Gas Street Social is back open in Mailbox, serving up tasty brunches and lovely service. The story of how I came to know this is mildly ridiculous. In the typical haphazard fashion you’ve all come to know and love (she assumes) over the last few years, the reason for my visit was being a bit…
Category: Ramblings
Indian Brewery taproom opens in Aston
The Indian Brewery taproom has opened to the public. Serving up their in-house brewed beers and Indian street food, the taproom has been a long time coming for the family who are most known for their Snow Hill branch. The new opening is located on an industrial estate at the back of the Jewellery Quarter,…
The “lobster lunch” returns to Opus
Swish city centre restaurant Opus is offering a great deal for lobster fans. On Fridays and Saturdays during August guests can enjoy a two course lobster lunch for just £27.50. If you can go on a Tuesday it’s just £17.50 – yes, really. I took myself to Opus this week for some self care (BYB…
Review | Ngopi, Dale End (City Centre)
I think we may have a new contender for best lunch under £10 in Birmingham city centre thanks to Ngopi. If you’ve not visited this cafe you won’t be alone – it’s hidden away down a street on the (let’s say…) rougher end of town and is often overlooked. But that’s a big mistake, because…
Harborne Kitchen launches small plates menu
Following its reopening earlier this month, Harborne Kitchen has added a small plates offering for guests to enjoy. Available in the bar area, guests can enjoy multiple snack plates alongside carefully curated cocktails and an extensive wine list. The selection of dishes available is considered, including some old favourites from the tasting menu including chicken…
Ad | Making Touchwood your dining destination this August
*Paid partnership with Touchwood Having successfully reopened after the national lockdown in spring, Touchwood is welcoming visitors back as a delicious destination in Solihull. With expertly designed safety measures throughout the shopping and leisure destination (you can view this handy video here about them) there’s never been a better time to get back in touch with…
How to use the Government’s “Eat out to help out” scheme in Birmingham
Quick read post today for those looking to take up the Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme in Birmingham. I had quite a few questions about this over on Instagram this week so hoping the following is helpful. The Government website has a page dedicated to how the Eat Out To Help Out scheme…
How to support your independent restaurants, cafes and bars after lockdown
I’ve not written a blog post since March. It didn’t feel right, relevant or particularly useful to anyone, including myself. So hello, welcome back (sort of) and I hope those of you reading this are healthy and doing ok. It’s been a wild ride, hasn’t it? I’m not going to write a barrage of trite…
Best places for vegan food in Birmingham (picked by actual vegans)
I’m increasingly asked about vegan food in Birmingham, but it may have come to your attention that I, Laura McEwan, am not a vegan. I’m pretty far from being a vegan because 75% of my diet is cheese and I keep the city’s burger joints in business. But I like veggie food and I often…
Sarehole Mill launches new bakery after the restoration of the site’s Victorian bakehouse
Famous Birmingham gem, Sarehole Mill, is back baking for the people of Birmingham thanks to the launch of its new bakery. The new modern-day bakery has opened and the Victorian bakehouse has been restored. It has been nearly 150 years since the original bakehouse was in action at this famous historic property, but the site…
Stu Deeley to launch Pop Up Chefs Table at Simpsons
The winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2019 is launching a pop up at Simpsons Birmingham. From March 11 2020, Stu Deeley will return to Birmingham and the restaurant he credits with having had the biggest influence on his career to date. ‘Stu Deeley at Simpsons’ will take place at Simpsons in Edgbaston weekly from Wednesdays…
‘Birmingham’s smallest coffee shop’ opens in The Oasis markets
Birmingham’s ‘smallest coffee shop’ has opened in (everyone’s favourite emo dungeon) The Oasis markets. The Coffee Bar is located on the top floor (which weirdly is actually street level) of the markets, and is an independent start up. Head past the Nirvana tshirts and suspicious looking pipes and you’ll find the bar at the back….
Review | The Edwardian Tearooms, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
There’s a lot to like about The Edwardian Tearooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Most notably the button that summons the champagne fairy. Often overlooked, this cafe is mainly used by museum visitors but there’s plenty to draw non-visitors to the beautiful space hidden beyond the gift shop and all its loot. Located on…
Solihull welcomes new cafe Vita to Mell Square
Solihull has welcomed a new cafe called Vita to Mell Square. Taking over the space once occupied by Costa, Vita is a proving a welcome independent addition to an area that is often accused of being chain-heavy. Serving coffee, cake and desserts, this place will even pour you a fizz if your heart desires. All…