A fresh addition to Sutton Coldfield! Ash has opened its doors in the former brewhouse, offering dry-aged steak cooked over coals, alongside a classic selection of wines and cocktails. The space is lovely – its bright, welcoming, and a far cry from the dark and dingy vibe of the previous occupant.
The cocktail menu was quite impressive, offering a great variety of options to suit all tastes. From classic favourites to more inventive creations, Ash seems to have something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of fruity, refreshing cocktails or something a bit stronger and more complex, there’s plenty to explore.
The main menu caught my eye with its variety of dishes. There’s a great selection of meat-focused options (and fish options too!) However, I will say there weren’t many vegan choices—around two options in total. But as a self-proclaimed carnivore, I’m here for the meat!
For starters, we ordered the grilled bone marrow with confit onions and sourdough (£7). Two large, chunky bones arrived, beautifully seasoned and paired with crispy sourdough. Unfortunately, there wasn’t quite enough marrow to satisfy, which was a shame as the flavours were spot on. We also tried the fried chicken (£9), which was a little underwhelming for the price. It resembled frozen chicken strips in presentation, though the taste was enjoyable thanks to the accompanying sriracha sauce.
For the main event, we opted for the Porterhouse sharing cut (£9 per 100g—we went for 1kg), which comes with two sides and two sauces/butters. The steak itself was succulent and paired wonderfully with the smoked shallot butter. However, although it was cooked medium rare as requested, there were quite a few pieces that were just rare. Additionally, a few pieces were overly charred, overwhelming the flavours of the butter and chimichurri, which also needed a good whisking as it initially poured out pure oil. I believe the presentation of the steak could also be improved. The truffle and parmesan fries were crisp and packed an epic crunch, while the mac and cheese leaned too buttery and lacked enough cheese. The standout side, though, was the woodfired tenderstem with labneh and lemon, which complemented the steak beautifully.
For dessert, we shared the Basque cheesecake, which sadly missed the mark. The top was burnt to the point that one bite was overpowered by smoke, and the cheesecake texture was unexpectedly tough. The team kindly removed it from the bill and even gave us 20% off the food as a goodwill gesture—a thoughtful touch that we appreciated. They did offer us the apple crumble as a replacement, but unfortunately, that was also not to our taste. Next time, I’ll be ordering the cheese board instead!
Later in the evening, I ordered an espresso martini, and it was absolutely delicious – very smooth and silky! – So I will be back for the espressos!
Service was a little shaky here and there, but it’s their first week, and teething issues are to be expected. Our waitress, though, was delightful, full of energy, and eager to offer suggestions.
All in all, Ash shows promise as an exciting new spot in Sutton Coldfield. They also offer a lunch menu and include a roast dinner on Sundays. Even if not dining, I think it’s a great place for drinks – especially in the evenings when the lights are dimmed, giving the space a romantic and cosy atmosphere. While there are a few kinks to iron out, opening during such a busy season is no easy feat. I’m optimistic for their future and look forward to returning in the new year to see how they’ve evolved!
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