#TastyMorsel: Lounging at The Loungers Cosy Club


Well it would be rude not to 🙂

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

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

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

Birmingham and Solihull already have four Loungers bars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For my review of Loco Lounge Kings Heath here

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

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

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

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

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

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

It should be retitled the Colmore Foodie district.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading

Andy 😊

@andydhare

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Veggie Foodie Guide to: The Birmingham Christmas Markets for vegetarians


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have fun and thanks for reading and Happy Christmas. 🙂

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Library of Birmingham

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plus, others to look out for:

Are two this Saturday.

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

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

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

amongst others.

and craft ales from a routemaster bus.

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

The cost is £1.50 adults, kids go free.

12-6pm Saturday 6th December

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

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

#Christmasfest

vintage bargains, Bert and Gerts, streetfood.

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

for full details.

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

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

Thanks for reading.

#TastyMorsel: New Openings: One Trick Pony Moseley Village


Moseley’s newest bar opened its doors on November 21st. The South Birmingham suburb is awash with newish bars with a healthy leaning to serving good food in revamped buildings.

Hot on the heals of The Dark Horse and The Village
The One Trick Pony Club replaces O’Neils on the Alcester Road, and brings American style diner food to Moseley Village.

It’s owned by small chain Castle Pubs who own the nearby The Fighting cocks Pub and the Junction in Harborne.

The One Trick Pony’s menu is named Ruby Jean’s with an american diner twist and has a very healthy vegetarian list of options including veggie breakfast and burgers and sharing plates. As you would expect in Moseley and nearby Kings Heath, vegetarians are well catered for and along with a varied meat menu looks a brilliant place for groups and couples.

The focus is thus for meat eaters on ribs, hot dogs, and burgers.

For ale enthusiasts their is a keen menu including my favourite Thwaites Wainwright ale, plus local purity brewery beers and Doom Bar. Plus guest ales.

On Tuesday’s every week, they have announced 2 for 1 on Burgers and roasts on Sunday (unsure as yet on veggie option)

From photographs i’ve seen so far the bar looks posher and more sophisticated and modern than O’Neils which was dated and had had its day. Therefore more like The Dark Horse and The Village in design.

The One Trick Pony Club looks food focused and with a chilled decor looks as if it will become a firm favourite in Moseley and the surrounding areas of Birmingham.

The Veggie food options via their menu on their website http://www.onetrickpony.co.uk are:

Snack and Share: A good looking Veggie board for £11.50.

Includes 4 Hippy Sliders, fried halloumi, Tempura vegetables, Nachos, Chipotle Jam, Guacamole and sour cream dips.

Plus Nachos, Chilli Fries, Chips and dips

On the main part of the menu there is:

Veggie Burgers

-Hippy Humous-Spinich, lentil, humous
-A Shroomaloomi- Flat Mushrooms and Halloumi burger
-A Hippy Deluxe- Flat Mushroom and Emmental burger

-A veg Mac and Cheese

-Veggie Sandwich- up to 5pm only

-A veggie Breakfast

Which in my book is a good selection 🙂 Food will be served until 10pm.

I’m Looking forward to reading further reports, and sampling some of the veggie options at Ruby Jean’s Diner.

Look out in the new year for this 🙂

http://www.onetrickpony.co.uk

@1trickponyclub

@rubyjeansdiner
http://www.rubyjeansdiner.com

93a Alcester Road
Moseley
Birmingham
B13 8DD
0121 442 3901

has anyone already tried The One Trick Pony Club? What did you think of the food?

Thanks for reading:)

Follow me on Twitter @andydhare

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#VeggieBurgerWatch: Loco Lounge, Kings Heath


The Loco Lounge is a French inspired cafe bar in Kings Heath South Birmingham, and is part of the Lounges group of cafe’s. As well as the Kings Heath bar they have one in Harborne and one in Shirley in Solihull.

As a neighbourhood cafe bar, it showers you with quirky cosiness and is open all day from breakfast, brunch to evening lounging and cocktails. Its a cool place and is popular in Kings Heath for its welcome charm and friendlyness.

At different times of day it caters for differing customers, from parents with small children to students and after work date nights. It provides a softer surburban air to the bustling High Street outside and even has its own terrace area for alfresco drinks in decent weather.

The Loco Lounge is housed in a former bed shop. It has a good food menu and caters with a large Vegan menu and good options for snacks, burgers, full meals and tapas options.

It is the Vegan Menu which makes it unique in Birmingham and a welcome sight to see.

Good for vegans thus good for veggies.

As a local to the cafe, its the kind of place I will return too again and again to try food, coffee and cocktails at different times of day, so look out for more small reviews.

On this occasion Ruth and I chose to try the burgers. I chose the Falafal burger.

A butternut squash and nutmeg burger, grilled halloumi, red pepper, tomato chutney, wood roasted peppers, red onion and rocket in a brioche bun with house slaw and skin on fries.

I really enjoyed the burger, it had a good flavour, with a hint of nutmeg and grilled halloumi providing a contrasting texture. I love falafals, and this burger was well made and with good skin on fries on the side was plentiful and satisfying.

We ordered some onion rings too, which were very cripsy and well made.

Ruth enjoyed her lounge beef burger, and with a couple of glasses of wine and couple of ales was good very good value.

On the night the bar was quite busy for a Wednesday evening, and had a steady in and out of people, from couples, friends, and small groups. The service was attentive, you order your food and drink at the bar and then it is brought to your table.

We didn’t try the cocktails on this occasion, but the menu looked good and varied.

Also the Tapas menu which has an incentive of tapas Tuesday where you can order three tapas for £9.75 plus a glass of house wine.

The Veggie options on the menu are numerous and include a vegan breakfast (their is a veggie one too), paninis, the falafal burger and sandwiches, plus some specials and the afore mentioned tapas menu. For veggies, their is also a veggie kedgeree, pancakes, a risotto, a curry, and a Mac and cheese, plus the above vegan options.

The Loco Lounge is a fun place. Their a board games to play, bookshelves with books to read, vintage furniture, rustic wooden tables, and large front windows that allow a good view of passers by and the busy High Street.

They also do a lot of special events, full details on their website.

The Loco Lounge is everything it aims to be. A French inspired neighbourhood cafe bar which aims to please everyone. For this it is a success, and absorbing place and well recommended.

Now, to make my way through the rest of the menu. 🙂

The Loco Lounge,
32-34 High Street,
Kings Heath
B14 7JT

0121 444-1296
http://www.thelounges.co.uk (for menus)

@locolounge: Twitter

Twitter: @andydhare

Thanks for reading.

We paid for our meal in full and all opinions expressed are my own and honest as always.

Has anyone been to The Loco Lounge? What did you think?

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#ScoFarGo: Scoff Street Food is coming 29/11


Sharpen your spoons, Dinner is coming

The Midlands first #Streetfood collective Scoff Street Food have organised a big street food event for the
29th November 2014 at Fargo Village in Coventry. #ScoFarGo will have free entry , street food, real ale, live music, a vinatage market, workshops, magic, and cooking demos.

With lots of food for veggies and vegans.

Traders announced are:

Big Daddies (hot dogs)
The Hungry Toad ( soul food)
Spectacular Goat (Pizza) with veggie options
Meat Shack ( Burgers)
Fresh Rootz (Vegetarian and vegan food)
Canoodle (Pan Asian) Veggie options
Bournville Waffles
Jabberwocky ( Gourmet toasties) Veggie options

Scoff Street Food is run by traders for foodies and aims to give a better deal all round to everone whether trader or customer.

Every weekend they hold a #Streetfood day at
Fargo Village in Coventry from 11am-5pm (Saturdays) See website for traders.

http://www.scoffstreetfood.co.uk

Scoff was formed by a group of street food traders from the Midlands putting on events. It serves great food, combined with a sensible pitch fee, a collective that includes Flic Luxmore from food vendor Jabberwocky, Big Daddies Diner, Hungry Toad, Spectacular Goat and Flic’s other half Barny.

#ScoFarGo is just one example of where the street food scene is growing in the Midlands. Customers love great food at affordable prices, served informally and outdoors.

For veggies and vegans its superb, plenty of choice, quality dishes, and where else can you have pudding before lunch or dinner, followed by more cake. 🙂

What with Digbeth Dining Club, Brum Yum Yum and now Scoff Street Food there is plenty of choice.

So for a pre Christmas feed and enetertainment visit
#ScoFarGo at Fargo in Coventry on the 29th November. 11am-5pm, Free entertainment, and good food.

Its a collective you know 🙂

It’s Street Food baby.

@scoffFood
07870 422 617

@FargoVillage

http://www.fargovillage.co.uk

Fargo Village is Coventry’s creative quarter, specialist shops, markets, studios, music and arts. Plus Street Food.

http://www.scoffstreetfood.co.uk

What do you think of Street Food? Do you think it offers vegetarians and vegans a good choice of food?

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MAC FOOD MARKET: 10-30-3.30pm SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER


Indulge your culinary desires at The MAC, Edgbaston, Birmingham this Sunday 26th October 2014.

The MAC in Cannon Hill Park, is an excellent place to visit in the Autumn. The park lovely to stoll around, kicking leaves, feeding the ducks…

The food market is a monthly event (last Sunday of the month except in December) and features a host of local artisan producers, artisan bakers, and specialist food producers and street food vendors.

There will be loads for veggies to enjoy such as:

Kneals: Handmade chocolates
Hibiscus Grove: Authentic southeast Asian food
Hintons pies: including vegetarian pies.
Kuskus Foods: Middle Eastern Veggie and vegan food (see previous post)
The Vegan Grindhouse: 100% plant based vegan burgers and hot dogs, chillis and mobile with their new van 🙂

Buddha Belly: Home made Thai Street food
Vegetropolis: Local seasonal, organic, vegetables and fruit, plus bread, eggs and honey.

For a full list of vendors/stalls take a look at

http://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/food-market

The MAC Food Market takes place on the last Sunday of the month apart from in December when it is on the 21st.

Dates are: 26th October 2014
30th November 2014
21st December 2014

keep and eye on the MAC website for vendors, as month by month they can change.

http://www.macbirmingham.co.uk

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#TASTYMORSELS: NEW BAR AND RESTAURANT OPENINGS NOVEMBER 2014


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

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

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

It’s a city bar redefined.

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

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

http://www.baropus.co.uk

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

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

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

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

I will keep you posted.

Two great openings:)

@bodegaWorc
@bodegaBirm

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

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

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VEGGIEFOODIE GUIDE TO: CURRY RESTAURANTS


Today I’m introducing a new guide to my blog Veggie Foodie. This will be an occasional listing and musings on a different foodie topic. The list and guide isn’t a definitive but some of my favourites and recommendations to look out for.

To kick off, I’ve decided to look at Curry Restaurants in Birmingham, with a few from outside the area that i’ve come accross or visited.

Curry in its various guises is for many vegetarians and vegans their go to food. It is for me and often the first meal I have when I come back from a holiday abroad for instance.

For vegetarians, it seems it is the cuisine that we have the most options on the menu.

There are a number of pure vegetarian curry restaurants, sweet shops, and cafe’s in Birmingham

Deepalis: An Indian vegetarian restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter which is smart and offers a good range of dishes. Comes well recommended.

16 Hall Street, Jewellery Quarter, B18 6BS

0121 265 4726

http://www.deepalisrestaurant.co.uk

They also have a smaller cafe in Sparkbrook:

1A Alfred Road, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, B11 4PB

Sangam A vegetearian Cafe/sweet centre. Authentic curries, samosas, Pakoras, bhajis, to eat in and take away. Highly recommended.

334 Soho Road, Handsworth B21 9NA

Milan Sweet Centre: Vegetarian sweet centre, cafe and resturant. Good choices and always busy.

191 Stoney Lane, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B12 8HB. 0121 449 1617

Jyoti restaurant together with sweet centre is one of my favourites, offering 72 main courses and 15 starters, with an autthentic sweet centre to take away or eat in. Highly recommended. A favourite of Jamie Oliver. A personal favourite.

1045 Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 8AS.

0121 778 5501. Booking can be made online at http://www.jyotis.co.uk

Pop Up Dosa: Making vegetarian dosa at home, at markets, at cafe. Offering cooking classes, and pop ups. See them at Ort Cafe in Moseley/Balsall Heath. See previous review on my blog. Superb.

@popupdosa

http://www.popupdosablogspot.co.uk

My favourite curry restaurants that are superb for veggies are:

Lasan Restaurant: Contemporary, stylish and delicious, high end curry that packs a punch in lovely classy surroundings near St Pauls Square. A treat at any time. See previous review.

Lasan, 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James Street, St Pauls Square, Jewellery Quarter, B3 1SO 0121 212 3664

http://www.lasan.co.uk

Pushkar Restaurant: beautiful Cocktails, great curries, superb service on Broad Street. Highly recommended for that touch of class and sophistication.

Pushkar, 245 Broad street, Birmingham b1 2HQ

http://www.pushkardining.com

0121 643 7978

Ashas delicious curries, good veggie choices, consistent service, good lunch time deal and cocktails. Lovely restaurant, in central Birmingham off Colmore Row.

Ashas Restaurant: Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street B3 3LX

http://www.ashasrestaurant.com

0121 200-2767

Itihaas restaurant Exquisite, Indian food, lovely colonial style environment with superb attentive service. Excellent vegetarian options. Recommended.

Itihaas also have a cafe in Selfridges Food Hall. Eat in or take away.

18 Fleet Street, Birmingham, B3 1JL

0121 212-3383.

http://www.itihaas.co.uk

Also to be recommended are:

Punjabi Rasoi:Authentic Cooking and attentive service in Acocks Green Birmingham.

Kababish: Long standing curry house in Moseley, excellent curries, consistent with good service. Next to the Patrick Kavanagh pub. Recommended.

Maharaja: Long standing and consistent. Old style service, and authentic curries. The saag paneer is superb. Next door to the Hippodrome on Hurst Street.

Raja Monkey cafe superb dosas, talis and curries. A lovely take away too. Owned by the Lasan Group.

Also on my radar are:

EastZEast new curry restaurant on Broad Street. Had good and tasty reviews. Good veggie options. ‘The home of Punjabi cooking’

Horseshoe: Refurbished old pub in Hall Green. Recommended by Paul Fulford of the Birmingham Mail.

Sylhet Spice on York Road, Kings Heath. Has a good reputation locally and also does takeaways. Always busy. Loyal regulars.

Imlees in Moseley, on the Alcester Road also has a good reputation and a bring your own bottle policy. Always busy.

Al Frash: On LadyPool Road, perenial favourite, balti dishes and bring your own.

Delhi 6: Sutton Coldfield favourite: Good reviews and recommendations. Good veggie options.

Street Food:

Becky’s Bhajis: Onion bhajis sold at food markets and street food days. Vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Outside Birmingham:

Mendhi Vegetarian Indian Restaurant in Droitwich Worcestershire. Comes recomended. Pure vegetarian curries.

Prashad vegetarian restaurant near Bradford Yorkshire: Gordon Ramsey favourite With a Superb cookbook. Always popular and run the Veggie hour on Twitter once a month.
One to visit.

Also in Yorkshire, North to be precise and Leeds to be exact, is an Indian vegetarian restaurant called Hansa. Which is Gujarati and run by all women. I have heard good reports. They have won
Cobra good curry awards, and also have a vegetarian Indian cook book like Prashad.

Bernares Berkeley Square London: A superb Indian Restaurant. High end and Michelin Starred. One of the best curries i’ve ever had in glam Mafair.

As I’ve said it isn’t a definitive list and I will add to it as I go along.

If anybody has any favourites that serve good veggie dishes please let me know either in the comment box below or via twitter @andydhare

Thanks for reading.

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Lasan Restaurant

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Pushkar Restaurant

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Pop up Dosa

THE WEST MIDLANDS VEGAN FESTIVAL 25th OCTOBER 2014 @ WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALL


The next West Midlands Vegan Festival 2014 will be held on Saturday 25th October from 10am-6pm at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Everyone is welcome, whether veggie, vegan, or neither. There is plenty to interest all foodies and eco friendly browsers. Admission is only £1 and the festival will have stalls promoting healthy, cruelty free and eco friendly products and food.

In 2013 the festival held over 100 stalls, and 2000 visitors attended. half of them non vegans.

Vegan Midlands campaigns and details about veganism and the festival can be found at http://www.veganmidlands.org.uk

The festival is sponsored by Moo free Chocolate and Animal Aid.

http://www.animalaid.org.uk
http://www.moofreechocolates.com

The 2014 festival will include over 100 stalls from clothing, footwear, cosmetics, books, campaign organisations and lots of food.

Caterers present will include Tall Poppy Foods and Shambhus

http://www.Tallpoppyfoods.co.uk
http://www.shambhus.co.uk

For a full list of food, cosmetics, and drink, see the
Vegan West Midlands website under stall holders.

http://www.veganwestmidlands.org.uk/festival/stalls.html

The festival is organised by a Midland Vegan campaigns a small group of volunteers, committed to promoting healthy cruelty free eco friendly plant based diets/life style accross the West Midlands region.

There will also be cookery demo’s, talks and workshops.

See http://www.veganwestmidlands.org.uk/festival/talks.html

including Lizzy Hughes, http://www.ourlizzy.com
and ChangeKitchen http://www.changekitchen.co.uk with Birgit Kehrer.

12-12.45 Vegan Brunch Session with Lizzy Hughes
1.15-2pm Healthy Lunch Ideas with ChangeKitchen/Birgit Kehrer

2.30-3.15 Vegan Vitality with Lizzy Hughes
3.45-4.30 Vegan Chocolate Mousse with ChangeKitchen/Birgit Kehrer.

The festival is held at The Wolverhampton Civic Hall, North Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RQ.

http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk

http://www.veganwestmidlands.org.uk

http://www.veganwestmidlands.org.uk/links.html

http://www.vegfest.co.uk

http://www.vegsoc.org/groups

http://www.vegsoc.org

@VMVeganFestival

http://www.vegansociety.com