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…
My mum is a brilliant woman. She’s a hard working nurse, a great mother and friend, and one nicest human beings on the planet. She’s also prone to accidents. Our girly lunch at The Peacock in Oxhill started with a slightly bizarre ‘incident’ in the almost empty country pub carpark. I won’t go into full…
Elegant, vibrant food in an unpretentious and relaxed setting – what a joy Harborne Kitchen is. I’ve started this post numerous times now, and still don’t really feeling like I’m doing this place justice. Suffice to say, a few weeks ago I possibly had the best lunch I’ve ever had; a meal packed with colour,…
Way back at the start of January (which seems about 9503 years ago) I popped a post up about some of the local independent restaurant deals that could be found in Brum during the most financially naff month of the year. One of those deals was at Opus, Cornwall Street. The last time I visited this place…
Let’s be honest, Birmingham isn’t really synonymous with authentic Italian food. Having said that, I recently enjoyed a cosy supper at Pasta Di Piazza that warmed my cynical heart. I’ve had a fairly mixed experience with Italian food in central Birmingham, it must be said. While I’m a big fan of Laghi’s Deli, I’ve had…
If there’s one thing in life I love, it’s a weekend getaway with great friends and good food. With one of my close girlfriends due to bring a ‘mini me’ into the world, it seemed only right to whisk her away for an overnight pampering treat. After researching into West Midlands-based rural retreats that offer…
The last time I visited the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Broad Street it was a birthday. My husband had organised the stop over for me, and I remember the great views from our room at the top of the hotel. I also remember falling off my high heels as I exited the lift but that’s…
When I found out Opus was hosting a 5 course cheese and wine dinner I booked a ticket. I didn’t care that it was to cost me £75 nor that it would give me weird cheese dreams, I just wanted a seat at the table. I love cheese; anyone who knows me will testify that…
Recently I joined a group of food bloggers at Bistro du Vin on Church Street to meet the new GM and test run the summer menu. Moving over from Malmaison, the boutique hotel’s new manager is Tom Gallimore. He’s tall and likes to drink wine, so I instantly warmed to him. His invitation to dine…
It’s no secret that one of my favourite foodie spots in the city is Hotel du Vin on Church Street. Way before starting this food blog I used to spend my time enjoying drinks in the bar, and over the last couple of years I have grown fond of the restaurant. While it’s become somewhere…
It was sort of bittersweet that I ended up losing my Itihaas virginity on the same day a spicy soup exploded in my (expensive, suede) work handbag. I arrived at the restaurant with a faint whiff of cumin about me (it’s always mildly disconcerting when a restaurant’s waiting area smells fresher than you) and had…
For the first time in years The Husband and I decided to go out on a date on Valentine’s Day, choosing Bistrot Pierre for dinner. Usually we either do nothing (because it’s actually nonsense) or we grab a meal a few days later to avoid watching Tinder’s finest snogging, but Ian promised me carbs and…
I personally don’t ever need a reason for cake, and I’m always on the look out for places I can grab a sweet treat on the way to and from meetings. If you’re a fan of an afternoon pick-me-up at your desk come 4pm, but want something more interesting than an overpriced KitKat from the…
I recently visited Quaglino’s in Mayfair during a work trip to the capital. I’m not particularly familiar with this area of London (I don’t think a fleeting visit via a Monopoly board counts) but I was excited to have dinner in the private dining room here. Despite being a Monday night in January the restaurant was busy,…