found the Brewsmiths brew.

Brewsmiths Coffee and Tea
24 Livery Street,
Birmingham
B3 1EU

hi@brewsmiths.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/brewsmiths
@brewsmiths_JQ

http://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk

Independent Birmingham IB card holders get 10% off with IB card at Brewsmiths. See website above for details.

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All opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own. I payed for my own drink.

9Jul2014

THE BUREAU: MUCH MORE THAN A BAR

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Independent, Independent Birmingham, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by andydhare

Information and plaudits for The Bureau have crept up on me. In fact, it was with the news of the introduction of The Langley’s No’ 8 Rooftop Terrace that my ears pricked up and I got excited. (See my previous article)

You see, I’m a sucker for being outside, either eating or drinking-alfresco-with a view, even better.
How very European-how very Birmingham 🙂

The Bureau is on Colmore Row within the Colmore Business District area of the Birmingham City Centre, near to Victoria Square and the Cathedral. In an area of some of the best independent bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

The Bureau aims to create a friendly and social environment where guests can indulge in locally produced and thoughtfully sourced deli and bar food. Along with a seductive drinks menu, creative cocktails, cask beers and fine wines and of course gin.

When my wife Ruth and I visited we found the bar to be a great mix of elegant styles, from vintage to modern. A very comfortable bar, well designed and with plenty of space.

The Bureau is housed in an old picturesque building, No’ 110 Colmore Row. It has a main elegant bar, with booths and tables, some circular, some rectangle. It also has bar stools and tables and a basement bar for parties and private functions.

Now The Bureau has a roof top terrace (recently opened) which you can reach either by lift or if you are fit by a long spiral staircase which is very evocative and lovely. The terrace we found to be a superb place to sit on, very relaxed with plants and booths, and outdoor tables, a real mix of styles which was well designed and had a touch of class about it. It is sponsored by local gin company Langley’s and is cleverly called Langley’s No8 gin terrace after the house gin of The Bureau. It is the place to sip a gin and tonic or a sparkling Gin Martini.
Ruth and I did both, well it would be rude not to 🙂 They were both superb. The Gin Martini, crisp, elegant, a touch of class, well mixed and the Langley’s No’8 local gin is delicious. Well recomended.

As your doctor says a gin a day…no that’s not right…but hey when in Rome…or in Birmingham 🙂

We had also heard very good things about the food at The Bureau. Hence another reason for being there midweek.

There are plenty of interesting and dverse options for vegetarians on the menu. From canapes to deli plates to a veggie burger (see menu on website).
I chose deliberately the deliciously sounding and indulgent
Leek and Double Worcester Cheese Tart.

It was delicious, creamy cheese with as superb flavour, offset by a subtle taste of leeks which really made it moreish. As someone nearby in the bar said recomending it to a friend it’s ‘to die for’. Maybe not neccessary to go that far, as then you wouldn’t be able to sample the long and decadent drinks menu 🙂 It was lovely though, and excellent choice especially with an excellent side order of of Sweet Potato wedges, which were crisp, golden and a perfect alternative to chips (made with Beef dripping according to website). A well recomended combo.

As and aside Ruth sampled the meat Hot Dog, which has received rave reviews from reviewers. She said it was superb and to be well recomended. Maybe a veggie hot dog option. That would be lovely…please? 🙂

The Bureau is a superb contemporary bar and deli. It is to be commended for its dedication to locally sourced and innovative veggie food options. It’s much more than a bar that serves superb drinks, much more that a roof top terrace. It’s an intoxicating mix of quirkyness and vintage chic with a modern air of elegance. The service at the bar and at the table (table service for food and drinks options, but can also order at the bar) is charming, relaxed, friendly and dedicated to knowing about their drinks and craft. I requested a Negroni. They made me one so perfect that I thought I was in Italy, it’s not on the cocktail menu, but that was no problem. It was punchy and superb.

The Bureau is stylish without being snooty and alienating.

So for some of the most interesting veggie options in Birmingham try The Bureau (must try those deli slates next!). It’s great with friends, great for couples, great in the sunshine, or rain, come for the bar, come for the roof terrace, but try the food.

So do visit The Bureau.

A small masterpiece in Birmingham City Centre.

The Bureau
110 Colmore Row
Birmingham City Centre
B3 3AG

0121 236 1110

info@thebureaubar.co.uk
@thebureau
http://www.facebook.com/TheBureauBar

http://www.thebureaubar.co.uk

http://www.langleysgin.com
@langleysNo8

wwww.independent-birmingham.co.uk
@independentB’ham

Disclaimer: We paid for our own food and drink. The opinions shared are my own and honest.

7Jul2014

Yorks Bakery Cafe: #Coffeetime

Posted in Bakery, Cafés and Restaurants, Coffee, Coffee hour, Independent by andydhare

Over recent years there has been a much needed influxof Independent coffee shops and cafe’s opening and thriving in Birmingham. The ammount of money and artistic superlatives that these bring to the City Centre and Birmingham suburbs is no doubt huge.

In essence Independents thrive on prividing great coffee and food combinations, taking the process seriously and always striving for that artistic difference that makes them popular and unique. They all offer something different. Whether that be majoring on great coffee, events they put on, or the food that they provide. Often made on the premises.

The one thing they all have is a sense of community and a spirit that has been developed out of research and their craft. That is what makes them interesting and gives them the foodie factor.

Personally, I’ve always loved cofee shops. They’ve always been a space to go to over and over. To relax in before and after work, a destressor, to read in, to write my poetry and now my blog in, to meet friends and family in and to make friends in.

This post is the first of a series of occasional articles/reviews mentioning those independent coffee shops that make up the
developing coffee scene in Birmingham (and sometimes beyond).

York’s Bakery and Cafe is on Newhall Street (on the corner) in the City Centre off Colmore Row in what is known as The Colmore Business District or Financial district.

At its essence is the design of community, care for ingredients, and a craft in its food and design of premises. The ingredients it uses are well sourced and the barristers know their coffee and tea are enthusiastic about the coffee process. The staff also care about you, the customer 🙂

I visited on a busy Friday lunchtime. I’ve always had a soft spot for York’s, but hadn’t been for awhile due to the huge coffee shop options available in the City Centre. I’ve often visited and wrote my poetry, chatted with friends and visited with my wife Ruth for food on a weeekend.

On the day I visited it was busy. A bustling sound and atmosphere. AI notice a good mix of customers, from those who were at work, to families with small children and buggies, from students to people who had obviously were trying York’s Bakery and Cafe out for the first time.

York’s believe in an honest approach to its ethos. Inside you are greeted with cool artwork, which is rotating in that they invite local artists to display their work every three months. You also have sturdy wooden furniture which looks like it belongs and zonal seating which make the room seem uncluttered and offers plenty of space depending on your requirements. I like that aspect. Their are two rooms, one at the back is hidden and offers a more private space for meetings and for the studious and groups of friends.

At the counter you are greeted with mountains of cakes stacked high, all very inviting. I chose a beautiful chocolate brownie, my test cake, it was beautiful, firm, rich, but soft, with the right balance of chocolate and cake, which slid down well with a perfect Flat white, which was smooth and had the right texture and flavour punch of coffee. A work of art in fact in it’s pretty design on top.

The urban feel of York’s works well. The service was friendly, knowledgable, and helpful and they even wiped and cleaned the tables. They were attentive. The music is funky too in the shop, plenty of chilled tunes, a bonus.

They have a good selection of teas as well and obviously give them the same billing as the coffee.

Over the next few weeks and months, York’s say that they are undertaking a transitional phase, in that they are stripping back their menu to provide the characteristics of a great coffee shop. A Smart food and coffee mix. They provide a specials board of pancakes, sandwiches and hot breakfasts in the week and weekend. It also sells flour to make bread with.

York’s Bakery and Cafe has a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It is a well recommended independent choice in the City Centre. In fact it is a coffee shop to return to again and again, for the coffee and the cakes and food.

York’s Bakery Cafe
1-3 Newhall Street (corner of)
Birmingham
B3 3NH

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

http://www.coffeebirmingham.co.uk

@coffeebrum

http://www.independentbirmingham.co.uk

For details of the Independent Coffee scene in Birmingham see http://www.coffeebirmingham.co.uk and blog.

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