Time to treat ourselves after
SANJEETA BAINS SERVES UP 11 MOUTHWATERING DISHES FROM CITY RESTAURANTS
AFTER over 100 days of lockdown, some of Birmingham’s beloved bars and restaurants are finally starting to reopen. The city can once again show off its fantastic food scene, although social distancing constraints and other strict safety measures are making dining out a completely different experience.
But even if waiting staff are wearing visors and masks and usually bustling, buzzy places are half empty, one thing will stay the same – the incredible quality of food and drink we’ve come to expect, and will never take for granted again. From eggy crumpets, duck salad and South-east Asian savoury cake delicacies to award-winning desserts, there’s a lot to get our mouths watering! So feast your eyes on some of Brum’s top food and drink that you
must try for yourself.
The Ivy Temple Row
Yes, we know name checking the bread basket ahead of the stunning Michelin-starred dishes at this acclaimed Edgbaston restaurant sounds a bit strange. But these bread roll swirls fresh out of the oven with olive tapenade running through them are almost as famous as the restaurant itself! Simpsons told us it is looking to open “around July 22”. In the meantime it is offering a ‘Simpsons at Home’ experience – complete with their amazing bread!
Everyone should dine at Purnell’s at least once in their lives - and enjoy Yummy Brummie Glynn Purnell’s Great British Menu-winning Burnt Egg Surprise, which achieved a 10/10/10 score on the BBC show in 2011. The egg custard is served in a hollowedout eggshell, with a ‘surprise’ hidden rhubarb gel. People travel hundred of miles from all over the UK to try it! The restaurant opened on July 4 and is now doing Sunday service.
You may not be holidaying in Italy but you can still indulge your taste in the very best dishes the country has to offer – in Edgbaston. Laghi’s Deli opened to diners on July 4. It regularly imports Italian produce and stays true to Italian cooking by serving up authentic food. Dishes include lobster ravioli and tagliatelle bolognese. Owner Luca told us he has imported the finest Buffalo mozzarella from near Naples as well as three different types of juicy Italian tomatoes from Sicily, Naples and Lake Garda. Make sure you also order a classic Aperol Spritz, which we reckon could possibly be the strongest tasting in Brum!
22-24 Islington Row Middleway, B15 1LD
There are lots of restaurants serving delicious South-east Asian dishes, but only one Brum eatery that serves up this incredible Singapore carrot cake. Definitely worth a visit to taste the Blue Piano’s signature dish – savoury rice cake combining carrots, mooli, chilli and “secret spices”.
26 Harborne Road, B15 3AA
Otto serves up the best pizza we have ever tasted in the city. Nduja, chorizo, honey and tomato is pretty much a fave but you can’t go wrong with any pizza here. The small eatery has not yet announced an opening date but its pizzas are currently available for collection and on Ubereats for delivery. They are also now available to eat in at the Hop Garden pub in Harborne.
14 Caroline St, Birmingham B3 1TR
19 Metchley Lane, Harborne,
B17 0HT
We have missed the sumptuous environment of one of Birmingham’s most beautiful restaurants, which reopened on July 4. We’ve also missed their decadent duck salad – a signature favourite at the original London Ivy. This salad comprises flavoursome crispy shredded duck, watermelon and toasted cashews. 67-71 Temple Row, B2 5LS
This cool city centre coffee shop and brunch hotspot is renowned for its eggy crumpets. Who can argue with
Adam Stokes is gearing up to open Adam’s on August 4. The Michelinstarred chef told us that sister restaurant The Oyster Club will also be opening the same month but there is no exact date confirmed yet. We can’t wait for another chance to taste one of the standout dishes from the menu – white crab on toast. The outstanding quality of the sweet, succulent crabmeat makes for a very memorable foodie experience. Order the chips here too. You won’t regret it!
Over the road from Wing Wah in Chinatown, Chung Ying Cantonese which reopened on July 4, also serves up tasty Chinese dishes and Dim Sum. We could order platefuls of their Singapore Vermicelli – stir-fried rice vermicelli seasoned with curry powder, vegetables, scrambled eggs and meat.