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.
Green’s is a chic cocktail bar based in Mell Square Centre in Solihull. They have just launched their new ‘Bottomless’ experience and I was kindly invited to be one of the first to try it out. Now I am partial to a boozy brunch but there is so much more to this experience then just getting punters trolleyed. The details, the effort and the thought that is behind this experience puts it right at the top of the best bottomless experiences I have ever had…Intrigued? Let’s do this…
Please note that this experience was gifted, and this is my honest opinion.
Green’s latest boozy experience Bottomless gives you 90 minutes of unlimited drinks alongside a choice of grazing board and daiquiri soaked strawberries and cream for just £36. First impressions upon entering the cocktail bar is that it’s gorgeous. Insta-addicts will be scrambling for their phones as soon as they step in due to the eye-catching Blossom tree centrepiece. Suede seating, marble tables, an art-deco inspired bar and lots of botanical vibes; oh yes Green’s likes to make a dazzling first impression.
Your 90 minutes start soon as your order is processed. My cousin and I sat down and a waiter was over in seconds to take our order. We decided to go for cocktails. The menu is very impressive, possibly the best bottomless options I have ever come across. Usually with these sort of affairs you’re either limited to Prosecco or overly sweet porn star martinis. So it was a nice surprise to see options such as gin, vodka, rum and mixers, wine, Corona on draught as well as the standard ‘bottomless’ faves.
The first cocktail I ordered was a “Whoopsy Daisy” – a rhubarb and raspberry gin number. Vibrant, fruity and a winning first cocktail, no complaints here. Soon after our cocktails were served, we were asked what grazing board we wanted, we both leapt at the same time for the meat and cheese board. The board is for two people to share however I can see a group of four easily sharing it. The cheeses and meats are locally sourced and the portions are perfect, maybe even a bit generous or perhaps it’s just that a couple of places I have visited recently have been stingy on the food offering for bottomless brunches.
What’s included in the grazing board:
Cheeses: Black bomber cheddar, Sparkenhoe red leicester, Oxford blue, Godminster black truffle, Waterloo, Baron bigod, and Nettle Yarg.
Meats: Venison salami, Smoked venison salami, Wagyu beef salami, Salt and pepper salami, and Rosemary salami.
Halkidiki and kalamata olives in rose harissa
Debs of Harborne chilli jam
This is possibly the best meat and cheese board I have ever had. The variety was incredible and it was great to see a local independent such as Debs of Harborne making an appearance, especially as I have been wanting to get my hands on Deb’s jam for ages. Independents supporting independents, I’m all for it. The board really complimented the cocktail and as it was plentiful we enjoyed having something to pick at while drinking our cocktails.
The Daiquiri soaked strawberries and cream followed after (not straight away but perfectly timed to give us a breather). Sweet and satisfying. We were both full and very satisfied, but the cocktail show must go on…
We experimented and tried cocktails we wouldn’t usually go for and we asked the manager for suggestions who was very happy to help out. Every single cocktail I had, I liked. Attention! Clean up on aisle eight. We have a drunken Bab. Terry’s Dark Horse was one of my favourites, an orange twist on an Espresso Martini. Velvet Society was another favourite – cocktail meets pudding I would say. Passionfruit, champagne and vanilla ice cream – delish!
As I said before the variety of cocktails that are on offer is remarkable, is this really all for £36?! Each cocktail costs between £8-10 – we managed five each and I woke up the next morning with no regrets and no hangover. What Green’s has done is completely changed bottomless brunch in my eyes. I know it’s not a ‘brunch’ per se but I’ll take pudding cocktails and a black bomber any day over shrivelled eggs with no yolk pop and an insane amount of avocado. I like to pick, I like to graze, and I like to take my time. I know we were on a time limit, but we didn’t feel rushed at all. After our bottomless experience we enjoyed live music from Esther Turner, it was the perfect ending to a perfect night. Do me a favour? Don’t go here. Just let me have Green’s all to myself, please?
It seems like Winter has been forever, ever since the pandemic hit last year we have had to wave goodbye to Summer events such as music festivals but now it looks like Summer will be returning. You will see all over social media that there is a swarm of summer events popping up from foodie festivals to Pride. Yes, Summer is back baby! So I have put together a little guide full of fantastic events that are taking place in Birmingham and beyond this Summer.
I will continue to update this blog post with new events, I am still waiting on a few to confirm but when they do I’ll make sure to pop them on, don’t forget to subscribe for updates!
JUNE 2021 EVENTS
ALFRESCO FEST AT THE ORANGERY
Available to book now from Apil-June 2021 – Ipsley – Redditch
The Orangery in Redditch have launched their fantastic alfresco experiences, introducing ALFRESCOfest a beautiful botanical festival full of botanical themed cocktails and tasty tapas taking place in an enchanted garden. Tickets are on sale now and you can book out the cute potting sheds or greenhouses. You can book your tickets here
ADVENTURE CINEMA AT AVERY FIELDS
11th – 12th June 2021 – Avery Fields – Birmingham – Tickets one sale now
This is the greatest show! An amazing Sing-A-Long outdoor cinema experience at Avery Fields in Birmingham on 11th June 2021 with a showing of the movie that has sold out cinemas all over the world and what about a classic? Dirty Dancing will be showing on 12th June 2021. You can book your tickets here
BIG FOOT FESTIVAL
18th-20th June at Ragley Hall In Warwickshire.
Big Foot Festival is a three day summer music festival celebrating the best in music, food and beer. The line up is pretty class with big bands such as Primal Scream headlining along with an incredible line up of street food and craft beer. Tickets on sale now and can be purchased here
FOODIES FESTIVAL AT CANNON HILL PARK
25th-27th June 2021 – Cannon Hill Park – Birmingham
The UK’S largest food and drink festival is back this year in Cannon Hill Park with top Chefs serving up some insanely good food, live music and fun activities to be enjoyed by the whole family! Currently awaiting more information however you can check for all updates here
JULY 2021 EVENTS
BEER CENTRAL FESTIVAL-MOVED TO 17TH AND 28TH SEPTEMBER
2nd-3rd July 2021-The Mill in Digbeth
The Craft beer festival, Beer Central is returning to Birmingham this year to bring the best in beer, food, and music. You can expect over 30 word-class breweries such as Attic Brew Co and Digbrew Co, and lets not forget the awesome goodie line up including Dishoom, Baked in Brick and more. You can buy your tickets here
BURGER FEST
3rd July 2021 – Aston Hall – Birmingham – Tickets on sale now
For all you burger lovers out there this festival is for you, Introducing Seasonal Markets Burger Fest that is taking place at Aston Hall this year. The line up is one not to miss with Flying Cows, Libertine Burger, Yardbirds and newcomers such as Meat Meets Bun and more! Live bands and DJ sets aswell as cocktails, beer and more will be flowing through out the day, DON’T MISS OUT! Purchase your tickets here
COLMORE FOOD FESTIVAL
3rd-4th July2021– Colmore Row
Colmore Food Festival is an annual celebration of Colmore Business District restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels, attracting more than 30,000 visitors. Awaiting more information about this event to be confirmed please refer to Visit Birminghams website for updates here
BIRMINGHAM COFFEE FESTIVAL-CANCELLED
3rd-4th July 2021 – The Custard Factory – Digbeth
This one is for all you coffee lovers out there! The Birmingham Coffee Festival is back, these two days will bring together the top 40 independent coffee shops and coffee culture experiences from the local area and beyond. Tickets are £8 online (£10 on the door) and you get a cute coffee tote bag included! Head on over to their website here to purchase your tickets
LICHFIELD MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
8th-18th July 2021– Lichfield town centre
The Lichfield Festival is hoping to return this year inspiring multi-arts experiences for anyone and everyone in the Midlands and beyond. Full of amazing performances and activities for the whole family to enjoy running from 8th to 18th July 2021. You can find more information about the festival here
MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK & SOUL FESTIVAL
9th-11th July 2021 – Moseley Park – Birmingham
A 3-day celebration of Jazz, Funk & Soul in Moseley Park, expect amazing live performances from The Wailers, Neneh Cherry and more. Tickets are on sale now but they are selling quickly! You can purchase your tickets here
GIN AND RUM FESTIVAL
16th-17th July 2021 – Edgbaston Cricket Club – Birmingham
The Uk’s biggest Gin & Rum Festival is touring across the UK and coming to Birmingham. Sample and discover new favourites from hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at their themed gin and rum bars and let your hair down with your friends! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here
IBIZA PROMS IN THE PARK
22nd July 2021 – Tudor Grange Park – Solihull – Tickets on sale now
Classic Ibiza anthems performed by a 50 piece live Orchestra at Tudor Grange Park in Solihull. Awaiting further information but priority tickets are now on sale and can be brought here
COVENTRY FOOD FESTIVAL
23rd-25th July 2021-Coventry Town Centre
The Coventry festival is returning this year celebrating all things food, drink and culture. Celebrity chefs will be showcasing their cooking skills, fantastic street food will be available and live music. The Festival is free and you can find more information here
GOOD TIMES FESTIVAL
24th July 2021 – Mill Gardens – Leamington Spa – Tickets on sale now
Lets welcome Summer events back, while making great memories with Friends and Family. The theme of this one day festival is to have a GOOD TIME while supporting local performers, food vendors, and drink suppliers. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here
SOLIHULL SUMMER FESTIVAL
24th and 25th July 2021 – Tudor Grange Park – Solihull – Tickets on sale now
The Solihull Summer Fest returns for its 5th year running on the 24th – 25th July 2021. A 2 day festival in the heart of Solihull with a diverse mix of genres across the weekend. Summer Fest has previously featured The Human League, Level 42, The Vamps, UB40, Busted, The Proclaimers, Sister Sledge, Razorlight, 10cc, Scouting for Girls, Feeder and many more star-studded names. Each day runs from 12 midday until 10.30pm with live music, street food vendors, bars, entertainment and an exclusive VIP area. You can buy tickerts here
AUGUST 2021 EVENTS
WARWICK FOOD FESTIVAL
1st August 2021– Market Place- Warwick – Free Entry
The Warwick Food Festival is back, come and join in the celebration of the best in local food and drink. There’ll be around 100 traders cooking up a variety for you all to try aswell as bars and produce exhibitors. Live music will be on through out the day and if you head to the website here you can see what traders you’ll find there, great event for the whole family, don’t miss it!
THE INDEPENDENT BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL
14th-15th August 2021– Aston Hall – Birmingham – SOLD OUT
The Independent Birmingham Festival At Aston Hall Returns bringing you an amazing line up of Brum’s very best restaurants and street food traders serving delicious food all weekend long, washed down with craft beers, delicious cocktails, and natural wine from Birmingham’s finest bars and microbreweries. For more information head on over to their website here
SEPTEMBER 2021 EVENTS
MOSELEY FOLK & ARTS FESTIVAL
3rd-5th September 2021 – Moseley Park – Birmingham
The Moseley Folk & Arts is a family-friendly music festival with a great mix of traditional, contemporary and downright experimental folk and acoustic music. Live performances from amazing artists and bands such as The Waterboy’s, Frank Turner and Richard Hawley. Tickets are now available to purchase here
MIDLANDS WHISKY FESTIVAL
11th September 2021 – The Studio – Cannon Street – Birmingham
Any whisky fans out there? This festival is definitely for you! celebrating 10 years of Midlands Whisky Festival at the Studio on Cannon Street in Birmingham. Sample 400+ whiskies paired up with some delicious food such as cheese, cured meats and more! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here
LEAMINGTON SPA FOOD FESTIVAL
11th-12th September 2021 – Pump Room Gardens – Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa food festival is returning this year with live kitchen with local chefs showcasing their culinary skills as well as live music, plenty of street food vendors serving up awesome food and plenty of fun for the whole family. This is a free event and you can check out their website here for more information
SOLIHULL FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
24th-26th September 2021 – Mell Square – Solihull
Bringing a huge selection of food and drink traders in the town centre, you will be spoilt for choice with the best of worldwide cuisine. There will be family entertainment, the much-loved demo kitchen with local celebrity chefs showcasing their cookery skills, and live music. For more information head on over to the Solihull Bid website here
BIRMINGHAM PRIDE FESTIVAL
25th-26th September 2021– Birmingham Gay Village – Birmingham
Yas Bab, Pride is back! Welcoming all to our LGBTQ village, Pride is going to be quite big this year with live performances by Cheryl, Katy B and more! There will be four stages and tickets are selling fast. There will also be a community event on Friday (24th) that is free and will include community stalls, street food, keynote speakers and more! You can buy tickets here
