Hidden away around the corner from Dishoom, you’ll find Birmingham’s newest steak restaurant, Cow & Sow. With two sister restaurants in Bristol, they promise premium beef and encourage guests to “prepare for a new era of steak.” Since its opening, my inbox has been flooded with requests to review it, especially to compare it to a competitive steakhouse nearby—which just so happens to be one of my favourite restaurants opening in 2024. I went to Cow & Sow with an open mind and a promise to myself: don’t mention the “P word” (Pasture). But, spoiler alert, I found myself screaming the “P word” more often than Cow & Sow after this dining experience.
First impressions? The place is undeniably stunning. The interior design is sleek and inviting, with a view of the open kitchen and dry-aged steaks proudly on display. Coats hung on the handy pegs behind us, we kicked things off with drinks. I decided to behave (for once) and ordered a mocktail: The Tulip Club (£6.50)—a mix of cranberry, raspberry, pineapple, lime, and syrup. Sweet, simple, and refreshing—a nice start to the evening.
Our server was polite, attentive, and served us with a smile. While they were slightly nervous at times, the restaurant only opened in December, so I’m giving the benefit of the doubt—training kinks are to be expected. Overall, the service was good.
Now for the food. Let’s just say, the starters were anything but premium. I ordered the Potted Ox Cheek (£6.95) with truffle butter and fig bread crackers, and what turned up was something I was not expecting at all, and frankly, quite disappointing. The dish resembled a sad attempt at pâté, with the truffle butter rock solid – as if it had been frozen and barely thawed, leaving it unpleasantly cold. Beneath it, the ox cheek was dry, unseasoned, and resembled a tin of dog food. As for the crackers? They tasted stale, like they’d been left out and forgotten. It was a disastrous start to the meal.
My friend Josie ordered the Sticky Pork Belly, but after one bite, she couldn’t finish it. Naturally, I gave it a go, and I immediately regretted it. The pork tasted cheap, sour, and gamey. The smell and flavour were so unpleasant I had to spit it out discreetly into a tissue. While the ox cheek was taken off the bill after feedback, we delivered our thoughts on the pork, but we decided not to take off.
The main event – the steak – was the ultimate let down. We opted for the 35-day aged Porterhouse (priced at £10.50/100g). At 1,110g, it came to £115, served with two sauces and two sides. For three people, I thought the price was fair, but the execution was far from what I expected. We requested medium rare, and while parts hit the mark, others were gelatinous, almost reminiscent of eating raw salmon, with barely any flavour to redeem it.
The bone marrow butter and chimichurri we chose for seasoning were the saving grace because the steak itself was bland. And the fat, usually, my favourite part of a good steak, melting in your mouth with buttery richness. But here? It was tough, gristly, and inedible—like gnawing on a rock. Typically, I’m that person who turns into the dog from Tom & Jerry, clutching every last piece of steak for myself, but I found myself unwilling to fight for the last bite.
Surprisingly, some of the sides were the meal’s saving grace. The Koffmann’s chips with beef dripping were perfectly crispy, and the Miso & Chilli Jam Glazed Hispi Cabbage was gorgeously seasoned with a sweet kick that paired nicely with the steak. Sadly, the Three Cheese Mac was bland, despite looking amazing in its serving pot, and the Cheesy Broccoli and Leek Gratin was just okay (my friends enjoyed it more than I did).
On a brighter note, my friend Sarah ordered from the lunch menu and was much happier with her experience. The pricing is competitive, with one course at £14.00, two courses at £18.00, and three courses at £22.00. That said, the portions were on the small side – perfect for a casual lunch but not if you’re hoping to leave stuffed.
We split the £210 bill and left feeling disappointed. Would I go back? For all of us at the table, the answer was no. Cow & Sow has a big hill to climb, especially considering its proximity to and competition with – Pasture, which frankly knocks it out of the park. I hate to keep bringing it up, but when two restaurants with similar concepts and pricing are just a short walk apart, comparisons are inevitable. And unfortunately, Cow & Sow fell short.
That’s not to say Cow & Sow is beyond redemption. The service was friendly, the waiting times were reasonable on a busy Saturday, and a few dishes showed potential. However, when the star of the show—the steak—fails to deliver, it’s hard to overlook, especially when you’re paying premium prices.
If I were to return, I’d likely stick to the lunch menu or more affordable options. This restaurant does have potential, and with some refinement and a stronger focus on quality, Cow & Sow could live up to the hype they’ve promised. But for now, it’s a work in progress – and for me, it’s got a long way to go.
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!
When someone says “roast,” you think of thick, juicy slices of beef, crispy golden potatoes, massive Yorkshire puddings with the perfect fluff and crunch, and a generous drizzle of rich, red wine gravy. What I didn’t expect was a meal that looked more like cat food scraped out of a tin or something a 3-year-old might throw together during a chaotic kitchen experiment. That might sound harsh, but when Six by Nico’s advertising paints such a mouth-watering picture and you’re served this, I couldn’t help but feel a bit robbed.
The festive roast menu is £44 for six courses, with an optional £33 wine pairing. We skipped the wine and fancied something non-alcoholic and sweet. When we asked for a recommendation, our server suggested a strawberry daiquiri. Great! I love a good alcohol-free strawberry daiquiri (especially after a past incident involving one too many alcoholic daiquiris, which ended in me throwing up something that looked like Bambi’s forest in flames). But when the drink arrived 12 minutes later, it was orange. Confused, I asked, “Is this a strawberry daiquiri?” The server smiled and confidently said, “Yes, it is!” I took a sip. It wasn’t. Alarm bells were ringing—what if I had an allergy to orange or apple? You can’t afford to make mistakes like that, and the night had already gotten off to a nervous start.
We ordered a couple of snacks to begin with: Smoked Ham & Cheddar Croquettes and Warm Sourdough (£10 for two). The croquettes were tasty with a nice sweet topping of gherkin, but the sourdough was just sourdough—nothing special, served with chicken parfait butter that, honestly, tasted like plain Flora.
The first course, Pigs in Blankets (Pork Pressé with Sauerkraut and Burnt Onion), was decent. I’m not the biggest pork fan, but the sauerkraut added a nice tang that I enjoyed. I was starting to think there might be some hope for this meal.
The second course, Smoked Salmon, was actually my favourite dish of the night. Beautifully smoked and paired with a creamy sauce, Granny Smith apple, and dill, it was delicious. I practically licked the bowl clean. Unfortunately, that bit of hope suddenly disappeared.
The next course, Brussel Sprouts (Barbecue Hispi Cabbage with Aged Ewe’s Cheese and Black Garlic Emulsion), was a bit of a mess. The emulsion was way too tangy, completely overpowering everything else on the plate. I’m not a brussel sprout fan, but even if I were, I doubt I’d have enjoyed this. Don’t get me started on the Presentation, it was non-existent.
(Below is the roast on the right and on the left, is whats inside the yorkshire pudding – stuffing?)
Then came the supposed star of the show: The Three Bird Roast. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the most disappointing dish of the night. Duck, chicken, and turkey ballotine with liver parfait and honey-glazed carrots arrived looking like canned cat food slapped onto a plate. There was no gravy—just a sad, measly squiggle of some sort of brown sauce. The ballotine was so dry and stodgy it felt like eating cardboard, and I had to keep gulping water just to try and swallow it. The liver parfait felt completely out of place on the plate, and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why it was there. Where were the fluffy roast potatoes? Where were the comforting, classic elements of a roast dinner? This didn’t scream festive roast to me at all. For £44, I expected so much more.The Ultimate Yorkshire Pudding (an extra £6!) was anything but ultimate. Bland, cold, and stuffed with pork and sage stuffing that was somehow flavourless. Honestly, Aunt Betty’s frozen Yorkshires would have been an upgrade. Cutting into it revealed a soggy, sad mess that looked like something a cat might throw up. I was honestly in shock.
Next up was The Baked Brie with homemade mince pie and pear. The brie was creamy, and the pear added a pleasant sweetness to the dish. However, it wasn’t enough to redeem the overall experience. The mince pie was disappointingly small – just one bite, and it was gone. Finally, the meal ended with the 55% Chocolate Profiteroles, which unfortunately didn’t deliver. The buttermilk sorbet was overly sour and clashed with the other elements on the plate, and the “profiteroles” turned out to be just one, which was slightly frozen.
The staff were a little bit better this time- more smiles and a clearer effort to explain what each dish was. However, there were still a few slip-ups that raised some eyebrows, hinting at ongoing training issues that I think are still lacking. While the service was friendlier than before, there were moments when basic attention to detail was missing, like clearing our plates without asking if we had finished, wiping the table (it was filthy from the start when we sat down), or checking in to ask how our meal was. These small oversights made it feel like the service wasn’t as polished as it should be for the price and experience being offered.
By the end of the meal, I couldn’t wait to leave. With the bill coming to £137, I couldn’t help but feel a bit pissed. This was my fourth visit to Six by Nico Birmingham, and sadly, it will be my last. The last three experiences have been equally underwhelming. Other branches, such as London and Oxford, seem to meet passable standards, but Birmingham has struggled with consistency and execution.
Sadly, the experience fell short in many areas. Is it worthy of the title “roast”? Unfortunately, no – it’s far from the comforting, hearty meal you expect from a proper roast dinner. It’s more of a concept (a very poor one) than a true execution of the classic dish. I really wanted this to be a success, but sadly, it was one of the most disappointing meals of 2024.
Traditional Spanish tapas is one of my favourite cuisines. Previously my go-to was Don Diego in Sutton Coldfield but that sadly closed before the Pandemic. I enjoyed many nights in there swinging back sangria and chomping on Don’s meatballs. Before you start to think you have clicked on the wrong link, let’s quickly move on to Alioli, a new Spanish tapas restaurant that has opened up in Solihull’s Touchwood shopping centre.
I was kindly invited by Alioli to experience the gypsy culture of Andalusia through their tapas dishes. Was this the tapas restaurant I had been waiting for? Well I am not telling you yet, read on you little scamp!
Please note that this experience was gifted, and this is my honest opinion.
Thursday lunchtime James and I arrived and had our pick of the tables at the back of the restaurant. Alioli is decorated beautifully throughout, very traditional with splashes of red yellow and blue. I found it quite romantic in there – definitely getting those Friday night date feels. I loved the variety the menu offered but not so much the price – nearly £10 for a couple of prawns in lemon and parsley?! I wanted to find out how special these prawns were but unfortunately they never arrived! I only realised when I got home and noticed on the bill. I must have been distracted by the “Oreo Cookies” £7.50 which were grilled Murcilla de Burgos (black pudding with rice) and goats cheese, finished with paprika alioli. I am not a fan of black pudding, but it turned out to be one of my favourites of the evening.
We ordered the Chistorra al vino which is chorizo cooked in red wine £8 which was beautiful and with a piece of sourdough dipped in the sauce…It was Verdaderamente maravillosa (meaning truly wonderful in English!)
We shared the Tabla de Ibericos, a selection of cured meat which didn’t blow me away at all, to be honest some of the meat didn’t taste right to me, almost like it had been left out for too long. The dish was priced at £17 accompanied by some tiny breadsticks. I didn’t really understand what to do with them as there was no sauce that came with the selection, and my attempt to wrap a piece of ham round one failed miserably.
The Patatas Bravas were very nice, an improvement on the little tiddly ones swimming in sauce that you often find in the not so traditional tapas places. Only a little bit of brava and alioli sauce so you could really taste those crispy coated fluffy potatoes. Another dish that I enjoyed was Berenjena con Miel £6 which is crispy aubergine sticks dipped in a blob of alioli. It really took me by surprise as I am not a big fan of aubergine. Nice and crisp and wonderfully seasoned.
Service was good, I noticed a few others mentioned they received bad customer service on their visits, but I didn’t experience this at all. Very friendly, very helpful and the staff were up for a chat. We ordered mocktails: A Mediterranean Blue which was elderflower, grapefruit, Lemon verbena and cucumber, and the Flamenco Red which was raspberry, red cherry, rose and cranberries. Both were light and refreshing, great drinks to cool you down in the heat.
Overall my experience of Alioli was a pleasant one. It’s sadly not the tapas restaurant I had been praying for but it’s decent. It is quite pricey, so those on a budget may order less and leave feeling hungry. Personally, with the exception of a few dishes, I struggle to see this as good value for money. Of course Tapas can be very pricey, but I have paid around £40 at other Tapas restaurants and have felt very full and satisfied, something was missing here. My bill came to around £55 and I left feeling I could eat 2 x Stripclub burger’s from down the road. Perhaps we picked the wrong dishes and I always think new restaurants should get a second chance so Alioli will be on my “Give it another shot” list to try out in the next few months.
If there is something that Birmingham is in short supply of, it’s quality afternoon teas. We sadly lost our champion “The Edgbaston Hotel” this year and there are not many I can recommend other than Hotel Du Vin and Qavali. My biggest pet hate with afternoon teas is that many businesses think it’s more important to shove a load of sweet treats on there and totally forget about the savoury options – cue the basic bitch finger sarnies! Come on, its 2022 – let’s think outside the box. I have struggled for ages to find a well-balanced afternoon tea that hits the spot…until now.
Currently hidden behind those pesky roadworks at the Custard Factory, it is easily missed and it’s a great shame because this place is a true gem. What was once the Clean Kilo, a zero-waste supermarket that focuses on reducing waste and your carbon footprint has now transformed into the “UK’s first zero waste café bar and refill taproom”. I have to say, as soon as I stepped in Kilo Ziro I was blown away at how beautifully decorated it is throughout. The 1920s aesthetic sits at odds with the grunge exterior of this corner of Digbeth. But delightfully so. Kilo Ziro is not afraid to stand out.
Kilo Ziro’s vision is to offer THE BEST Afternoon Tea in Birmingham but have they done that? Kiro Ziro’s afternoon tea is a celebration of small businesses who have thrown in their own creations to create a delicious and special offering. Contributors include private chef Artisan Epicurean, local bakery Sunshine Bakehouse, Holly & The Ivy from The Moseley Farmers Market, Hundred House Coffee and Born Wild Tea.
When the afternoon tea arrived, I nearly jumped for joy – “Is that a load of savoury I can see?!” You know when you have those moments where time slows down and everything goes really quiet like that film, Big Fish…I had one of those moments not with a man or a dog, but with a sandwich. I was just so happy to see a good balance of savoury and sweet, and deserts that I actually love the look of – I was sick of rolling up fruit cakes and chocolate brownies in tissue and binning them when getting home.
SAVOURIES
Goats cheese, shallot marmalade and pistachio tart.
Provolone piccante and roasted pepper piadinas
Applewood smoked cheese with chutney and chive scones
Vegan sausage rolls with poppy seeds
Home-made traditional quiche
SWEETS
Freshly baked scone with clotted cream and jam
Victoria cream sponge cake round
Rich chocolate, biscuit & sultana tiffin
Chocolate, salted caramel & Honeycomb tart
You get quite a generous offering here at Kilo Ziro. Any by now you’ve probably realised this is a vegetarian afternoon tea. However, I am a meat-eater and I certainly didn’t miss it. The vegan sausage roll was my favourite as well as the victoria cream sponge cake which was utterly gorgeous. All savoury options hit the spot and delivered on satisfying my savoury needs. Maybe they could hold back on the cheese if they want to cut back – I do feel they are being overly generous with their offerings. But when that is the only criticism you can think of you know you’re on to a good thing.
The traditional afternoon tea includes a choice of tea, coffee, or iced coffee which was amazing value for £25. We decided to try the afternoon tea with cocktails which is priced at £34 and comes with hot drinks too. They use local and sustainable ingredients and work with many distilleries plus craft beer and cider brewers to reduce their carbon footprint. It was nice to receive a bit of an education on this during our dining experience as I have to admit, I know very little about managing waste. We asked our server for a cocktail recommendation and boy did he deliver. I can’t remember the name of the one I had but it was one of the server’s own creations paying homage to his mother’s homemade rhubarb crumble. Light, fruity and with delicate notes of honey, it was delicious. My sister wanted to get in on the action but couldn’t drink so he made a mocktail version of the cocktail for her which was a really nice touch.
We left with full bellies, smiles on our faces and me finally at peace that I’d found a great afternoon tea in the city. Given the bargain price of this afternoon tea, the quantity of treats you get and the delightful drinks on offer, I truly believe that it is the best afternoon tea in Birmingham. Book it immediately.
The most confusing relationship I have ever had with a restaurant has to be with Mediterranean eatery “Noels” by The Mailbox in Birmingham. When they invited me to try out their new Summer menu, I was a bit apprehensive due to the fact my last visit was a disaster and the one before that was barely average.
I’ll admit when it first opened it had promise but two disappointing meals in a row left me feeling frustrated with the place and I had almost added it to my ‘never again’ blacklist. However, something was telling me to give them another chance so when Noel’s reached out to me a year after my last visit, I gave it a third shot.
Please note that this experience was gifted, and this is my honest opinion.
I visited on a Tuesday lunchtime and it was gravely quiet. I was shown to my table and given a menu straight away. You can’t deny that Noel’s is a beautiful restaurant; chic interior throughout with pops of floral. They must get a bit frustrated with the number of guests taking photos for the ‘gram’ – I, of course, was one of them! I ordered a cocktail to start, opting for the Cherry Pop that many Instagrammers will fight over, and surprise surprise, it was pretty good!
For starter I ordered the hand-dived scallops with cauliflower purée, vin blanc sauce, caviar and salmon roe for £13.95. Cooked perfectly, fresh, and full of flavour – a great start. It took around 10 minutes for the starter to come out and the staff were pretty quick with drinks. I ordered another cocktail with my pan-fried monkfish tail in a basil and lime sauce for £23.95. I ordered the Rose Gold Gimlet which was gorgeous and very sweet! Another stunning cocktail almost too pretty to touch!
The monkfish was cooked to perfection but I could do with a bit more of a kick to the sauce! The monkfish comes on its own and for £23.95 I expected some carbs or veg but you have to order separately. I opted for the asparagus with parma ham & parmesan at £5.95 and chips at £3.95, both were great pleasant enough but when you add it up it meant the main dish was around £34 which was pretty pricey.
I was quite stuffed after my main but I was eager for a sweet fix! So, I went for the petit fours for £6 and a flat white…and if you watch my stories you’ll know what happened with me and the flat white. The petit fours were very nice, small but sweet and were just enough – I am not really a sweet fan so I could only polish off three. Perfectly fine but I feel given how much Noel’s is charging it really is lacking with that extra special quality.
Staff are polite and easy to talk to, they really made the experience for me as during my last visits the staff have been less then friendly. They always checked up on me, asked me if I needed any more drinks, they were really attentive but still gave me my space.
Overall it seems that there has been changes at Noel’s in order to improve the service and quality of food. The scallops are a must and the cocktails are fabulous here. The only negative for me is value for money. Noel’s is competing with others in the city centre that can offer the same or better-quality food for a lot less. However, I can see they are trying to improve things and this latest visit was definitely the best by far. No restaurant should be hung drawn and quartered over one sub-standard visit, or even two. I finally feel at peace with Noels and I am pretty chuffed to say that I will be going back again.
PLEASE NOTE
I recently went back to Noels due to this visit being an AD/Gifted experience I wanted to see if the experience would be the same, and it was. I recieved great customer service, food was very good and overall it was a very enjoyable dining experience. Yes Restaurants can change, they can improve! I believe in 3rd/4th chances – Call me a fool, I dont care because it was worth it.
I think I am getting the hang of this fine dining thing… I started with Adams moved on to 670 Grams and now for one of the most distinctive tasting menus in Brum (or so I thought) – The Wilderness. Located in the Jewellery Quarter, hidden away down a dark alley, you’ll wonder if you are in the right place. Entering the restaurant is like walking into Voldemort’s lair – if Voldemort liked AC/DC that is. Subtly lit, black on black and moody as fuck, I like it.
Staff are friendly enough and know what we want straight away – to be seated before time and handed the drinks menu. Good start. We didn’t go for the wine pairing, probably not the way to do it but as a 5 ft 1 lightweight who gets loud off a WKD, it’s certainly for the best. I went for the Venetian Kiss featuring salt baked peach, raspberry and elderflower. So good I ordered two more. I went for the £110 8-course dinner menu and within 10 minutes the first dishes arrived.
A plate appears with three ‘snacks’; Shrimp Doughnut, Celeriac tart – Hazelnut, and A5 Wagyu – Nori – Comte. They all hit the spot, especially the shrimp doughnut, I could order about 50 of those to go.
The fourth dish is served, and it was my favourite. The Mackerel is absolutely beautiful and was swimming in a delicious consommé that I ended up dribbling down my front. I was like a cat with a saucer of milk, I couldn’t stop lapping it up.
The fifth dish was the Cod and Iberico, it was just perfect, the way my knife sliced into the cod and it just fell apart, it still sends shivers down my spine!
Although a rather successful start, I was somewhat confused. I’ll be honest, The Wilderness is known for its “fuck it” reputation. I knew there was an edge, but I was struggling to find it in the food. But, it was early days…
The next dish was The Carrot 2022 which started to turn the night around for me. I know, how could a carrot do that?! Well my dears, this was so much more than your bog standard chantenay. Braised carrots with nitro frozen feta crumbs in fact. The frozen feta crumbs are a bit like marmite really, you love them or hate them. I really enjoyed the combination and thought it was a match made in heaven. Another dish where I couldn’t get enough of the sauce, I should of brought a bloody bib.
Next up was Barbaray Duck in Blood Orange. Now I am not a fan of duck so this dish didn’t do anything for me and I feel it would be unfair to review it. I’ll let you in on one thing, it’s cooked well. That’s all I can say. Alex informed me he could of changed the duck to something more to my liking, so my bad.
Many have seen or heard of this next dish – The Wilderness’ signature course Ch-Ch-Changes comes in the form of a Ba-Ba-BANANA. I’ve always been curious about this one and the man himself, Alex Claridge, came over to explain it. “Like banoffee pie but in a banana”. Right okay, the thing is…I hate banana. So I wasn’t looking forward to it to be honest but it was nice to finally speak to Alex, He seemed authentic and obviously passionate about what he does. When you are so passionate about something you do of course get defensive if someone says one bad word, I get it. “Eat it however you want” he says.
I decided to scoop it up in my hands but didn’t realise how much of a slippery fucker it was, My fellow diner was having a right laugh watching and I must have looked like I belonged in a zoo shrieking while the banana danced around my hands. When I finally caught the little bugger, it was surprisingly delicious. A super cool and imaginative dish and I wanted more of the same, but sadly didn’t get it.
The next plate wasn’t for me. Rhubarb with Mascarpone and Buckwheat was my least favourite dish. Firstly, it was freezing, I mean it numbed my teeth as soon as I bit into it, and it’s bloody tricky to eat as the mascarpone is proper hard, Something just wasn’t right. The dish didn’t do anything, and I just felt the flavours didn’t compliment each other.
The last course was Hot Lips. Perfectly plump, blood red and in good proportion. I was not expecting to yell “bloody hell, it’s like a Victoria Sponge!” I felt I needed a brew with it, so I ordered one. A sweet and refreshing end to a rather tasty but confusing meal.
Would I recommend The Wilderness? That is the million-dollar question. I feel like after a pretty mad year of trying out some of Birmingham’s best tasting menus, I’m gutted to say it but this was ever so slightly disappointing. I just wanted something different to the typical dishes you would find in modern, British fine-dining restaurants and I was looking for that edge that I originally thought the Wilderness would give me. Thats not to say I wouldn’t visit The Wilderness again, I will be visiting again but maybe when theres a new menu and hopefully next time it will be more to my liking. There were a few standout dishes but with the price you pay surely every dish should make you say ‘fuck that’s good!’ What I did like was the vibe in there, it’s laid back, so laid back I wore Adidas sweat pants and felt right at home. Service is on point and the rock and roll soundtrack is a nice accompaniment. However, it’s over-shadowed by other relaxed, fine-dining spots in the city that deliver that wow factor for the same price or cheaper. The quality of the ingredients is obvious, as is Alex’s talents as a chef, but I think a few will leave thinking they could of got more for their money elsewhere.
The three words that I said out loud soon as I left 670 Grams. Firstly, because it was so bloody cold out and secondly because I was experiencing a mixture of emotions. Stunned, content, extremely satisfied and angry, anger connects with the Pinch my nips because I was so pissed at myself for trying 670 Grams so late in the game. Everyone was right, soon as I mentioned I was going to 670 Grams I had people all over Instagram and Twitter messaging me, really punching in that excitement of going and high praise all round for 670 Grams. I went with an open mind and left mind-fucked…in a good way.
Booked in for 7.15, 670 Grams is located in Digbeth (Gibb Street) in The Custard Factory. It’s small but surprisingly comfortable – Graffiti plastered on the wall with grunge interior, Tim Burton meets Brum. The first words that come to mind would be “What the fuck is this” especially if you’re brought here for a special occasion by your partner for a “luxury evening of 15 courses” it doesn’t look luxurious but that’s what I love. FUCK the luxury fine-dining lets blind-side you and WOW the shit out of you…I will warn you there is going to be a shit-load of swearing in this but it’s okay, I am no pro and I like food writing enit?
Service is sharp and friendly straight away, we were introduced to Zac who I have to say was perfect from start to finish, none of this false customer business, Zac is authentic and really sold the evening for us both. He was impressive throughout. We started our evening with cocktails priced at £12 – James went for the Pineapple Express and I went for the Eye Candy. Pineapple Express was presented in a Pineapple glass – tangy, sweet, and satisfactory. The Eye Candy was my kind of cocktail that included my three favourite ingredients – strawberry, tequila and Champagne. It took us 10 minutes to settle in with our drinks and soon after the tasting menu began.
HOT & SOUR AND PINEAPPLE
A course made from all the leftovers they have in the kitchen from herb spices added to chicken stock served alongside the pineapple that is marinated in soy sauce and ketchup Manis. Both make a punchy introduction to 670 Grams, I could of had about 10 shots of that soup – We are off to a good start.
SCALLOP & LANGOUSTINE
Served with raw seasoning with aloe Vera and chilli with a dressing made 38-year-old soy sauce! Topped with a raw scallop that’s lightly torched over fire and caviar – A truly fantastic dish that is beautifully presented and the sauce was just incredible, we couldn’t help but use our fingers to wipe up all the access sauce.
MACKEREL
This course was the only course I wasn’t crazy about like the others but that’s maybe because I am not a big fan of mackerel so this may be a bit unfair to review. The mackerel is served with fresh Japanese Wasabi and frozen apple.
BHAJI
Rice Bhaji served with coriander mayonnaise and mango jelly, one delightful bite and it was all gone. Love the little tangy kick from the mango jelly.
TURBOT
Another beautifully presented dish, the pan-fried turbot with a sauce made from all the shells and heads of the fish finished with white wine and burnet lemon then topped with caviar. What a sensational dish and I remember this was the dish where a lightbulb suddenly went off in my head…MICHELIN ALERT. The excitement flowed through out and we decided to order two glasses of the Domaine Drouhin morgan red wine blend that complimented our next dishes perfectly especially with the lamb!
LOBSTER
The next dish (in which many people messaged me about to look forward to) was delicious but I wouldn’t say it was the stand out dish of the night that many praised it to be. Not your typical loaf of bread, it’s a Langoustines bread that is cooked directly on the barbecue with a home-made cheese spread and spring onion oil. The cheese spread reminded me of Dairylea but of course, at a totally different and much higher standard. The bread was baked perfectly – again, another great dish.
SWEETHEART CABBAGE
This dish was a total surprise, a dark horse that completely opened my eyes to be more open with cabbage as well, come on…it’s pretty bland as fuck, but no, 670 Grams whipped up something incredible yet again and made cabbage…SEXY. Cooked in burnt butter with a mussel sauce with wild garlic oil and crispy seaweed – OOF! Gorgeous.
CELERIAC
The perfect consistency – confit celeriac roasted on a barbecue in beef fat with black truffle puree pickled red cabbage and fresh English truffle – I bloody love truffle and I bloody loved this dish. We let Zac decide our next drink in which he said he was going to give us a glass of his favourite drink which was the Mullineux old vines white blend 2020 – An unusual dessert wine that I really enjoyed, it was like liquid gold!
NEW YORK DELI
I don’t think I have ever called a dish “A Sneaky little fucker” but hey, there is a first time for everything and this dish is exactly that. This dish doesn’t look much, it looks like a burnt truffle to be honest so when I threw it down my gob, I was incredibly surprised to all of a sudden I could taste a Big Mac in my mouth. Zac said it’s a New York Deli sarnie or a Big Mac, you choose. How? What? Why? Oh bugger it, I had too many questions to ask but I knew Kray is on some next level culinary-wizardry shit after that dish. Those are the kind of surprises I want to encounter and 670 is plenty of them.
LAMB
Now, this was just sensational – Neck of lamb braised in curry powder with a jerk chicken gravy, it was astounding, taste buds going into overload with incredible bangs of flavour and that lamb just crumbling away in my mouth was just sublime, stuff you could only imagine/feel in your dreams.
FOIE GRAS
This was one of James’s favourite courses – a dish dedicated to a great independent in Kings Heath: The Early Bird Bakery that made the perfect introduction to the desserts of the evening. White chocolate pepper ganache with blackberry and soy compote with grated foie gras.I am more of a savoury dessert kind of girl, I don’t like overly sweet puds or a pool of ice-cream on my plate, so this simple dish was just quintessential and exciting to eat especially for James, I have never seen a grown man get so excited over a little pastry…
POPPADOM
A bloody poppadum for pudding EH?! How’s that supposed to work I whinged but my god, it worked. Tomato masala chutney masala mango yoghurt ice cream cucumber and lime Espuma cucumber rice cracker. Reading this, I would just simply skim past soon as I got to the yoghurt part as I’m not a fan but to my surprise, this is one of my favourite dishes along with the lamb and New York deli. Like fireworks of Punchy and zesty flavours in your mouth, clever throughout and a real treat!
IT’S NOT TERRYS, IT’S OURS
It’s not Terry’s it’s ours, Terry fucking who? This dessert was just beautiful. Sweet, seductive and love the combination of sweet flavours and the crunchy texture from the pork scratchings…Pork scratchings and chocolate? Bloody genius trust me babs.
PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Unfortunately, I am one of those basic bitches that loves a pumpkin spice latte from Autumn to Winter, it’s basic but I don’t care. So, when I heard this was on the menu I was very intrigued. It had quite a thick texture, it does stay on the back of your throat for a bit. Silky, salty, and sweet – Yet another winning dish.
To finish we ended on sweets and chatted to a lovely couple who sat next to us exchanging restaurant recommendations. After a two-hour tasting menu with fantastic beverages, I sat back in my chair and reflected. The experience was just impressive and imaginative throughout. 670 Grams felt like no other fine-dining experience I had encountered before, it was chilled throughout, none of this poshy-noshy bullshit or pretentious aesthetic, I could chill in there with my Nike trainers listen to a bit of Snoop Dog eat great food and not feel judged. That’s my vibe, I don’t want to go to these fine-dining restaurants and feel like I’m judged by the whole room. Kray and the staff were great, Kray introduced some of the meals and was up for a chat afterwards, nothing pretentious at all, he is very likeable.
670 Grams provide the best-valued tasting menu in Birmingham, it’s a fact – 15 courses, 15 incredible courses for £70 like wherein the actual fuck do you find a bargain like that?! it’s also a fact that it’s a complete steal and that Kray was robbed of a Michelin star which is mind-boggling to me as mostly every dish was of a Michelin star level. After the news of Tom Shepard’s restaurant receiving a Michelin star and booked up until June, I could consider it a godsend for 670 Grams, as I don’t want it to get too popular that I can’t book in every month as I believe this is just the start of beautiful dining friendship between us. I think where it’s a bit pricey is the drinks as they do bump up the price, I think we spent around £130 on cocktails and wine.
Look, its bold, daring, unique and unpretentious, and I am a complete tit for just finding that out. I’m fairly confident that it is one of the top dining experiences in Birmingham and 670 grams is definitely not one to ignore. Don’t a be a tit, book it.
If you haven’t heard of ‘that Peruvian restaurant in Moseley’, Chakana, then where have you been for the past two and a half years bab? Everybody’s talking about it.
Chakana made OpenTable’s list of the top 100 restaurants in the UK last year, the only Birmingham restaurant to be included. Critic Jay Rayner gave it rave reviews stating “it’s all kinds of fabulous”, and after my recent visit I threatened Twitter followers that if they didn’t book a table I would eat my beret. Thank you friends for saving me from dry mouth, indigestion and regret.
On a Friday evening in January, I booked their Peruvian 9-course tasting menu priced at £60 PP. Located in an old bank on the Alcester Road in Moseley and run by Michelin-starred chef Robert Ortiz, Chakana is stylish and underrated. Stark white walls dressed only with pops of vibrant artwork, Chakana is a sleek and modern salute to traditional Peruvian fare. As I take my seat, I feel comfortable right away thanks to the friendly welcome from our server. Within five minutes, our Peruvian experience began with a pre-dinner cocktail priced at £8.50. James had the Chakana Pisco Sour and I opted for the Melon Pisco Punch, the perfect little taster of what was to come. Our spirits were certainly lifted!
The first dish was the Peruvian quinoa corn bread with rocoto chilli tigers milk yoghurt which was a great introduction to Peruvian cuisine.Combined with the yoghurt it was light but tickled the taste buds perfectly. Now I want more.
Next up was the Tuna Quinoa Nigiri served on quinoa instead of rice, one mouthful and it was gone, just like that but was incredibly satisfying. The tuna was zesty fresh and the quinoa a perfect replacement for the traditional sticky rice.
The course that many people rave about is the Sea Bass Ceviche with tigers milk, sweet potato and canchita corn. I had a bit of a Ratatouille moment, one bite and the whole room fell silent, I zoned out, all that mattered was that dish. I don’t think I have ever had an experience like that, it was incredible and possibly the best fish dish I will ever have.
Service is sharp if perhaps a little speedy as they rarely give you a break in-between courses. I didn’t mind this, I don’t like waiting for food but a word of warning for those who get full up easily and like a break. After the Ceviche which is a tough dish to top, we were served the hand-dived orkeny scallop tiradito with Andean chillies and it was well up for the challenge set by the ceviche. It was sweet and punchy, a dish that doesn’t look like much but my god, it packs some phenomenal flavours. It’s just a shame there wasn’t more of it.
After the scallop dish, we noticed that the time between courses seemed to be getting longer as the room started to fill up. From a 5-minute wait between courses it became a 20-minute wait and a bit of a pain in the arse to try and grab someone for a drink. I could see there were only three staff members on that night with a full house of diners, so we understood and carried on with our night but made sure to two order two drinks instead of one!
Next course was the Asparagus Causa which was a nice refreshing dish with an organic egg, It was a bit of an unusual dish and not my favourite but was pleasant enough. The Pisco poached red mullet was packed full of flavour and I found myself constantly moaning “Mmm!” for the whole minute it took me to finish it. So far, the dishes were pretty quick to eat and with the waiting time getting longer I couldn’t help but feel very hungry in-between courses.
Up next, the 24 hour confit suckling pig (the only meat dish on the menu) was cooked to perfection. The meat fell apart easily and each mouthful was like a box of fireworks going off in my mouth. It was a definite second favourite and I was thankful they offered a bigger portion of this dish.
Now I am not a dessert person at all. Although I am partial to a pack of Lidl’s chocolate pretzels time to time. But Chakana reminds me to treat myself and explore variety. A chocolate bomb is not exactly adventurous as M&S seem to be flogging them every Christmas, but Chakana’s 75% Amazonian Domm with blue potato jam was a clever and dramatic way to end a tasting menu and the Petit Fours were the cherry on top of a delightful evening.
Service was great at the start, within 10 minutes we were served a cocktail and our first course however as the evening progressed the waiting times got longer but is understandable as the restaurant was packed and I could only see three staff members serving. Can dishes get Michelin stars? Because Chakana’s Ceviche should definitely have one. One thing that may not be everyone’s cup of tea was 80% of the dishes were swimming in sauce. Now for me, I didn’t mind it as long as it’s full of flavour I don’t really care, but some people may end up desperate for something crunchy and crispy.
Exciting, vibrant and plentiful, Chakana is compelling throughout and is worthy of all the praise it gets.
Introducing the latest addition to the home of foodie delights such as Laghi’s Deli and The Highfield, Chapter is an independent kitchen and bar brought to you by local restaurateurs Ann Tonks, Irene Allan and Ben Ternent (the team behind the brilliant OPUS which sadly closed during the pandemic). Their new venture prides itself on its seasonality and fresh, homegrown ingredients. Chapter serve breakfast and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, as well as Sunday lunch.
Upon arriving we received a warm welcome from staff – so far so good. What surprised me was how big the venue is, plenty of seating on offer with a nice spacious bar area for drinks or a morning coffee. We arrived around 5pm on a Friday and it wasn’t busy, however, towards the end of our visit it started to fill up.
The drinks menu is impressive with two pages of cocktails from the classic to the quirky. I fancied a gin cocktail but a fruity gin cocktail (I was mad on strawberries that day), so the waitress suggested an adapted Tom Collins. It was refreshing and perfect – just what I needed. James had the Old Fashioned and said it was stunning. Staff are attentive throughout, they are happy to explain dishes and always make sure your drink is topped up.
I started with scallops – I was flapping around for a while about the price (£15) and whether it would be worth it. I’m used to paying around £10-£15 for scallops but am always miffed when two farty-sized morsels arrive in a bland sauce. However, Chapters scallops are worth every penny. Chunky and seasoned perfectly with apple, hazelnut and herbs, biting into one of these the flavour just oozes out.
For my main I ordered the lamb and wow, the showstopper of the evening and by far one of the best lamb dishes I have had in a long time. Herb crusted and seasoned with spicy squash, quinoa, cranberry and pecans – no one should leave Chapter without ordering this dish, it truly is exquisite. I nearly clawed James to death because he wouldn’t stop picking at it. The lamb was so tender, if sliced beautifully and I would really recommend pairing it with the honey roast carrots and beetroot. I feel the lamb was a pretty sizeable portion for £25. James had the fillet steak (rare) and again, cooked beautifully and so succulent. Two winning courses each but unfortunately we couldn’t make it three as we were stuffed.
We ended on coffees and Jesus, even the coffee is perfect here. Overall, it was a beautiful evening filled with beautiful food. Chapter is certainly creating a buzz in Edgbaston and I can see why. A flawless dining experience throughout and a prime example of why supporting Birmingham’s independents is so important. Tonks & Co’s last Chapter sadly ended but we should all be thankful this one has started.
And here we go again…It’s that time of year that your bab has to remind you to spend a few bob to quiet down your partner’s gob! Its Valentines! Love is in the air, hearts are bloody everywhere (even on the Tampax tampons this year) and we are all looking to get out of the house and avoid the couch whether it’s a romantic candle-lit intimate dinner with that special someone or attending a bingo rave with your friends! Valentines should be for everyone and here is how you can spend it in Birmingham.
INDULGE IN A10-12 LUXURIOUS COURSE MENU FROM 670 GRAMS
Enjoy a 10-12 luxurious Course menu from 670 Grams in Digbeth. £120 (PP) you will enjoy 10-12 unforgettable courses by top Chef Kray Treadwell in the heart of The Custard Factory. This is a little bit different from your usual steak and blowjob V day – Expect the unexpected, Expect the unusual and expect…Well, expect a good bloody time and a full belly! This event is not to be missed!
If you and your partner like a bit of comedy then The Glee Club is certainly a great choice this Valentine’s. We have the famous LADY BUNNY (One for Ru Paul Drag Race fans out there) unmasked and unfiltered from £17.50 (PP) OR Thursday night Comedy which I voted the best Comedy Night in the Midlands! A fast-paced & spontaneous show, featuring top stand-up comedians and a big screen to bring you the best bits from the weird world of the web!
Book an unforgettable foodie experience at Hampton Manor (From £450 PP) – These are very popular so of course, Valentine’s day is booked up BUT dates are available before and after Valentine’s day for two-day stays. Indulge in a Michelin star dinner, enjoy a wood-fired feast in the Walled Garden and cosy up together and learn some inside secrets by taking part in a wine-tasting workshop. This is one to truly impress your significant other…James, I hope you are reading this.
Valentine’s day at home with Tutto Apposto – If you don’t fancy the overpriced steaks and the smoochy couples then what about a romantic meal at home? Step away from the Marks and Sparks meal deal, you deserve better and the Tutto Apposto dine at home Valentines meal is just what you deserve! The menu is quite delightful from Chocolate dipped strawberries that you can feed your partner or yourself to a Chateaubriand for two that can be shared by you and YOU! Price at £85 for 2, Its a steal!
ENQUIRE HERE
VALENTINES DAY AT THE MOVIES WITH LEO
How about a movie? Everyone love’s movies on Valentine’s day right? especially a Leonardo DiCaprio movie! So how about a Valentine’s Screening of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet at Millennium Point on 12th February? Tickets for Leonardo DiCaprio are £20 and that includes a comfy seat, a big screen with Leonardo DiCaprio’s face on and a complimentary bottle of chilled prosecco! Did I mention that Leonardo DiCaprio is in this?
You know Valentine’s isn’t just about celebrating it with your partners, it’s about celebrating it with friends too! So why don’t you get the babs out and attend Luna Springs GALENTINES BRUNCH?! Down some bottomless spritz and prepared to be lubed up, I beg your pardon?! I BEG NOT YOUR PARDON! We got some hunky shiny strippers in the house and a filthy drag queen host! Yes, there are zero tucks when it comes to this brunch. Tickets are available now priced from £29.00.
DINNER AND DRINKS AT THE SASSIEST CLUB IN BIRMINGHAM
The Pineapple Club have a new menu to celebrate this V day, you’ll be surrounded by botanical vibes and EXTRA cocktails plus indulging in some pretty delicious food. You can choose 2 small plates and 1 side OR 1 small plate and 2 sides. You will also get to choose 1 signature cocktail, house wine or draught beer, all for £25 pp! Come to the club babs, bring your partner, friends and the what the hell, bring the whole FAM!
Celebrate Valentine’s day with the whole gang by participating in a bingo rave! It’s bingo like you’ve never experienced before, it’s fast-paced with a lot of weirdness and shit prizes but you won’t care because you’ll be too busy laughing your head off at all the dodgy dance-offers, terrible twerking, and seriously painful jokes. Taking place at The Mill and tickets are priced at £11.25.
Attend Valentine’s day ball! Relive your inner Cinderella fantasy babs as The Nightingale are putting on a ball for singles to mingle! There are DJ’s, Drag and a massive dance floor for you to meet someone new or bring your loved ones and dance the night away! Tickets are priced at £8.17.
1920’S AFTERNOON TEA OR ROMANTIC BOUTIQUE STAY AT THE EDGBASTON BOUTIQUE
Afternoon tea and romantic stay packages will be available at The Edgbaston Hotel this Valentine, You will have the option to treat your loved ones to some chocolates, macaroons or Valentines celebration plates. All £10 to add to the booking. Within the hotel rooms, You will have the option to add on a Romance package this will be fizz, rose petals and chocolates or macaroons. £75 for champagne or £49 for prosecco. Afternoon tea is also available for couples, friends and families to get together to celebrate.
THE ULTIMATE LOVERS EXPERIENCE STAYING COOL AT THE ROTUNDA
The Ultimate lovers experience at Staying cool at The Rotunda in Birmingham. A room with a view (some incredible views let me add of Brum) this package offers you stylish accommodation where you can watch the twinkling lights of Brum at night from your rose-petaled bed with a chilled bottle of Lauren-Perrier Rose and a box of Charbonnel et Walker sea salt caramel truffles, Sounds romantic right? But wait, there’s more! You will wake up to fresh bagels and have a lovely bunch of seasonal flowers to give your loved one. This is an add on package when you book a room with The Rotunda priced at £95.
Matthew Bournes Nutcracker will be showing over the Valentines weekend at The Hippodrome, tickets are priced from £22.50. I know what you are thinking, The Nutcracker? In January? EH? But this one is a lot of fun and it’s for all seasons bab! Indulge in The sweetest of all treats this Valentine with your loved ones.
WINE TASTING, DELICIOUS SMALL PLATES AND LIVE MUSIC IN A TROPICAL GLASS HOUSE AT BOTANICAL GARDENS
Fancy an Intimate wine tasting in Botanical Gardens Tropical glass house? Botanical Gardens is collaborating with Wine Freedom and Ox & Origin to bring you a premium wine tasting evening where you will sample a few of Wine Freedoms specialist wines, indulge in premium small plates created by Top Chefs from Ox & Origin and enjoy an evening of live acoustic music. Taking place on 14th February at 6.30 pm – Tickets are £59 and will be released on Monday 24th January 2022
Encounter a unique tasting experience – Dining in the dark. You will be blindfolded and will be tasting a secret menu in pitch-black darkness. There are two dates – 31st January at The Botanist Birmingham and 1st February at The Canal House. Surprise your senses and test out your taste buds, try something completely different this Valentine’s!
Celebrate Valentine’s or maybe you just don’t care and want to enjoy a night out single or taken with your friends! Bierkeller is putting on the ultimate ANTI-VALENTINES party this year that involves a free cocktail and a free bench to stand up and twerk on plus the best free house, garage and Rnb sound from Joshy Rays. Tickets are £5.
The Ivy Temple Row has joined forces with Letters of Note to give diners a gift to treasure forever this Valentine’s Day. Love is an exclusive book compiled by Shaun Usher, featuring a collection of the most passionate love letters written in history, reimagined by The Ivy Collection with a bespoke cover and foreword. The book will be offered to all guests who book a table in the restaurant on Monday, 14 February.Inspired by love, a limited-edition cocktail menu designed to make even the cold-hearted blush will also be available for guests from Friday, 11 to Monday, 14 February, alongside Pillow Talk (£17.95), an indulgent sharing dessert featuring peach and raspberry parfait, white chocolate mousse, popping candy and a raspberry sauce.
Many people (outside of Sutton) would scoff at this guide as many are under the influence that Sutton Coldfield has nothing to offer. I would agree there does seem to be more boarded-up businesses than open businesses in the Centre. We can all agree that the City centre is in desperate need to be restored, However, with revamp plans floating around, we may just be getting that. The foodie scene in Sutton Coldfield is a bit of a scavengers hunt, believe it or not, there are fantastic foodie gems scattered in and all-around Sutton Coldfield. For the past two years, we have seen some new and exciting businesses popping up and bringing a bit of excitement to Sutton Coldfield. So, I have put this foodie guide together to show off some of the great Independents we have in the North and trust me, over the next couple of months this guide will get even bigger! Watch this space.
BRUNCH, BAKERIES AND COFFEE SPOTS
Windowbox Cafe:Located on Birmingham road in Wylde Green, Windowbox is one of my favourite brunch spots in the North of Birmingham. Offering a variety of brunch options from American pancakes to breakfast flatbreads, this is one brunch hotspot that you must visit when you come to Sutton Coldfield.
Silver Tree Bakery: A little bit of Lapland in Sutton Coldfield because, why the hell not? Its a lovely little bakery in Water Orton that offers fantastic cakes and hot food such as toasties. The staff are fantastic and it’s a lovely little gem over in Sutton Coldfield.
Jubilee Garden: Located on Birmingham rd just before Sutton Town Centre you will find new Cafe/wine bar Jubilee Gardens that serves up a lovely brunch with a Hong Kong twist! They serve speciality coffee with a great offering of cakes and savoury delights! Did I also mention they do orange wine? Oh yes! They have a fab variety of wine that is specially picked for the cafe! Its a must-visit whenever you come to Sutton so make sure its on your list!
Bakehouse by Baked in Brick: A friendly neighbourhood Café serving up freshly baked bread, patisserie and Brunch daily on Holland rd. In the evenings (Thurs to Sat) they serve up some gorgeous street food plus they do a fabulous Espresso martini!
Deli Social: Located on Boldmere high street, The Deli Social offer a great selection of brunch dishes and hot drinks. The full english breakfast is a cracker and they also do street food Fridays and is open till 11pm on the weekend.
90 Boldmere: A new brunch/bar on Boldmere High Street serving up great brunch dishes such as french toast and American pancakes plus offer a great bar menu.
Blackroot Bistro: Set within the stunning Sutton Park, spanning 2,400 acresand attracting two million visitors a year, the family owned Blackroot Bistro is perched above Blackroot Pool on the edge of a natural meadow. They seek to provide an informal, relaxed and welcoming vibe, offering food and drink from local suppliers wherever possible.
Bean Green Kitchen: Boasting one of the best brunch menu in the north of Birmingham for a champion breakfast its got to be Bean Green Kitchen in Mere Green. They serve classic cafe faves with healthy twists and tasty alternatives.
Caffe Botanico: A lovely coffee shop inside House of Fraser in Sutton Coldfields Gracechurch Centre, its a popular lunchtime spot for many. I love the coffee here and they also do some fantastic salad dishes aswell as brunch options. The cakes are great too so make sure you dont miss out on them!
Onthebreadline: One of the most popular bakeries in Sutton Coldfield and one where you got to be quick as they sell out fast! The cakes are seriously delicious, people que for them from the morning till closing so you best be quick!
Under Pressure Espresso: Fantastic coffee shop in which you could say its the best coffee shop in Sutton Coldfield. Offer bench seating, cakes and coffee beans to buy
The Pear Tree Creperie: The Creperie, located just outside of Lichfield, has been the flagship restaurant of the Heart of the Country Village for over 30 years. They offer a wonderful brunch and specialise in savoury galettes, sweet crepes and delicious authentic French dishes.
Strawberry Fields Farm and Coffee: Families will adore this place, a Woodland paradise where you can enjoy delicious brunch and coffee.
AFTERNOON TEA
New Hall Hotel: New Hall Hotel is the perfect backdrop to experience a tradition made famous by the royal household at New Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield. Classic afternoon tea starts at £22.50 and includes a selection of finger sandwiches, chef’s daily selection of cakes and mixed scones served with jam and clotted cream. They also offer a savoury afternoon tea and cater for children too.
The Belfry: Enjoy a British Afternoon Tea with a range of finger sandwiches and home-made scones accompanied by tea breads, delicate pastries and a selection of herbal teas or coffee, all served in the finest Bone China. Available daily from 12pm-4pm.
The Fig & Olive: Served Monday – Saturday between 2pm and 4pm, their signature afternoon teas are baked fresh by our talented in house bakers and are simply perfect for any occasion. They also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea. The Fig & Olive is a great spot for all day dining serving up a delicious lunch and dinner menu – its a must when you come to Sutton Coldfield.
PESTO: Enjoy an assortment of sandwiches, Italian desserts and fruit scones with jam & clotted cream for only £14.95 per person. Served daily from 2pm to 5pm. Great afternoon if you love a bit of Italian!
Strawberry Fields Farm and Coffee: Families will adore this place, a Woodland paradise where you can enjoy brunch and AFTERNOON TEA. They offer three afternoon teas (Standard, luxury and childrens) and they also offer GF afternoon tea. Prices are from £16.95. Strawberry Fields is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, please contact regarding afternoon teas via website
DINNER/PUBS/ROASTS
Pizza by Goli: My favourite restaurant in Sutton Coldfield serving up fantastic Italian cuisine and exceptional service HOWEVER be warned, this restaurant can get extremely busy so please book beforehand. Fantastic restaurant for date nights and group bookings, I have been going here for years and always have a great meal without fail. The Lamb cutlets in red wine sauce is one of my favourites and the garlic bread is always a winner.Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
Eleon: A great Greek restaurant and meze bar that is very popular in Sutton Coldfield and I can see why because the food is beautiful and service is exceptional. You are always guaranteed an exceptional dining experience here in Eleon. The Meze feast is must, experience the greek way of social dining by tucking into 21 dishes from Pork Souvlaki to Baklava all for just £27.50 pp.Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
SUSHIDO: A true gem in Sutton Coldfield offering excellent Japanese food that is available for you to dine in or take out. Sushi lovers will adore it here offering a great variety of sushi dishes that caters for vegetarians and vegans, they also offer hot mains such a as red thai curry and bao buns.Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
The Bracebridge: A charming restaurant that can be found within Sutton Park that offers a fantastic dining experience with a pretty impressive view of the lakes in Sutton Park. This is a great option for that special occassion, a little bit on the pricey side however they do offer a fixed menu of two courses for £19.95 or three courses for £25.95 on Wednesday and Thursdays.Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
Giggling Squid: Giggling Squid is one of the latest additions to the area, a restaurant that specialises in Thai Cuisine with restaurants in Harborne, Leamington Spa and so on. This restaurant has quickly become one of my favourites in the North of Birmingham. The lamb shank dish is a must, and the cocktails are pretty fab here too! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
Veerus: Veerus serve up delicious authenthic Indian Cuisine with a great atmosphere. Prices are very reasonable here for the quality of food you get, and its a great place to chill out with a beer and tuck into some quality food. If you go to Veerus you must order the large mix grill, its pretty incredible! Vegetarian, options available
Cock N Bull: Juicy monster Buns and Camden Hells on draught, thats what I am talking about! Really chilled out place and is perfect for catching up with friends, pre drinks or date night. If you love filthy burgers and kick ass fried chicke, you’ll like this place. Vegetarian and vegan options available
Romantica: A great Italian restaurant located in Mere Green, The food is pure quality using the freshiest ingredients and the service is second to none. A great choice for date night or to celebrate a special occasion. The Antipasto sharing board is a must and pair that up with Romanticas Carre di Agnello (rack of lamb) you got yourself a pretty fine meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
Panache: One of my favourite Indian restaurants in Sutton Coldfied, Panache is top quality serving up amazing authentic indian cuisine that is full of flavour and will leave you wanting more! I always have a great experience here and thats why its one of my favourites, the staff are professional, the food is fantastic and overall its a great dining experience. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
Chelo Persian Kitchen and bar: Persian food at its best, I had a few takeaways from here in lockdown and was pleased with everyone of them, next up I wil be dining in the restaurant very soon! The food is gorgeous, full of flavour and cooked to perfection. Vegetarian options available
The Butlers Arms: Lovely pub in Mere Green that provides a great atmosphere, from lunchtime to Dinnertime they have you covered with some great dishes on offer from the Indian Spiced Chicken to Belly Pork that will surely satisfy those pesky taste buds. They have some cracking ales on offer here and its a nice place to sit outside with friends with a pint and enjoy the weather. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten options available
The Four Oaks: Recently refubished The Four Oaks is a beautiful pub just on Belwell Lane where they offer brunch, dinner, small plates, Sunday roasts and a beer garden that is perfect for the Summer!. Beautifully decorated without with plenty of seating, many will enjoy it here and I especially love going here for wine with friends!
Your Flamingo: New Pizzeria on the Boldmere Rd serve up traditional stone baked Neapolitan pizzas that are delcious! Plus they offer a great cocktail menu where you can grab 2 cocktails for £14. Open Tuesday – Friday 3pm-10pm and Saturday 11.30am-10pm (kitchen closes at 9pm)
Tikka Nation: On the Birmingham rd going into Sutton Coldfield you will find Tikka Nation, specialising in Indian “Street food” serving up gorgeous curries, wraps and tasty sides.
The Farmhouse Bistro: A lovely Bistro just on Weeford Road serves up a fantastic all-day menu full of traditional favourites to contemporary classics. The Roast dinner is a must here and they also serve afternoon tea.
Narmaste : Serving up traditional Indian and Ghurka cuisine in Wylde Green. Located just above The Lane’s shopping centre, Namaste offers the very best in Indian cuisine with high reviews, its one to book
BARS/BREWERIES AND STREET FOOD
XO LOUNGE: XO Lounge is the place to be where you can sample a variety of fine wines by the glass any time of day (18 to be exact), a unique location with a high quality and extensive spirit and cocktail selection. XO also offers high quality independent coffee, good quality beer with some food and nibbles to match. They also host monthly street food pop ups.
Simpsons gin bar: Located in the heart of The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Simpsons Bar looks to provide you with an extensive menu of high quality spirits, beers and cocktails. Big fan of the gin here and they also serve hot drinks, you can have your drinks outside on the new lovely outdoor terrace area.
Quinto Lounge: I do like the food from Quinto (especially the brunch) but I feel that the cocktails are on another level. Quinto provide variety, and a great spot for pre-drinks or a night out with your mates. Prices are very reasonable and if you get peckish you can always order a couple of tapas dishes with your cocktails! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available
BAR 28: On the Birmingham rd as you come into Sutton, you will find new bar “Bar 27” taking over the old Mutiny Loft venue. Here you can enjoy a great range of cocktails, food, live sports and a game of darts.
The Townhouse: Sleek and stylish through out, The Townhouse is a lovely boutique bar/hotel serving up good homemade food, fabulous cocktails, live music and more. A Hotspot in Sutton, weekends at The Townhouse are pretty lit!
The Station pub: Iconic pub in Sutton Coldfield, I have been going here for years! It seems to be everyones favourite pub in Sutton Coldfield with a great variety of booze on offer, live music and DJ Sets. Its one to visit!
Leviathan Brewing: A hidden gem in Sutton Coldfield located on Reddicap Trading Estate offering a great variety of beer (and plenty of alcoholic options) and host monthly foodie pop ups which have seen What the Cluck, Patty Dabblers and more popping up at the brewery. A fantastic taproom offering a great atmosphere here, it’s absolutely worth the visit.
Cask and Craft: An Independent craft beer bar & bottleshop. Focusing on small independent brewers, small batch Gins/Rums and Ciders and hosting street food pop ups every month. A great place to chill with friends with a pint and tuck into some fantastic street food such as Cleopatra Kitchen, Sticky Beaks and more.
Pitalicious: Mid East Lebanese street food here in Sutton Coldfield, Pitalicious is definetly worth checking out. The lamb shawarma pitta is incredible and I am pretty sure the chips from Pitalicious are the best chips I have ever tasted. Great for quick bite or you can dine within the restaurant. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
The Ale Hub: Located in Mere Green, this is a great micro pub that specialises in cask ales, craft beers and a variety of gins. Lovely little spot, they usually put on themed nights and host quiz/bino events.
Burger Boi: Located in Wylde Green on the Birmingham rd, You will find Burger Boi who serve up smashed patties and tasty buttermilk fried chicken.
Quite frankly organising Christmas parties can be a merry little pain in the ass from finding numbers to losing the numbers last minute as there is always a last-minute scrooge that dips out of the Christmas party. From having 50 bloody tabs open to searching deep into the Google lagoon of “Christmas parties in Birmingham” ending up on page 25 with Weatherspoons being a possible contender – Don’t let it be a contender. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have what’s going on in Birmingham at Christmas all in one place? Well, just call me Bab Claus because I have created a little guide for you to book your Christmas shenanigans from pulling crackers over a three-course meal to wearing your best frock and hanging out of a dodgem with a bottle of Moet. This is your guide to getting festive AF bab.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL PHOTOS ARE NOT MINE – Photos have been credited to whom they belong to.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Rio Carnival 2021 THE NECThe Edgbaston Stadium
THE NEC – ASPEN ROCKS 2022 – Entertainment, Four course meal, DJ and dancefloor- Minimum booking requirement of 8 guests- Tickets available now purchase here
EDGBASTON STADIUM – Hollywood Glitz & Glamour – Live entertainment, three course meal, late bar until 1am – Group bookings are welcome – Tickets available now purchasehere
LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM – Peaky vs Gatsby -DJ & Disco, Three course meal – Group bookings are welcome – Tickets available now purchase here
ASTON VILLA PARK – Variety of themed Christmas party nights – three course meal – After dinner DJ & Disco – Tickets available now purchase here
ALOFT HOTEL/EASTSIDE ROOMS – The Greatest Christmas – Three course meal – Greatest show performance throughout dinner – Live band – Disco and DJ – Enquire now
THE GRAND HOTEL – Three course luxury lunch or Dinner – £45 or £65 depends on what menu you choose -Private dining for groups of six – Includes Christmas crackers and a glass of champagne – Book now
HOTEL DU VIN – Add a special touch to your event and dine in one of Hotel Du Vins unique private dining rooms and enjoy a delicious three course meal from £34.95 – Book now
LOVE LIFE – DIGBETH -Available from 28th November to Christmas Eve, Indulge in their authentic Mediterranean-inspired festive menu with seasonal cocktails. Lovelife invite guests to enjoy & explore their Festive Menu with 2-courses for £30 or 3-courses for £35 per person. Book your Christmas meal at Lovelife here
HAMPTON MANOR – Offering five different dining experiences this christmas -From festive lunches to private dining experiences for 10-16 guests with your very own chef and Host – Enquire about your experience now at Hampton Manor
SMOKE – Christmas Eve lunch at Smoke – Join Stu Deeley and the team at Smoke for lunch on Christmas Eve. Enjoy four-courses, including a la carte options like a proper beef wellington served up with madeira jus, and plenty of Stus legendary boulangère potatoes from £180.00 – Book your Christmas Eve lunch here
CHAKANA – Embark on a culinary journey with a set menu at Chakana in Moseley! Discover the exquisite SEA BREAM CEVICHE, a burst of fresh flavors that will awaken your palate, followed by a mouthwatering roast turkey adorned with all the festive trimmings. Chakana’s carefully curated set menu ensures a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine at Christmas. Book your Christmas meal at Chakana.
KOI KI HARBORNE – A range of “Wave” menus available staring from £34.95 for set menus and can range up to £64.95 – perfect for large groups – Book your Christmas meal at Koi Ki
NOELS – Festive 3 course dinner for £34.95 and Festive lunch is also available – Private dining options are available – Book your Christmas meal at Noels
REVOLUCION DE CUBA – Festive Brunch from £30 pp or 2/3 course Christmas meal from £24.95 – Suitable for groups – book your christmas meal now
DIRTY MARTINI – Serving up a variety of Christmas festivities from Christmas brunches from £35 to Christmas platters priced at £25 pp for your party – Book your festive package with Dirty Martini
LASAN – Festive three Course £45.95 per person or Four Course £49.95 per person -Glass of bubbly on arrival for extra £5.50 – Book your Christmas meal at Lasan
THE ROLLING MILL – 2 courses for £26.96 and 3 courses £35.00 – To book email Info@therollingmill.co.uk andvisit their website here
THE CANAL HOUSE – Christmas party dining – 2 courses for £27.95 or 3 courses for £34.95 – menu available from 21st November to 24th December for groups of 6 or more – Private dining space is available – Book your Christmas meal now with The Canal House
BROWNS – 3 course festive menu from £29 for your whole party to enjoy – Available from 17th November – 31st December 2021- Book your Christmas meal at Browns
BODEGA – Seat and feed up to 60 people in their private bar, ‘The Sugarloaf’ offering all guests a tasty three-course meal full of the delights of south American cuisine – Can provide a Cocktail Masterclass offering guests the chance to learn, sample, and enjoy the art of cocktail making with some of the best bartenders in Birmingham – Christmas buffet is also available – Enquire about your Christmas party with Bodega
MEAL & REEL AT THE MAC BIRMINGHAM: ELF. -More family friendly Reel & Meal delights, but this time with a festive twist, courtesy of Christmas classic Elf. Ticket start from £16.00 and event is on Saturday 23rd December. Book your tickets here
ROXY BALLROOM – Festive feast plus two free drinks for £28 pp – £5 extra for a bellini reception – Great for groups – add on bowling or beer pong – Book your festive package with Roxy Ballroom
THE BOX – BRINDLEYPLACE – There’s no better place to spend the holiday season in Birmingham than at BOX, your favourite place to WATCH, PLAY and PARTY. They are the ultimate festive destination whether getting together with your mates over a game of shuffleboard or for a big Christmas night out in Birmingham.Festive Bottomless brunch is available priced at £37.95. – Book your experience with BOX now
THE GLEE CLUB – Birmingham Christmas Comedy Specials at The Glee Club offer you a superbatmosphere with four top stand-up comedians and an after party to keep celebrations going into the night – You can book tickets now
FIGHT CLUB – Darts and cocktails – Add some joy to your festive celebrations with a cocktail or two (or three) and a bit of friendly competition – Book your experience with Fight Club
As a resident of Sutton Coldfield, I am often frustrated with the lack of Independent’s and exciting restaurant chains – no, I am not talking about Nandos and please don’t ever mention Nandos to me because I will most likely roll my eyes and scream. Recently there has been a flutter of new openings in the Sutton area in which I am delighted about, but I am greedy – I want more. Giggling Squid is one of the latest additions to the area, a restaurant that specialises in Thai Cuisine with restaurants in Harborne, Leamington Spa and so on. As soon as the announcement was made and bookings were opened, most of Sutton flooded to try it out and I am one of many, that is delighted about this opening.
Please note that this experience was gifted, and this is my honest opinion.
I was invited to experience Giggling Squid and decided I needed a second opinion so I brought my lovely friend (and fellow blogger) Small House Big Trips. As we walked in together for our booking at 6.30 pm, we could see that it was very busy. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, very floral, bright and just generally very appealing to the eye. I had seen some bizarre comments about uneven photos on the walls ruining peoples experiences at Giggling Squid this didn’t bother me at all and quite frankly I’m not here to review the decor or give you a course in how to straighten a photo correctly.
We sat down for our meal under a beautifully decorated arch covered in flora. We noticed that it was very echoey and it was quite loud, but what did we expect? The whole of Sutton Coldfield was dining here tonight. We browsed through the drinks menu and I opted for the Silky Pink Cocktail which is a Lychee Martini with a mouth-watering mix of Fair Quinoa Vodka, Kwai Feh lychee Liqueur, Peach and Jasmine Green Tea. Very refreshing, and something different to the usual Strawberry Daiquiri that I have murdered to death in many restaurants. Kelly went for the Lychee Angel cocktail in which she really liked and found it very refreshing.
We both found the service quick. Our Waitress “Anjali” who is also a fellow food blogger (Anjeatsss) was full of knowledge and very helpful when it came down to ordering. She was able to explain each dish and pick dishes that best suited our taste buds! So to start, we ordered the Sharing Platter which came with hand-cut pork grilled skewers, salt and pepper squid, Thai chicken wings, vegetable spring rolls. A very generous portion for £16.50 offering a great variety of flavours and was a great introduction to Giggling Squid.
For mains we went a little crazy, we ordered; Giant Butterfly King Prawn Pad Thai, Lamb Shank Massamann, Sticky Chicken, Morning Glory greens, Roti, Sticky rice, and coconut rice. One mouthful after the other was a constant punch of flavour that was just irresistible. The lamb shank was my favourite, the meat was cooked perfectly, falling off the bone and into the rich base of coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise. The sticky chicken was sticky, moist and sweet, exactly what it says on the tin with an almighty crunch of crisp, just the way I like it. Sticky and coconut rice both blending beautifully with the lamb shank, scooped up with the roti flatbread helping both to blend perfectly. I grabbed a bite of Kellys Pad Thai that was also perfectly cooked and full of flavour.
To finish we ordered Black Sesame ice cream, however as I am not a big fan of ice cream, it just wasn’t for me. I felt the flavour was very peculiar and unfortunately I am a basic bitch in the ice cream department that opts for just vanilla, so it’s a no from me.
I read some iffy reviews of Giggling Squid (mostly all of them coming from Harborne) which left me feeling a little confused. My experience of Giggling Squid was exceptional, the food was fantastic and so was the service. We loved it so much it has quickly become one of our favourite restaurants in Sutton Coldfield. Is it the best Thai restaurant I have been to? No, but the team have surely put a lot of work into this restaurant for it to work, and it does. I enjoyed it so much that I visited again 3 weeks later (Non-gifted) Yes that’s right ladies and gentlemen, I DO PAY. I had the exact same experience again but service was a little bit slower but it’s early days, new restaurants need time to find their feet and find a structure that works. The food was exactly the same, fresh and full of flavour – no complaints.
A great addition to Sutton Coldfield/Mere Green, one that you will most definitely need to book before as it’s super busy. As a new opening, I was expecting a few hiccups here and there but I didn’t experience any of this. Kelly and I couldn’t stop praising our experience at Giggling Squid. I feel Giggling Squid is a wonderful addition to our town, which I hope now will give the Sutton area a bit of a boost and attract more appealing chains and most importantly Independents.
UPDATE: Sadly, we have to give an update or more so, replace this “positive” review with a negative review as my last two trips to Giggling Squid in Mere Green have been not so good. I hate it when this happens, but my last two visits have not matched the above review. I dont know what’s happened, where its all gone wrong from dirty tables to uncooked food, surely this is not the same restarant? Sadly, I can no longer recommend this restaurant as it seems to have slipped and gone downhill since opening. Its a real shame.
Willies, Titties, strippies and Carole Baskin costumes? I have had my fair share of Hen dos in Birmingham. Some sophisticated and some that still give me nightmares to this day but planning a hen do was something that was completely new to me and even more of a nightmare! From people dropping out last minute to sending hundreds of desperate emails to venues. It’s a bloody nightmare and I wish there was a guide or something to help us poor Maid of Honours/Best men out. So I decided to put a guide together to make life a little bit easier for those who are organising a Hen/Stag do. Birmingham is great for these, perfect actually. We offer a variety of events/activities for groups to enjoy, from partying on boats to hanging from bars in the evening, having a Stag/Hen do in Birmingham is certainly the right choice and the place to be Babs! So let’s start with the top 50 hen party ideas in Birmingham and don’t worry stags, you are next!
PLEASE NOTE I DO NOT OWN ALL IMAGES – Please credit the businesses that I have tagged in this post
THE BIG BIRMINGHAM BAKE – DIGBETH
Ready, steady, BAKE! In Digbeth you will find the Big Birmingham Bake where you go against your friends/family and have 90 minutes to create your winning bake, it could be a complete masterpiece or an absolute mess! One thing is sure this is a great activity to do with all your friends and family! Prosecco provided and you can also buy a bridal apron and baking hat for the bride to be!
One of my favourite afternoon teas in Birmingham, this one is sure to make jaws drop! Step back in time and enjoy a sophisticated afternoon tea with friends and family. Choose from traditional to Laurent Perrier Rose afternoon tea from £29.50.
Get kitted out in your helmet, knee pads, gloves and safety glasses and follow the ranger deep into the jungle trails as they guide you on your quest to escape. The perfect adventure activity for families or any group celebration experience.To book or reserve your Jungle Escape adventure, just call 0121 323 1000 or head on over to their website here to book
JEWELLERY WORKSHOP AT THE WORKING CLASP
Get to make jewellery from a range of laser cut charms that have been lovingly designed and finished by Rebecca Cowley at her studio in The Old Printworks, Birmingham. The workshops suit all levels and include all materials.
Le Keux in Digbeth have a range of hen do activities for you to choose, from having a complete make over to burlesque dancing. If you are a fan of the 1950s you will love this!
If you love TJ cocktails or just cocktails in general, then come learn how to make some of your favourites with the Tonight Josephine team. They’ll give you a welcome cocktail, play games and teach you and your gang how to make two more cocktails. Various times are available and early bookings are highly recommended.
Smokey cocktails, cocktail wizards, fire and awesome food – Personally I feel this is one of the best bottomless brunches in Birmingham. Operating Friday, Saturday and Sunday – Book in now
Batter up Bab with some awesome games for you and the whole group to enjoy! There is also a great bar serving up plenty of delicious cocktails, street food and batting cages!
STREET FOOD, GERMAN BEER AND DRAG QUEENS AT ZUMHOF BIERGARTEN
Live music and entertainment – Think touring bands, queer cabaret, DJ’s, and drag, every weekend at the Yard! Lets not forget about their extensive beer list, the best in Birmingham street food traders and epic vibes. Great venue for groups and a definite must-visit.
Celebrate your hen do on a party boat and see the city in a whole new light. Get in touch with Central Boat Parties in Birmingham to discuss your requirements with their professional crew to create the perfect hen do!
Make your own beautiful handmade flower crown, perfect for any festival themed event, summer hen weekend, birthday party or baby shower. Everyone can select flowers to their preferred colour scheme and create crowns to their own taste. Or even matched with the season – use colourful bold silk flowers to create a statement Summer crown or more subtle foliage for a chic Spring flower crown.
ITALIAN FOOD AND COCKTAILS EXPERIENCE WITH ROSA COOKERY SCHOOL
Italian inspired cookery classes are designed to give you the skills and ideas to inspire and equip you to produce great food, with the minimum of fuss and the maximum of enjoyment – from everyday family meals to ideas for special meals to impress. Come along to one of the cookery days for an enjoyable hands on experience and leave with a host of recipes and tips. Start with coffee and homemade cake, relax and enjoy a demonstration that will include different skills and techniques, then get your pinny on and make a range of dishes yourself. Finally enjoy the fruits of your labours with a meal and a glass of wine together before heading home with some samples to remind you of your day.
Because who doesn’t love chocolate? The gourmet chocolate tasting experience involves, single origin chocolate, ganache, caramel and cacoa tasting sessions with tasting notes and a brief talk. You will learn about best ways to taste chocolate and what to look out for.
A crazy mix of traditional bingo, dance-offs, rave intervals, audience participation and countless magical moments, currently taking place in almost 50 locations around the world. Bongo’s Bingo is a wild shared social extravaganza and a night of pure nostalgic escapism, with the chance to win iconic prizes from giant pink unicorns and Henry Hoovers to mobility scooters and karaoke machines at each and every show.It’s immersive, inclusive and incredible. Everyone from 18 to 92 plays and parties together. There are no barriers and no limits.
Join Fight Club in Birmingham for their Brunch Social every Thursday to Sunday with Prosecco and bottomless pizza! If you fancy adding a competitive twist to your daytime gatherings, add 1 hour of Social Darts to your Brunch Social!
Bopottomless returns at the Old Crown with unlimited beer, cocktails or fizz for the first 90 mins of your booking and any BopKebabs main meal of your choice for £25 pp. Please check with The Crown to see when Bopottomless is back on!
NQ64 is an arcade bar located in the heart of the Custard Factory inviting gamers to relive their childhoods with classic 80s/90s arcade games and is a great place for groups to come together and get competitive!
It’s bowling like you’ve never seen it before for the very good people of Birmingham. Think walnut lanes, Beer Pong, retro arcades and shuffleboard, making it a great choice for hen parties!
Learn a Spice Girls routine with your very own dance instructor with a bottle of bubbly held in a private venue for you all to find your inner Spice Girl.
The Grand should be experienced by all, if you fancy a sophisticated evening why not book into the Madeline bar and have a couple of cocktails with friends.
One third of the Bierkeller Entertainment Complex, Bierkeller is a fantastic dining and entertainment venue in Birmingham. Long bench seating, Oompah bands, authentic Bavarian food, the finest selection of beer and much more!
The sassiest bar in Birmingham. Offering a variety of cocktails and spirits, small tapas style plates to meat and cheese sharing boards. Botanical interior, lots of pink and luxurious suede – and yes it’s very “Instagrammable”
A paradise for Instagrammers, 202 Kitchen provides plenty of photo opportunities, EXTRA cocktails, street food and more. Moving to Birmingham City centre, you can book your table now
Ever fancied being in your very own pop video? well now you can with go-experience who deliver unforgettable pop video party packages for hen parties! Before the big day, you and your friends can choose your favourite song. On the day your filmmaker and choreographer will take you through the moves and direct you every step of the way, whilst your make-up artists will make you look and feel fantastic.There’ll be a welcome glass of bubbly to help with any nerves, lots of laughs and great photo opportunities.
Spa day at The Cube is the ultimate in relaxation. You will be provided with a locker for the day. You are then free to enjoy all the facilities of the club and spa.Your day will also include a delicious lunch, or light dinner. There is a great variety of packages on offer for you to choose from So relax, You deserve it!
The Glee Clubs are a group of live comedy, music and special events venues. They are the home of stand-up comedy, with regular mixed-bill weekend shows and big names on tour with their solo shows. They also host inspiring music gigs, spoken word & talks events and cabaret & burlesque shows.
Located in the heart of The Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, the Jam House occupies a traditional and Historic Georgian Building looking out on to the picturesque St Paul’s Square. The Jam House is a landmark, long standing, award-winning venue offering a unique combination of live music, good food and great times!
All the fun of a Genting casino, plus a little bit of everything you love and more from the rest of Resorts World, all under one roof. Hit the slots with your hen party and you never know, you might get lucky!
CREATE YOUR OWN PLAYLIST AND ENJOY LIVE MUSIC AT LATEST BAR OPENING JUKEBOXERS
Latest bar opening “Jukeboxers” is a new piano duelling bar where you can choose the music and listen to some fantastic live music – From Whitney to Nicki, the band can pretty much perform anything! They also have a great menu where you can order sassy cocktails and dead frog shots. This place is all about good vibes and enjoying live music again, a great place to book your hen party!
Digbeth Dining Club is one of the UK’s leading operators of street food venues and events. It’s a great place for groups to tuck into some delicious street food and have a couple of drinks. Perfect place to start pre-drinking!
For more information about Digbeth Dining Club events check here
GO ON HOLIDAY TO BIRDIES BAB
Birminghams very own tropical paradise in the heart of Digbeth. Birdies is an outdoor cocktail bar with a beach/island theme selling refreshing cocktails and bloody good BBQ food. They offer a great bottomless brunch with tacos that is definitely worth looking into!
Welcome to the upside down of Birmingham. Ghetto golf is the venue that offers a combination of a seriously twisted 18 hole crazy golf in the heart of the Custard Factory, with an exceptional cocktail bar in Birmingham. Graffiti and incredible artwork everywhere makes them a must do experience in the Birmingham scene.
Loki wine tasting events are like no other. They are trying to get away from the formal sit down wine tasting and make wine tasting more interactive and an experience rather than the more traditional style corporate wine tasting event. The format that they use gives you the advantage of having a wine tasting that focuses mainly on networking. They have five versions of cheese and wine tastings so you can explore a number of different cheese & wine combinations. These cheese and wine tastings are very popular so make sure you book in quickly!
A chance to see Birmingham from a different perspective, no previous experience required for this guided kayak tour on the canal. Their guides will lead you on a journey through the City’s heart on their kayaks that are stable and ideal for beginners and experience kayakers alike. A great experience for you to enjoy with your friends!
Pamper yourself at the Malmaison Spa at The Mailbox, enjoy relaxing with ESPA and Nimue face and body treatments and explore the great variety of Spa Packages at Malmaison.
Toboggan on real snow down the 170 metre main slope with your hen party or have a ski lesson – If the cold is not for you then you can head down to the spa and have a dip in the pool!
HAVE A COCKTAIL WITH THE GIRLS AND TAKE IN THE VIEW OF BIRMINGHAM AT THE CUBE
Cocktails and looking out on the best view of Birmingham at The Cube at the Mailbox. Its quite spectacular and you can also stay at The Cube with Hotel Indigo and I would definitely recommend the club rooms with balcony!
There are some dining experiences that will stick with you for a long time and then there are those that you’d rather sleep off and forget. My first meal at Pulperia has been on my mind constantly since I dined there last month.
Please note that this experience was gifted, and this is my honest opinion.
Located in the heart of Brindley Place, Pulperia is an Argentinian restaurant owned by Michelin starred chef Aktar Islam. Walking through the doors of Pulperia is almost like walking into another dimension – one where it is always Autumn. I was welcomed by warm interiors and beautiful botanical decor. Right away I knew I would have a great dining experience. We sat down at our table in one of the dining rooms at the back surrounded by wine bottles and rustic sculptures, which we couldn’t stop admiring.
Steak is a no brainer here, and I haven’t had a good steak in a long time so I had my fingers and toes crossed that Pulperia would deliver the steak of dreams. Jumping straight into the food menu it all sounded so appealing that I completely forget to order a drink. I flipped back to the cocktail menu to order a negroni and my chap James ordered a beer. I forgot how strong negroni was, and how I am not very good with most spirits! I am one of those terrible drunks that feels fuzzy-headed after one alcho pop. The negroni was not for me but it was my fault for picking something I knew I couldn’t handle. So then I opted for a Tomero, Carbernet Franc red wine which was just the ticket.
For starter, I ordered the gambas – wild argentine prawns stuffed with tomato confit and aji Molleda. It was perfect. Usually ripping prawns apart makes me squirm and I get a bit frustrated but there was plenty of prawns to eat so I was pretty satisfied. James ordered ceviche with bass, citrus, shallots avocado and radish. A refreshing dish, not exactly a go-to starter for me but definitely one that impressed.
For our mains, our eyes lit up at the 400g Herefordshire Chateaubriand steak. I ordered it rare and it was quite possibly the best steak I have ever tasted. The conversation between me and James suddenly went silent. The only sounds escaping our mouths were “Mmm” and “Oh my god”. James suddenly started bopping his head and rolling his eyes back. I should have felt uncomfortable, especially in a packed restaurant, but I understood. That was the best steak orgasm ever. Costing £45 and coming with a very generous portion of chips, when you see the size and taste the steak it’s worth the price and more. Juicy, bursting with flavour and partnered perfectly with chimichurri – could this be the best steak in Birmingham?
For dessert we were torn between the cheese board and the panqueues (pancakes) so we decided to get both. Not the biggest cheese board I have had, however, don’t let the size fool you. The selection of flavours was a first for me and we were both all for it. The panqueues were gorgeous, orange and hesperidina caramel with dulce ice cream, it was to die for.
The service was flawless, our waitress was fantastic and she went that extra mile to help us by explaining each of the dishes. Everyone was friendly and the staff really made our experience at Pulperia memorable. We finished with tea and coffee and leaned back in our seats sulking, we did not want to leave.
From experiencing some of the best customer service ever to tasting the best steak in Birmingham, Pulperia was a dream. The steak was just unbelievable and I waved goodbye to my dreadful dates with steaks over the past few months – I have finally found the one. From start to finish, it was perfection, a dining experience that must be experienced. Whatever you do this coming September, make sure you book Pulperia.
