My husband is obsessed with BoneHead. Come the weekend all he wants to do is eat fried chicken and learn to play his guitar; the former annoys me less.
Having personally been a bit of a social butterfly of late, Ian had made several trips to the small John Bright Street restaurant without me. Every time he’d send me photos (we call them nudez in our house – is this weird?) or tell me about his fried feast. Every time I got a small pang of jealousy.
Since it opened back in March (you can read about my first visit here) I’ve heard and read mixed reviews about BoneHead. I know some people who have loved the food, raving about the burgers specifically. Others have complained of soggy batter and undercooked wings; I’ve never had either of these issues myself. Between us, Ian and I have scoffed our way through the whole menu, both agreeing the thigh meat burgers to be the highlight.
On my latest visits though I was keen to get my hands on the newly added chicken strips that the chaps in the dive bar below had promised me would sort my hangover ‘right out’.
Smothered in BoneHead’s signature buffalo hot sauce and a drizzle of garlic and lemon mayo, the beer battered chicken strips hit the spot. Light, crispy batter retained crunch, the chicken meat moist and tender. At £7 they make a great main choice with fries or as a snack to share. I’m just kidding – I don’t share food.
Speaking of strips, there’s now a combo deal on the menu: £10 for wings or strips plus fries, slaw and a dip of your choice. We tried the HotHead strips (these are floured not battered) and the Hot Wings; whichever you choose you get 5 of each.
The beer tap menu remains quite small, with around 5 ever changing draft beers to choose from. The fridge to the left of the bar is worth a mooch if you know your craft beers.. or just like getting drunk on them. Whatever floats your boat. The lads behind the bar are happy to make some recommendations if you need some help, and you can buy them to take out if you’re not eating. The beers, I mean, not the bar staff.
As well as the usual Tuesday-Sunday opening there’s frequently pop up events on to spice things up a bit. Keep your eyes on BoneHead’s Instagram if you’re into one off foodie events and collaborations. Don’t forget the dark and shady bar below the restaurant is ideal for a hungover weekend pint.
BoneHead, John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN
Disclosure: We paid in full at each visit, as usual. All photos and words are mine.