Tag Archives: vegetarian

Hawker Yard Birmingham goes Vegan: Sunday 23rd October. 

Posted in beer, Birmingham, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian by

This Sunday 23rd October Brum Yum Yum and The Vegan Grindhouse by Vegan Vox are re joining forces to bring you Hawker Yard goes Vegan.

The all Vegan street food event in the heart of Birmingham city centre is at Hawker Yard Pershore Street B5 4RR next to The Arcadian. 

From 12-5pm, you can come and eat tasty vegan street food, buy vegan beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, meet like minded people, buy from vegan stalls and find our more about the fabulous work of their chosen animal rescue centre – Grace’s Rest who will receive a percentage of all takings on the day. 


Following on from our two previous joint events with BRUM YUM YUM in Kings Heath which were vegetarian/vegan, that after campaigning this event is now all Vegan. 

If the event  is successful, hopefully a regular Vegan street food market in Birmingham will be hosted. so please bring all of your friends, vegans, vegetarians and not yet vegans. Families and dogs welcome and undercover seating provided. 

If anyone is able to volunteer on the day to hand out flyers outside the Bull Ring, in the Arcadian, Snow Hill and at Grand Central, that would be great and will be rewarded with a free meal!

So support a fantastic event. 

Also appearing at Hawker Yard are The Vegan Pizza company, Sri-Licious with Sri Lankan Street food, all vegan brewery Twisted Barrel ales for Vegan beer, Vegetropolis, for organic fruit, veg etc. Fresh juices and shots from U-Juice, and a range of gluten free cakes and bakes and desserts and fermented drinks bar from the Gut Hut. 

Looks a fab line up! 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

The Hawker Centre is inspired by the Hawker Centres of Asia and the ruin bars of Budapest and provides a centrally located destination where the stars of Birmingham’s independent street food scene create and collaborate. 



Opening hours: 

Thursday 11-5pm

Friday 5pm-11pm

Saturday 12.00-11pm

Monday-Wednesday and Sunday closed. 

62-70 Pershore Street, Birmingham, next to the Arcadian in the City Centre.

http://www.facebook.com/brumyumyum

http://www.brumyumyum.com/

The Official Press release:

BIRMINGHAM’S ONLY ALL-VEGAN STREET FOOD EVENT COMES TO HAWKER YARD THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, Birmingham’s new purpose-built street food venue serves up an all-vegan special.

Hawker Yard Goes Vegan, the only 100% vegan street food event in the region, will feature dishes freshly cooked by leading street food chefs, showcasing entirely vegan menus from around the world.

The pioneers of Birmingham’s street food renaissance are collaborating with leading Midlands street food company, The Vegan Grindhouse to host the event on Sunday 23rd October, from 12-5pm, Hawker Yard, 62-70 Pershore St, B5 4RU, next to Arcadian.

 The street food lineup includes The Vegan Grindhouse with ‘vegan junkfood’ like handmade burgers and huge hotdogs; The Vegan Pizza Company; Sri-Licious with Sri Lankan street food classics, plus Caribbean, Mexican, Indian and more.

As well as all the street food, local all-vegan brewery Twisted Barrel Ales are taking over the bars, and there will be stall with organic fruit and vegetables from Vegetropolis, animal-friendly clothing and cosmetics, a fermented drinks bar from The Happy Gut Hut, fresh juices and shots from U-Juice, and a range of vegan and gluten-free cakes and desserts.

The event is supporting Grace’s Rest, a not-for-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals in crisis.

 Lisa Burbidge-Brown, Co-Owner of The Vegan Grindhouse and prominent vegan blogger said,

“We are thrilled to be bringing this hugely popular event to Hawker Yard. It’s a great way to showcase quality meat-free street food and raise money for a good cause at the same time, and now the event is all-vegan it’s even more exciting!”

“There’s some amazing vegan street food in Birmingham, from some of the most popular street food chefs. More people are looking to reduce or eliminate their meat intake due to health, environmental or ethical reasons and this is a great opportunity for people to try exciting new vegan and vegetarian food and see why going meat-free is a viable alternative diet and lifestyle.”

 Hawker Yard Founder, Duncan Stanley added,

“Here at Brum Yum Yum we’ve always set out to prove that street food isn’t just about the meat-in-a-bun classics and I firmly believe that a lot of the best street foods out there are the vegan and veggie dishes. What better way to spend a Sunday than stuffing your face with some of the tastiest and most interesting meat-free meals in town?! Add in the vegan bar, the side stalls and the great vibes, and this is the animal-friendly street party that Birmingham deserves!”

 So get down to Hawker Yard on Sunday 23rd October for a day of plant-based family fun at Hawker Yard Goes Vegan.

For up to date information in the run up to the event and for the full street food lineups follow @brumyumyum and @vegangrindhouse on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 



Photos courtesy of Hawker Yard and The Vegan Grindhouse. 

Welcoming The Physician, a new venue for Edgbaston. 

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Edgbaston, Food, vegetarian by

The growth in restaurants and bars in the Edgbaston village area in recent years is one of the significant success stories of the new found Foodie confidence in Birmingham. From the pioneering Simpsons to El Boracho del Oro, The High field, Blue Piano, the new Comida @ 21 Edgbaston and Cocktail bar The Edgbaston are providing Birmingham with places to eat and drink for the smart diner. Now another new restaurant is due to open soon, welcome to The Physician. 

Brunning and Price restaurant group are currently breathing new life into what was once the Birmingham Medical Institute building on the Calthorpe Estate within Edgbaston Village on the corner of Harbourne and Highfield Road.

The building was taken over in 1957 by the BMI. It once housed the extensive library before it moved to more modern facilities and when the chance came to take on such a wonderfully characterful property, it was an opportunity not to be missed by Brunning and Price.  

Lisa Rogers has recently been appointed as its General Manager and is keen to open the doors in order to get to know everyone and become a full and active member of the local community.

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

Lisa is joined at the Physician by Rachael Perry and Andy Harris, both will become Deputy Managers and compliment the team with Rachael’s love of wine and Andy’s love of real ale and a shared wealth of local knowledge being born and bred in the area. Our new head chef Ashley Kilroy joins us from Stourbridge and will head the kitchen team whose job it is to create daily menus which will have a core of modern British cooking and where possible use great local suppliers.

Now that the management team is in place they are busily looking for enthusiastic, personable people to make up the rest of the 40 strong team.

‘’We are looking for lots of local ‘crew members’ to work in the bar, or waiting, kitchen and maintenance roles. You don’t need to have experience, just genuinely love working with people and being generally ‘hospitable’, we will happily teach the rest if needed.

 To apply, for any role, please send your CV with a covering letter telling us about you and what makes you tick to Jan@brunningandprice.co.uk, check out our website http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/physician/ or find us on Facebook’’

‘’I’m really looking forward to creating our menu, finding some great new local suppliers and forming relationships. I love the idea of running beer and gin festivals and evenings where customers can meet local brewers or distillers to find out more and taste what’s on offer locally. We are fortunate to have a wealth of brewers in the area to choose from and I would love to hear from our customers about what they would like us to stock. The pub has a great bar at its heart and I hope that it will be a hub of local life.’’

The pub will have 2 private dining rooms seating around16 people in each. The bar is at the heart of the building with a mixture of rooms that incorporate lots of nooks and crannies to hide in or views out to the newly formed courtyard garden through the new Orangery.

Dogs will be welcomed in the bar area and we are busy mapping suitable circular walks from and to the pub so that customers can take in the many sites in this extremely historical part of town before they settle back with us to dine or quench their thirsts.

They plan to open in early November. We will update the website and Facebook with any notable dates and plans as they are finalised so we encourage anyone who is interested to follow our progress there.


  

BRUNNING AND PRICE INFORMATION

They are a group of 55 pub restaurants that were founded in the North West of England and North Wales, however, through popular demand and with the assistance of an A to Z they have now ventured further afield and have a substantial branch of the family in the South.

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

Looking forward to The Physician opening in November. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

The Physician, Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3DH.

 

 

Get ready for Ramen at Selfridges, Birmingham. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Ramen, vegetarian by

   
 

Birmingham is certainly becoming a much more interesting place to live for veggie friendly dining. Though not fully vegetarian Tonkotsu has a decent amount of options in store. 

Tonkotsu is one of London’s best-loved Ramen bars and it opened a restaurant in Selfridges in Birmingham’s Bullring on 5th September.

Its the first Tonkotsu outside the capital and the team is very happy to be partnering again with Selfridges after becoming a popular choice for shoppers in the Oxford Street store.
Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish containing stock – usually pork and chicken – with a special wheat noodle and toppings including marinated egg, slices of pork, wakame seaweed and bean shoots. 


Vegetarian options: include: 

Hyashi Ramen: 

Cold noodle salad served with refreshing sesame ponzu dressing.

Shimej and Shitake Mushroom Hiyashi Ramen £9.50

Ramen: 

Miso of Shimaj- Mushroom ramen

(Rich kanbu and Shitake stuck with miso base and classic homemade noodles) 

Bean sprouts, bamboo shoots and mangetout topped with seasoned egg Shimaj and Shitake. £11.00

Katsu Curry: 

Veg Katsu curry: Sweet potato, courgette and aubergine Katsu. £8.75

Gyoza:

Shitake and bamboo shoot £5.75

Sides: 

Such as Tenderstem Brocolli, Edamame beans, Japanese Pickled cucumber, Homemade kimchee.

Tomatsu is proud to make all its noodles in-house thanks to their bespoke noodle machine, giving a fresh, springy noodle. 

Tonkotsu is the name of the richest, porkiest ramen dish – serves a variety of completely authentic, delicious, short-menu ramen with various starters, sides, artisan Japanese beers and whiskies to complete the menu.  

In addition  Tonkotsu Birmingham will serve katsu curry, perfect for a mid-shop pit stop. Japanese and British lagers and ales will be on offer along with house cocktails and wines. All dishes will be available to take away.

Tonkotsu is a group of six London restaurants, including Selfridges Oxford Street Foodhall, serving ramen with homemade noodles in slow-cooked broths, along with craft beers and cocktails. For locations, check out http://www.tonkotsu.co.uk/

Business partners and friends Kensuke and Emma opened Tonkotsu Soho in 2012 after hunting around London for a decent bowl of ramen and not being able to find one. Japan is full of ramen-ya and there are plenty in New York and over the world, so why not in London? Ken and Emma believe in keeping things simple, having a few dishes done very well and serve cocktails, Japanese and British beers and a couple of great wines.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

For locations see:

Home

  
  
For the menu see above.

All images courtesy of Tonkatsu. 

Sri Lankan Vegan night with Gayanis Kitchen HQ at The Gunmakers Arms.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Birmingham, Events, Food, Independent, Sri Lankan food, vegan, vegetarian by

    
Fancy Sri Lankan Vegan food? 

Then on the 10th September Gayanis Kitchen HQ are offering a sumptuous and mouthwatering menu at The Gunmakers Arms in Birmingham City Centre.

On the evening Traditional home cooked dishes using exotic Sri Lankan vegetables and spices and organic rice will provide a feast for the senses and the palate.

There will be a three course meal for £25 including tasters of Two Towers Brewery vegan friendly Ale. 

Please note their is a limit of 20 places available. 

Pre booking is essential and can be done by emailing office@twotowersbrewery.co.uk

The menu is 

Gayani Sewwandi 

Gayani Sewwandi 25 August 22:43

Stsrter: Chick pea baddum with pineapple salad . 

Main with Rice , mushroom curry, Lentil curry, okra baddum, vegetable curry, spring greens mallum, pol sambol, potato baddum , popadums and exotic fruit salad. 

Sounds a magical evening of delicious Sri Lankan food and quality local ales. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Gunmakers Arms, 93 Bath Street, Birmingham City centre. B4 6HG.

Zen Metro launches its Thai Food menu in Birmingham.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Colmore business district, Thai, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

Colmore Business District has always been the hub for great bars and restaurants in Birmingham and now it’s going to get even better with the launch of Zen Metro in Birmingham.

Based on the site of the old Metro Bar and Grill – the restaurant and bar will be launching a new menu serving great Thai food from the 6th July.

Having been taken over by Paul Bassi and Pawan Kenth’s Brandasia Group in 2015, the iconic venue has been refurbished and will be taking a new direction offering a quality offering for its regular business clientele.

After a £250,000 investment, the 100-seater venue has now been transformed into a sophisticated Thai restaurant complete with a huge blossom tree statement piece, emulating a luxurious south-eastern vibe. Guests can enjoy Metro by Day and Zen by Night.

There is a glass private dining room too that seats up to 20 people, where you can enjoy dinner and a quality wine list or liven up the night with some divine Thai inspired cocktails.

This iconic bar is the sister restaurant to award winning Asha’s on Newhall Street, with Jaimon George at the helm. As you would expect from his team, they will be offering exemplary service with an eclectic range of traditional and modern Thai dishes created by Head Chef Shailender Kothiyal, who has spent several years in Thailand learning the cuisine. 

Pawan Kenth of Brandasia said : “Metro has always been immensely popular with property, banking and legal professionals. Great deals have been done here over the past 20 years and we want to continue to make the place great. 

   
 
Birmingham’s hospitality landscape is always changing but Zen Metro will always be part of that and I know our regulars will be proud of how Zen Metro looks today.”
The ethos is based on the Zen Buddism Enso-a circle drawn with one continuous brush stroke to express a particular moment in time that is as individual as the person that created it. 

For Vegetarians try Tom yum noodle soup flavoured with lemon grass, galangal and kafir leaves, Thai Spring rolls, Veg Massaman Curry: Potatoes, onions, carrots, pineapple, Zucchini and peanuts in coconut milk or stir fry mixed vegetables with tofu garlic and soya. Or Pad Thai stir fried rice noodles and pad egg noodles. 

Zen Metro will surely be a good and different addition to the Colmore Business District and for Vegetarians out for the night either with meat eaters or with other veggies an interesting choice which I’m looking forward to trying.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy😊

http://zenmetro.co.uk/

Zen Metro, 73 Cornwall Street, Birmingham City centre. 

0121-200 1911.

http://www.zenmetro.co.uk

http://zenmetro.co.uk/menus/

https://twitter.com/metrobarbham

https://m.facebook.com/metrobarbham/

Also, good news for Gastro Card holders is that you can save 10% off your bill with the card.  See the link below for details: 

http://eblast.barques.co.uk/t/y-l-dkdliid-jutjitlkc-q/

http://www.gastrocard.co.uk/buy/

 
  

Photos courtesy of Zen Metro.
 

Bonjour Birmingham – Bistrot Pierre is in town.

Posted in Birmingham, Breakfasts, Brindley Place, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, French Restaurants, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

The French restaurant group, Bistrot Pierre officially opened its fifteenth bistrot on 1st July in one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings – located on Gas Street.

Having opened their first restaurant in Nottingham more than 20 years ago, school friends and business partners Rob Beacham and John Whitehead are delighted to be opening in the UK’s second city.

“This has been a long time coming and we’re really looking forward to welcoming Birmingham’s diners to our newest location,” said Rob.

“The Grade II listed building is steeped in history, having previously been used as the headquarters for the Birmingham Canal Company – playing a vital role in the rich history of the city.”

Bistrot Pierre received a significant investment from private equity firm, Livingbridge, in 2015 to support its expansion plans – and Birmingham’s bistrot is the first of many new openings since this cash injection.

John said: “We believe very strongly in maintaining an individual and unique feel across our bistrots and the interior in each restaurant strongly reflects its location; no two bistrots are the same. Our passion for French food and high levels of service are features which we believe are paramount across the brand. We’re also very pleased to have created almost 50 new jobs in Birmingham.

“We’ve learnt a lot during our time in business and we continue to adapt and evolve to give the loyal diners we’ve built over the years an authentic and enjoyable dining experience. Birmingham is one of our most exciting openings to date and the bistrot itself is certainly something different for us – and for the city.”

Vegetarian main course options include Super Salade, Risotto vegetarien, Tarte aux Legumes, plus apetisers and starters such as Gousse d’ail rotie ( whole roasted garlic bulb with artisan bread) and signature dish Brioche et champignons (toasted brioche with fricasse of mushrooms).

Menus vary from full A’La Carte to Prix fixe Lunch, pre theatre, breakfast and Long Weekend, plus children’s menus. 

  
The launch of the new Birmingham restaurant coincides with an important rebrand for Bistrot Pierre – modernising its livery with a new look logo, menu design and signage incorporating stylised French characters and artwork, which will be rolled out across all of its restaurants in the coming months.

The independent restaurant group has also embraced the current trend in social media video with its Birmingham launch – introducing its arrival in Britain’s second city with three high quality lifestyle films.

Using three of the restaurants’ own waiting staff as the stars under the umbrella title of #bonjourbirmingham, Birmingham based videographer Ergo films has produced the three films using stunning iconic locations around the city as the backdrop. The first film launched on Bistrot Pierre’s social media channels last week.

“Using video to launch a restaurant is a new venture for us,” explained head of marketing Arpita Anstey. 

“Using video to launch a restaurant is a new venture for us,” explained head of marketing Arpita Anstey. 
“It has been incredibly exciting to see the film’s popularity amongst our new Birmingham audience, having received more than 20,000 views in its first week alone. The reaction to the video has given us a lot of encouragement that our new location is the perfect choice for Bistrot Pierre and that we will be a welcome addition to the city’s important and thriving food scene,” she continued.

Bistrot Pierre has locations across the UK in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Leamington Spa, Harrogate, Ilkley, Sheffield, Stockton Heath, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Plymouth, Torquay, Cardiff, Bath and Newport.

To see the videos, visit http://www.facebook.com/BistrotPierre or follow @LeBistrotPierre on Twitter.

To book a table at the city’s newest French bistrot please contact 0121 616 0730.

  
Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Photos courtesy of Bistrot Pierre.

Veggie dishes of the day: Umami Indian Kitchen, Harborne celebrates its First Birthday. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Curry restaurants, Harborne, Independent, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  
  
There are many things that make me happy. The first daffodils in Spring, a sunset after a brilliant sunny day, the sight of Autumn leaves turning, there hue spectacular in a cooling wind. Yet, all are casual affairs compared to the happiness I feel when an Indian restaurant knows how to make the basics well. Certain dishes can seem straightforward but are so often uninspiring and leave me cold. 

As a Vegetarian I’ve written frequently about my love for a good curry. Birmingham is blessed with some aces in the pack, but also has the one sauce for all kind of attitude which quite frankly is inexcusable these days. 

I’d never been to Umami in Harborne before Ruth and I were invited to their first Birthday party and new menu launch the other night. I’d read good things, so my anticipation was high. 

Umami Indian Kitchen named after the fifth basic taste is located on Lordswood Road, just off the Harborne High street, it’s split into two areas, a modern bar area and then a step up to the dining room into a modern feelings space with mood lighting and white linen which feels both stylish and relaxed, romantic and good for families. 

The restaurant has been open a year, and has a good regular customer base. The service feels genuine and friendly and holds on tho the core beliefs that the food is what helps to bring people back. Head chef Mandeep Bajwa has worked in some of the finest establishments in the subcontinent and Middle East. 

   
  

On arrival Ruth and I found a busy party atmosphere. We were greeted with drinks, two Sparkling wines to toast their first birthday and then a number of canapés (vegetarian for me included Paneer skewers with peppers and veg samosa made like a Chaat). Both were delicious and appetisingly well made. 

Our main menu in the dining room included a number of curries (meat and fish for Ruth and Vegetarian for me, served with Naan and two types of rice. 

As I’ve already said, how a restaurant makes the basic curries determines the quality of the restaurant to me, been able to extract the unique flavours of the dishes and provide the base for the rest of the meal.  

The two curries I was given (Sadly no more than two, there were 5 in total, including 3 meat options that Ruth ate) to try were lentil Dhal (dal tadka bajrangi) and Potato and Spinach (Aloo Palak) . 

Both different textures and flavours, both unique and comforting, both were made perfectly. The Dhal in particular, creamy yellow lentils, with a tempering of cumin, and garlic flavours offering a punch of flavour, the ultimate comfort dish and perfect with a buttery Naan that I lapped up. 

The Spinach and potato curry (Aloo Palak)  with delicious jersey potatoes and vivid green spinach with a good garlic and ginger flavour running through. 

Both curries were Superb, fully flavoured, perfectly spiced. Very enjoyable. 

Ruth’s meat and fish curries were also well received. 

Our curries were washed down with red and white wine. (Umami also serve cocktails) 

  Lentil Dhal.

   Aloo Palak.

Though the food I ate at Umami Indian Kitchen was only sadly part of a full meal the dishes were so well constructed and flavoured that the full new menu is an enticing prospect for me to try in the future. An experience j look forward to.

As I said by getting the basics right it’s a good benchmark of the rest of the menu and for this reason alone Umami is a worthy ‘new kid on the block’ and certainly amongst Birmingham’s best curry restaurants.

Happy first Birthday. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

  
  Rice and Naan.

  

 

   
 
We were invited by Umami to their first birthday party and menu launch, all food and drinks consumed were complimentary. This doesn’t affect my honest review and opinions. 
Umami Indian Kitchen and cocktail bar, 25 Lordswood Road, Birmingham, B17 1RP. 

0121-427 8773.

http://www.umamiharborne.com/

https://m.facebook.com/UmamiHarborne/

https://twitter.com/umamiharborne?lang=en-gb

  New environment friendly take away boxes and take away menu. A tempting prospect.

  

Win two tickets to Foodies Festival, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham, June 3-5.

Posted in Birmingham, Food Festivals, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian by

A few weeks ago I mentioned in my blog that the Foodies Festival was coming to Birmingham Canon Hill Park from the 3rd-5th June.

   

 The Foodies Festival has a host of exciting foodie related things to do and a lot for Vegetarians including celebrity chefs, demos, street food, artisan food stalls and cocktails/wine and real ale and is good family day out in one of Birmingham’s most beautiful parks. 

For one lucky reader there is an opportunity to win a pair of tickets for any of the three days. Friday through to Sunday. 

All you have to do to win the tickets for the Foodies Festival at Canon Hill Park is: 

Follow me on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/andydhare

And 

Retweet any of my tweets about the competition and festival. 

(If you already follow me you only have to Retweet) 

Or on Facebook, 

http://b-m.facebook.com/Veggie-Foodie-1488625224714229/

like the status and follow Veggie Foodie facebook page.

Terms and Conditions:

The competition will end on Monday 30th May at 12pm and no entries received after that date and time will be accepted.

One winner will receive two tickets that can be used on any day of the festival you wish and are valid for one day’s entry.

The winners contact details will be passed on by myself to Lanyard Media who will be dispatching the tickets to them.

I’ve been selected as one of Birmingham’s Foodies Festival official bloggers by Lanyard Media.

Good luck with the competition. 
Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

You can still get 2-1 tickets via the code below available on the Foodies Festival website.

   
 

Review: Star and Garter: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, Cafés and Restaurants, Leamington Spa, vegetarian, Warwickshire by

   Leamington Spa is a place I didn’t know very well, having never been there before our visit to the Star and Garter. Because our reservation was on a Saturday evening we decided to make a weekend of it, and had a lovely stay. Leamington Spa  is a nice town, pretty buildings interspersed with a lovely parks and river with a good independent streak running through its shops, cafes and restaurants. Well worth a visit for the day, or weekend stopover. 

The Star and Garter recently refurbished in a very tasteful way is tucked slightly off the main High Street shopping area, nestled away from the main traffic bustle, but is easy to find. It’s location I think benefits it and also doesn’t hinder its popularity with the locals and visitors, for when we visited it was packed and full of great atmosphere. 

The Star and Garter is part of the independent Peach Group of pubs that also own The Highfield in Birmingham and The Rose and Crown in Warwick, both of which I’ve reviewed on my blog before and The Almanack, in Kenilworth which I haven’t. 

It’s impressive from the outside, lit beautifully in the fading evening light. It’s smart interior provides a Gastro pub kind of feel and is a subtle hybrid of a cosy pub, restaurant and cool bar which makes for a contrasting mix of folk eating, drinking and meeting up before moving on elsewhere. It’s a go anytime kind of place it feels, open all day it felt an important part of the town. 

The food element of the pub is the trump card in the armour. The menus are seasonal, providing a variation for all tastes and diets, with a good choice for Vegetarians. 

With a keen relationship built up with local farmers and producers. Vegetables are from Evesham and when we visited Asparagus was just on the menu with their popular ‘dip your own’ Asparagus dish. Prices are sensible and you feel you are getting good value. 

We sat in a cosy booth like seat near the bar so was able to feel an indulge in the full pub atmosphere which was ideal. 

We ordered two Negroni’s to drink initially. It was dry and zingy, everything a Negroni should be. It packed a punch with the divine bitterness of the Italian spirit Campari but had a mellowness from the Vermouth that was spot on. Perfecto.   

 Negroni: A super-modish choice.

  
   

The choice for Vegetarians at The Star and Garter is a good one, but from experience of their previous pub visits the so called, Veggie Board (Well by me) is a delicious choice. Called here Major or minor orders (prefer deli board or tapas maybe) you can choose any 3 dishes off the menu for £9.50. They come in their own pots and the menu is above. It’s a fun way to start the meal and gives a flavour of what they do well. 

The Red Lentil Falafels with spicy yogurt, was a good falafel with the added dipping quality of some gently spiced yogurt which gave them another dimension.

The Stuffed Artichoke Hearts and Pesto Mayo: again with added dipping deliciousness, lovely artichokes full of Spring flavour with again a full flavoured Mayo. 

The Sesame Crusted Halloumi with peanut salad and Oriental Dressing  though was my favourite, and a real complimentary contrast to the other dishes offering a real stir fry like texture and crunch to the softer Halloumi and stuffed artichoke and falafels. A lovely complete dish. I love this kind of eating, and The Star and Garter’s version is a real winner. 
  
    

Ruth chose the seasonal special and tempting Dip Your Own Asparagus.  

Fresh seasonal Asparagus with its own pot of Hollandaise and Parmesan, presented beautifully and set up for a dipping frenzy. Ruth loved it. I tried a spear with the hollandaise and could concur to its simplicity and celebration of a beautiful British vegetable. With both starters taken together to share between two you’d have near perfection this Spring.

For veggies that don’t eat Parmesan it can be ignored as it comes seperate in its own pot. 

  
 Dip your own Asparagus.

  

For my main course I ordered the delicious sounding Spring Vegetable and Puy Lentil Pie, Quicke’s Mature Chedder mash, Veg gravy. 

In fact it was delicious. Deep flavoured put lentil filling, chedder mash with a really mature kick, soft but firm tenderstalk Broccoli. Indulgent, rich, comforting. It was delicious and full of deep flavour and well seasoned. A tasty Vegetarian option served with hot veggie gravy. 

We ordered a side order of Spring Greens and Peas with a thyme dressing, which complimented and boosted my dish well. 

  
    

For dessets Ruth ordered the Treacle Tart, Chantilly cream. Which she said was nice, but didn’t wow and could have done with a zingy lift. 

I ordered The Sticky Toffee Pudding, which was a good pud. Very sticky, a deep toffee flavour and plenty of toffee sauce. Lovely.

Treacle Tart, Chantilly cream.    Sticky toffee pudding.

  

We also ordered a nice bottle of White Rioja which complimented the food well.

The Star and Garter is a lovely old town centre pub. It’s cosy, quirky, with a good atmosphere that adds to our experience and made for a lovely evening. With its low lighting and modern but old feel it a recommended try when in Leamington Spa. For Vegetarians dining out the food is superb. A good mix of dishes that could possibly do with another main course on it (maybe a special) for added choice or maybe to utilise more of the seasonal veg that is around in different more adventurous ways, but for informal eating with a cosy, Gastro feel it’s a joy and with its genuine welcome and relaxed service its a fab choice to eat, drink and be merry in Leamington Spa.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Thanks to General Manager Colin for his time and taking us through the menu and to Sarah for the organisation.

The review was written after a kind invitation from the Star and Garter to review their Spring menu. Our food and drink was complimentary on the night. All opinions are my own, honest and without bias. I was not required to write a positive review.

 Ruth’s Fish main course special which she enjoyed.

  

    
 

   
   

The last three photos plus the first two courtesy of The Star and Garter. The rest of the photos are my own. 

Star and Garter, 4-6 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, CV 32 5LL.

http://www.starandgarterleamington.co.uk/

Click to access Star-Garter-Spring-16-MAIN-MENU-Toast-1.pdf

https://twitter.com/star_leamington?lang=en-gb

https://m.facebook.com/TheStarGarter

KingshEATh goes Veggie: All Vegetarian Street Food day. Sunday 22nd May, Kings Heath.

Posted in Food Festivals, Independent, Kings Heath, pizza, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

  

This month, Brum Yum Yum are serving up a double helping of their hugely popular KingshEATh Street Food Market, in Kings Heath, Burmingham.

As well as their regular monthly market on Saturday 14th (always the second Saturday of the month) the pioneers of Birmingham’s street food renaissance are collaborating with leading Midlands street food company, The Vegan Grindhouse to host an all Vegetarian street food ‘special edition’ on Sunday 22nd May from 12-5pm, at Kings Heath Village Square, High St B14 7RA.

KingshEATh goes veggie the only 100% meat-free street food event in the region, will feature dishes freshly cooked by leading street food chefs, showcasing entirely Vegetarian menus with Vegan options available at every stall. 

As a big supporter of Brum Yum Yum KingshEATh I was flattered to be asked for a quote by organiser Duncan Stanley for the event: I said, 

“For flesh-dodgers of a foodie nature, KingshEATh Goes Veggie ticks the meat-free box and proves that you don’t need to eat meat to enjoy fantastic street food!”

As well as all the street food, the event will feature live music from local musicians, a bar from local all-vegan brewery Twisted Barrel Ales along with organic fruit and vegetables, animal-friendly clothing and cosmetics, a fermented drinks bar, and a range of vegan and gluten-free cakes and desserts.

The event is supporting Gracie’s Rest a not-for-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals in crisis. 

http://www.gracesrest.co.uk/

Lisa Burbidge-Brown, Co-owner of The Vegan Grindhouse said,

“Following on from the huge success of last July’s event, we are thrilled to be co-hosting this, the first of two KingshEATh Goes Veggie specials this year. It’s a great way to showcase quality meat-free street food and raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

There’s some amazing vegan and vegetarian street food in Birmingham, from some of the most popular street food chefs. More people are looking to reduce or eliminate their meat intake due to health, environmental or ethical reasons and this is a great opportunity for people to try exciting new vegan and vegetarian food and see why going meat-free is a viable alternative diet and lifestyle.”

   
 Brum Yum Yum founder, Duncan Stanley added,

“Here at Brum Yum Yum we’ve always set out to prove that street food isn’t just about the meat-in-a-bun classics and I firmly believe that a lot of the best street foods out there are the vegan and veggie dishes. What better way to spend a Sunday than stuffing your face with some of the tastiest and most interesting meat-free meals in town?! Add in the vegan bar, the live music and the great vibes, and this is the animal-friendly street party that Kings Heath deserves!”

Throughout the time that vibe been writing this blog I’ve always believed that some of the best vegetarian and Vegan food in Birminghamcan be found on street food markets  with an abundance of different cuisines and styles available. Brum Yum Yum is the biggest supporter of Vegetarian friendly traders for me and this day should prove that you can still enjoy cutting edge street food in a meat free zone. 

Unfortunately I’m not able to make it on the day myself, but look forward to the next veggie one hopefully later this year.

So get down to Kings Heath Village Square on Saturday 14th May for KingshEATh Streetfood Market and Sunday 22nd May for the KingshEATh Goes Veggie special from 12-5pm.

For up to date information in the run up to the events and for the full streetfood lineups follow  @brumyumyum and @vegangrindhouse and myself @andydhare.

Enjoy, 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Hot off the press:

So here it is…the moment you have been waiting for…the hot food line up for Sunday’s KingshEATh Goes Veggie…the only place to be in King’s Heath this Sunday 😉 with BRUM YUM YUM!!

The Vegan Grindhouse by Vegan Vox (Americana)
Pietanic (Pies and Mash)

Bare Bones Pizza (Pizza)

Sri-Licious (Sri Lankan)

Michael’s Caribbean Storehouse (Caribbean)

Greens Vegan Catering (Thai/Moroccan)

9 Tea Cups (Iranian)

and the long awaited return of…
The Mexican Bean (Mexican)

Also vegan beer from Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House, vegan/gluten free cakes from Rachel’s Cake Delights – Vegan & No Gluten Containing Ingredients, Organic veggies/fruit from Vegetropolis, Clothing & Books from V Active, Kombucha from The Happy Gut Hut, and percentage of proceeds going to Grace’s Rest.
Plus live music, entertainment and a warm fuzzy feeling!
From Sunday 12 noon – 5pm!

Please bring the sunshine!!
☀️😊