Birmingham’s Gourmet Year: New Venues in 2011
[by Ahmed Ahmed]
Birmingham’s culinary offering went from strength to strength in 2011, with new restaurants, cafes and bars popping up on almost every corner. Here’s just a handful of them. If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit any, put them on your list for 2012.
Annexe | website
This stylish nook near the law courts touts itself as ‘a relaxed yet sophisticated venue for those seeking the upmarket nostalgia of vintage cafe society.’ With its range of classic prix fixe options at lunchtime, combined with a discerning dinner menu and wine list, Annexe lives up to its upper-crust aspirations.
Bay Leaf | website
Bangladeshi cuisine doesn’t always get enough recognition in a city renowned for its Indian fare. Bay Leaf joined the trendy cluster of venues in Birmingham’s Custard Factory in 2011, serving up meals with a focus on organic produce and authenticity, and putting on live music in the Bay Leaf bar.
Rose Villa Tavern | website
The Jewellery Quarter welcomed the refurbished Rose Villa Tavern, a grade II listed pub building that combines contemporary design with period features and a menu ranging from American breakfasts to British Sunday roast.
Amazon Brazil Churrascaria | website
‘Birmingham’s first Brazilian restaurant’ offers its visitors the Latin American steakhouse experience. ‘Churrascaria’ means ‘house of barbecue.’ Diners are treated to a range of roasted meats, prepared according to centuries-old tradition and served alongside an array of authentic Brazilian hot dishes.
Saffron | website
Colmore Row, at the heart of Birmingham’s business district, saw the arrival of Saffron. Chef Patron Sudha Saha explained that the menu aims at ‘fusing seasonal produce with global influences.’ The ambitious Indian restaurant isn’t afraid to do things differently; jungle venison, one of the menu’s creative highlights, combines Highland game with a house blend of pickling curry.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill | website
The famed chef brought his culinary touch to The Cube at the end of 2011, when Birmingham’s Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill opened its doors to discerning diners in search of classic cuisine and 360 degree views of the city.
Independent cafes
Birmingham’s independent cafe scene is definitely enjoying a renaissance. From Brewsmiths Coffee & Tea to Six Eight Kafé and Ort, all of whom opened their doors in 2011, the city is now host toa vast array of cosy coffee shops with more than enough character to set them above the high street chains.
Have you been to any of these venues? Let us know what you thought here
