Categories
Hotel stay Uncategorized

REVIEW: HOTEL INDIGO COVENTRY

If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable stay in Coventry, Hotel Indigo is a fantastic choice. Situated right by the train station and less than a 10-minute walk to the city centre, the hotel boasts a prime location that is perfect for both business and leisure travellers.

First Impressions

Walking into the hotel, I was immediately drawn to the sleek and modern design that seamlessly celebrates Coventry’s rich heritage. From medieval influences on the city’s vibrant 20th-century music scene, the hotel immerses guests in its cultural setting. A vintage car was displayed in the lobby, a real talking point – if my dad had been with me, he would have been Googling every detail about it trying to work out the year of the car – even though the information was clearly displayed! Instead, my friend Kelly pointed out the umbrella rental service, which was a nice touch.

Checking in was a breeze – efficient and friendly, taking just under 8 minutes. The receptionist asked about our parking, which we had conveniently arranged at the train station’s multi-storey car park for £8 per 24 hours. Payment can be made at the pay machines on the ground floor or validated at the hotel. Room key was passed on and we went straight up to our room. I loved the interior of the elevator going up, covered in newspaper articles featuring Coventry’s cycle trade – a really nice touch.

The Room

We booked a Super King Suite, and wow – it was huge! The room was homely yet uncluttered, featuring a luxury bed, smart TV, safe, free WiFi, complimentary still and sparkling water, artisan snacks, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A dedicated writing desk behind the bed provided a perfect workspace, while a cosy seating area was ideal for relaxing with a cup of coffee.

The bathroom was a dream – beautifully lit, featuring a stunning roll-top bath and a spacious walk-in shower. Fluffy towels and premium toiletries were readily available, making for a luxurious pampering session. I can confirm the bath was pretty sensational – easily fit two people in there, actually, more so three people!

The view – there wasn’t much to see due to the location, so when I looked out the window, I could only see a few offices, but the size of the room made up for that! Storage space was ample, offering plenty of room to put away our clothes. Tissues, paper, iron, hairdryer – all provided, which was pretty useful as I forgot all of those!

A Taste of Coventry at Cogs Bar & Kitchen

In the evening, we dined at Cogs Bar & Kitchen, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, which celebrates local artisan craftsmanship. The atmosphere was subtly lively, perfect for a Friday night. A standout feature was the self-serve wine wall – guests could pour their own red, white, or rosé wine, adding a fun and interactive element to the dining experience.

For starters, we ordered Crispy Beef Strips (£7.00) and Crispy Squid (£7.00), both beautifully fried and full of flavour. For mains, I opted for Fish & Chips (£17.00), a generous portion of haddock in lemon crispy batter with hand-cut chips and crushed peas, while Kelly had The Knockout Burger (£18.00), featuring two beef patties, American cheese, bacon, jalapeños, caramelised onions, smoked BBQ sauce, and lettuce – all in a brioche bun. It was named in honour of Coventry boxer Bradley Goldsmith – pretty cool hey! Both dishes were excellent, and the portions were more than satisfying.

Despite being full, we couldn’t resist dessert, sharing a Baked Vanilla Cheesecake (£8.00) with raspberry sorbet and berry compote – a sweet, fluffy, and delicate end to our meal. After dinner, we enjoyed a couple of cocktails in the lounge before heading back to our room for a peaceful night’s sleep.

The ambiance was perfect – it wasn’t noisy at all. Considering there were quite a few people in there, it was quite tame for a Friday night. Service was sharp in the restaurant and at the bar. They had TVs displaying sports and played light, delicate music in the lounge. Getting a bit tired (I think it was the food that was knocking us out!), we decided to take our cocktails upstairs and enjoy them in the room while watching TV until we drifted off.

A Restful Night

I usually wake up multiple times during the night, but not here – the super king bed was so spacious and comfortable that I slept straight through. Even though two people were sharing, I felt like Kelly was miles away! Despite the hotel’s proximity to the train station, noise wasn’t an issue at all.

Breakfast Experience

The breakfast, included in our stay, was served buffet-style in the restaurant, offering everything from a traditional English breakfast to continental options, including a gluten-free section. The full English featured locally sourced sausages, crispy bacon, and free-range eggs, while healthier options included fresh fruit, yoghurts, and granola. The freshly baked pastries and pancakes were a perfect sweet start to the day. You can also order additional breakfast dishes such as porridge, baked eggs, and more.

A thoughtful touch was having coffee and tea served at the table, rather than queuing at a self-service machine. Fruit juice is provided and ready-made smoothies that were delicious! Service was very good, making sure tea & coffee was topped up and we had everything we needed. Breakfast is available daily from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m, giving plenty of time for both early risers and those who like a lie-in. I believe if you wanted to add breakfast onto your stay its its £20pp.

Additional Amenities

Hotel Indigo also offers a well-equipped gym for those wanting to stay active, a versatile meeting room for business travellers, and daily housekeeping. The hotel is pet-friendly, smoke-free, and provides free WiFi throughout.

Check-in: 3:00 p.m.

Check-out: 11:00 a.m.

Minimum check-in age: 18

Total floors: 5

Total rooms: 101

Accessible rooms: 5

Final Thoughts

Our stay at Hotel Indigo Coventry was fantastic. The hotel offered everything we needed – a peaceful night’s sleep, an ideal location, and excellent on-site amenities. Whether you’re a business traveller, a couple looking for a city break, or just someone wanting to enjoy the vibrant Coventry scene, this hotel is a top choice. I would absolutely stay here again!

Book your stay at Hotel Indigo in Coventry

Categories
review Uncategorized

REVIEW: ASH – SUTTON COLDFIELD

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!

Book your dining experience at Ash