Aysha's reviews
Review of Cap N Gown
13 Nov 07, 19:22
The Cap and Gown 
Situated within Birmingham College of Food, and slap bang in the centre of town, the Cap and Gown serves exceptionally good food at ridiculously good prices. As it's attached to the college, your food is prepared by fledgling students and their tutors, but it's absolutely fantastic stuff. For an entire three course meal costing around £11, you really can't grumble, especially when the food is top spec stuff. Think lamb tagine, slow cooked pork and other amazing dishes that you'd spend at least twice the £5 or so price tag most of the dishes on the menu have. Starters are varied and delicious, and just enough to get your appetite going without being overbearing (and at roughly £2 each, you can't really complain about them not filling you up!) There's also an excellent amount of variety for vegetarians, and some splendid puddings. I would highly recommend the Cap and Gown to anyone who wants to have a great culinary experience but who doesn't want to pay the price of an actual restaurant. It's very gratifying to see the students getting on with the task at hand- students also comprise the majority of the waiting staff too, so it's a very well- rounded experience.
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Review of Sibila's
13 Nov 07, 17:04
Sibilas Organic Restaurant
Absolutely fantastic vegetarian food in the middle of Birmingham City Centre, Sibilas serves incredibly good value food with great service. Its food is a bit odd, to be fair, so don't go expecting your typical veggie lasagne or pasta and sauce, but whatever you have it is guaranteed to be tasty and good for you. I am a meat fanatic and don't often go to veggie restaurants but this place has changed my opinion of them. The food is so clearly made with love and enthusiasm that you can't help but feel like you're eating something someone has been making for years from their kitchen garden in Turkey! I think part of the reason the food combinations seem unusual is that Sibila's chef is Croation/Italian, and as such, the flavour combinations are really impressive and very tasty. It's pretty reasonable too- around £6 for a main course, which is great considering its just off Broad Street location. I would definitely recommend Sibila's as a fantastic place to eat and relax and enjoy some truly beautiful tasting food.
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Review of Electric Cinema
13 Nov 07, 16:42
The Electric Cinema
This incredible, newly restored cinema is a firm favourite of mine, and well worth a visit of you're thinking of a trip to the pictures whilst in Birmingham! It's the oldest working cinema in Britain, and is absolutely stunning. The Electric underwent a major refurbishment a couple of years ago, and has benefitted enormously from the results. Its decor is pure 1920s Art Deco glamour- rooms can be hired out for parties and events, and the place specialises in showing films that are a little off the beaten track. It really is a fantastic place to watch a film- there's sofas instead of normal cinema seats, and lots of lovely original features to gaze at while you're waiting for your film to begin. It isn't cheap and tacky entertainment like so many cinemas these days, and it doesn't try and nobble every last bit of money out of you either, so for a lovely cinematic experience head to Electric where you'll be pleasantly surprised.
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Review of Oro-the Marketplace
13 Nov 07, 16:23
Oro- The Marketplace
I think this place has recently changed its name to the Oak, but its food and service remain brilliant. It's a completely organic experience, with a menu that is diverse, exciting and full of interesting dishes that demand attention. All of the food is either grown fresh on site or sourced from local suppliers, and you can tell in the taste of the food, which is superb. Attached to the restaurant is a fantastic farmers' shop which stocks an enormous variety of incredibly high quality food. This is an exceptionally brilliant place to eat and to visit, and it is reflected in the attitudes of the staff, who are all incredibly helpful and enthusiastic. You can tell that a lot of love has gone into making whatever is on sale here, either in the restaurant or in the shop, and as such you can guarantee a brilliant experience. It is a little out of the way of Birmingham, but if you fancy a bit of a drive out into the countryside, this is the place for you.
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Review of Hard To Find Records
13 Nov 07, 15:06
Hard to Find Records
Exactly as the name suggests, this place sells hard to find records, and is incredibly popular with all types of musos from across the West Midlands. My boyfriend swears by the place, and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable you always end up going away with far more than you initially went in for! Full to the brim of rare new and vintage records, this place is a great way to while away a couple of hours, especially if you want to palm your boyfriend off here so you can go clothes shopping for a bit! Don't be intimidated on entering this haven of music- the staff really are genuinely trying to help you, and I think they enjoy enabling people to find those records they've always wanted!
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Review of Dutch Pot
13 Nov 07, 14:24
The Dutch Pot
My boyfriend and I went here on the recommendation of his workmate, and we weren't disappointed. Dutch Pot is a Carribean takeaway, famous for its curried goat. We ventured there to sample this fabled cuisine and were blown away by the taste and value for money. For £4.95 each, we got an immense portion of curried goat, rice and vegetables, supplemented with two huge dumplings. The food was marvellous, and such good value for money. The menu is extensive, and includes things like Jerk Chicken and Fried Plantain. Having never experienced Carribean cuisine before, I was very pleasantly surprised, and all the more happy to indulge because of the cheapness of the meal and the quality of both the ingredients and the taste. It's a bit out of the way (in Perry Barr), and incredibly difficult to find parking close by, so I'd recommend parking in nearby One Stop Shopping Centre and walking the 10 mins or so to get there- it's worth it!
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Review of Zeb's Mirpuri Cuisine
13 Nov 07, 14:14
Zeb's Manipuri
Seriously one of the best balti restaurants in Birmingham, I am a devotee of Zeb's and defy anyone not to have a fantastic meal there. There's a very diverse mix of dishes on the menu, and some particularly good and unusual ones, such as Lamb Hydrabadi, which is absolutely exceptional. All of the dishes I have tried have been lovely, and they taste like real curries, as opposed to chicken or meat cooked with the sauce added later. The setting is ambient and clean, and the decor suggests a rather more upmarket experience than perhaps some other restaurants on the Ladypool Rd. However, the service is just as friendly as most other rival establishments, but the food is by far and away exceptional.
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Review of Churchill
13 Nov 07, 14:10
Churchill Florists
This great little florists has been open for some time, and does fantastic, good value bouquets for lots of different occasions. The proprietor is young, and this is reflected in the nice, quite modern arrangements available. However, more traditional styles are on offer, and I have used this florists many times for a variety of occasions. The flowers are usually very good value too, which makes a change, especially given the location in Sutton Coldfield. I would recommend this place for any occasion you may have coming up- I have always received great service and excellent results here- recommended!
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Review of The Warehouse Cafe
13 Nov 07, 13:45
The Warehouse Cafe
I'm not a vegetarian, in fact, I love meat, but this little cafe down the back of the Moor St/Bull Ring car park, is an excellent place to start vegetable appreciation if you are so inclined. I went her with a veggie friend of mine recently, and was so taken with the place, have been back four times since! The food is excellent- light, fresh and incredibly healthy tasting. The best bit for me was the puddings though- rich raspberry torte which was incredible! At around £11 a head for two courses and drinks, it's also a very cheap alternative to some of the more inner-city restaurants too! It's a favourite haunt for the city's veggies, and for good reason. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for good, well made food at cheap prices in a relaxed and cool atmosphere.
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Review of Taste Of Cyprus
13 Nov 07, 13:42
Taste of Cyprus
I am a fan of most cuisines, especially ones which involve copious amounts of meat, so this Greek/Cypriot restaurant is a firm favourite of mine. I absolutely love this place- the food is great, the lamb is so succulent and the staff are incredibly friendly. Even better, there's no tacky plate throwing or table top dancing to put you off your food, which is always good! I went there for a friends' birthday and the meal was superb- everyone could have what they wanted and it all arrived at the same time, with a smile. A vegetarian friend of mine even got to have a meat-based dish specially adapted for her, which was great. The whole evening ran incredibly smoothly, and the success was mainly down to the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff- highly recommended!
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Review of San Carlo
13 Nov 07, 13:37
San Carlos
Something of a Birmingham institution, San Carlos serves authentic Italian food in an ambient and relaxed setting. I have been going here for ages, and the food never fails to excite. It can be quite pricey, but it's worth it for a lovely culinary experience and very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The pasta is incredibly fresh and light, and is enhanced with sauces which you know have been prepared freshly. It makes so much difference to standard Italian restaurant fare (Bella Pasta take note), and it is reflected in the price of the food (around £30 a head). However, if you feel like taking your other half out for a romantic dinner, or you have a special occasion where you'd like to celebrate being a bit more refined, then head to San Carols and you won't be disappointed!
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Review of Simpsons
13 Nov 07, 13:09
Simpsons
One of the only Michelin-starred restaurants in Birmingham, Simpsons is an amazing culinary experience which is worth the very hefty price tag you'll invariably pay for a meal here! Like most Michelin-starred establishments, Simpsons is spot on with everything- service is impeccable, drinks list is very extensive, and the food is out of this world. My boyfriend and I visited Simpsons as a treat, although we went for the slightly cheaper than a-la-carte menu which was a taster menu for around £30 a head. This was perfect though, as it enabled us to get a taste of a number of things on the menu, and we still felt full at the end of it. It's a very upmarket place, so I'd only recommend this as a treat- it's especially lovely for a romantic evening meal. I really enjoyed the experience, but I would imagine that those more easily intimidated might find it a tad pretentious.
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Review of Boat House
13 Nov 07, 13:06
The Boat House
This, reservations-only, restaurant serves food so good you'd be amazed. Tucked away in Sutton Park, and with spectacular views across one of the lakes within the Park, the Boat House is a great, if expensive restaurant for a very romantic, quiet meal. The food is extremely high quality- think beef medallions, venison and so on- which translates as very expensive too (roughly £15 for a main course). However, this is totally worth it- the ambience of the place is great, the service is excellent, and the food is incredible. I would highly recommend having a crack at one of the puddings too if you can fit it in- they're around the £6.00 mark, but worth it for the taste. Parking is ample, but as mentioned before, you must make reservations if you want a meal. Alternatively, you can come and have a drink in the bar, and in summer, look out across the lake in the beer garden. Very popular with the local yummy mummy brigade in their posh 4x4's, don't expect this place to be anything other than full of upmarket Suttonites- you have been warned!
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Review of Auto Tec Services
10 Oct 07, 19:45
Autotec
This great little mechanics in South Yardley is a fantastic, reasonable place which doesn't rip you off and treats you like a human being, which is surely what you want when you're putting your car in for an MOT. As a girl with no knowledge about cars, I was a bit nervous about taking my little Fiesta in for its yearly service. However, the lovely mechanic man was great, the service was quick and professional, and was topped off by a complete valeting of the inside of my car which made it look and smell like new. I would highly recommend these guys- if they can fit you in, they will, and there's room to sit and wait if you're just popping in for your MOT. One word of caution- they don't accept credit/debit cards, so take your cheque book or cash with you in anticipation of it. They're a reasonably priced place who clearly just want to help you, rather than rip you off, which is refreshing from a mechanics!
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Review of Lotus Superkitchen
10 Oct 07, 19:39
Lotus Superkitchen
Cantonese/Chinese takeaways are legion in and around Birmingham, but Lotus Superkitchen deserves special mention for its great food. I am a bit of a creature of habit when it comes to ordering takeaway food, and so when I came to order my usual Crispy Beef with Cantonese sauce from Lotus, I was aghast when they said they didn't do it. So, I made another choice, much to my chagrin, and they said it would be ready in about 15minutes. 5 minutes later, they phoned back and told me they'd have a go at making the beef dish, and, if I liked it, I could have it complimentary and they'd put it on the menu for the future. Low and behold, 15 minutes later, I tasted some of the best crispy beef I have ever had in my life. The lady behind the till was absolutely lovely, insisted that I didn't have to pay for it as it was 'an experiment', and that she was glad I enjoyed it and hoped I'd come back again. Needless to say, I have been going to Lotus for ages now, and it just gets better. On average, each main course costs about £4.50, which is roughly what most Chinese takeaways seem to charge. It's not particularly cheap, but the food is made fresh, it's made well, and it is made with a smile, which is fantastic. I have been to Lotus on numerous occasions and it has been full of people, so I would advise phoning your order through first! Probably their best dish is Beef with Ginger and Spring Onions- all of the mains come in large plastic tubs, which, ever the recycler, can be reused in the future. The portions are plentiful and the food is always hot, so there's never any time to waste till you get home and tuck in!
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Review of Goose At The Fighting Cocks
03 Oct 07, 15:14
The Fighting Cocks
The Fighting Cocks in Moseley has recently undergone a refurbishment that deserves to win prizes. It is housed in a 19th century building that has been completely renovated and looks like one of those pubs you see in a style magazine. I have so many good things to say about this pub I don't know where to start! Seeing as this is a review about a pub, I'll start with the bar- it's massive. It wraps around the length of the pub, and there's usually loads of bar staff who are willing to top up your drinks. There's a staggering selection of beer, and an especially good mix of continental draught beers to get your tastebuds going. Beers can be accompanied by a pint glass of pistachios, which at £2 are a bit on the expensive side, but great for sharing. If you get bored, you can seat yourself at one of the many tables and engage in an old-fashioned board game like Scrabble or Monopoly. There are even occasionally tournaments, when you can test your might against another gamester! This is one of many nice touches that gives The Fighting Cocks its unique atmosphere. It has been a non-smoking pub since it re-opened last year, and so was well prepared for the smoking ban with a designated smokers' area outside in a well decorated and well heated courtyard. The usual crowd is a mix of arty types (typical Moseley residents), Guardian readers and a lot of students. The pub attracts a good mixture of clientele, although the majority do tend to be mid-late twenties/early thirties, so a bit older than the crowds you'd find in Birmingham town centre pubs/bars. The Fighting Cocks can be busy at weekends, but it is never too full, and I've not been when there's been a queue outside to get in. Door staff are friendly, but incredibly firm when it comes to closing time, so make sure you finish your drink in plenty of time! Food also plays a central role in The Fighting Cocks ongoing popularity- it's gastro-pub fare which is well cooked using organic and fresh produce, and pretty reasonably priced at around £7 for a main meal. The Sunday roasts are fantastic, and it is a great place to go on a Sunday when you've nothing to do but read your papers and eat. Its location is in the heart of Moseley Village, and is easy enough to find outside of Birmingham town centre, though it would probably be around a £10 tax ride away (or a £1.40 bus ride on the No 50- the most frequent bus service in Europe). I would highly recommend the Fighting Cocks to anyone who has an interest in sampling a great local pub whose atmosphere and food are well worth the travelling out of town for!
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Review of Shiraz
03 Oct 07, 10:42
Shiraz
Shiraz is one of my favourite restaurants in Birmingham. Located on the busy Hagley Road just outside the city centre, Shiraz is a family run restaurant that specialises in authentic Persian cuisine. The food is, quite simply, outstanding. Meat is cooked to absolute perfection, rice is tender and flavoursome, and everything is served with such enthusiasm and delight that you'd be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into the family's own house. Alcohol is not sold or permitted as the family are Islamic, but there is a wide range of soft drinks available for thirsty customers. Meals are served in large portions- you have been warned! I have tried virtually everything on the menu and can thoroughly recommend some of the Chello Khoresht Ghorme Sabzi, which is a kind of lamb stew infused with tarragon and full of different beans and pulses- the lamb is cooked for so long, and so well, that it practically falls apart in your mouth- incredible. Its location is probably the worst thing about Shiraz- the Hagley Road is notoriously difficult to negotiate, and it can be a pain to find a parking space. It is also in a row of businesses that includes a massage parlour- this is some way up the road, fear not, but it does mean don't loiter outside if you don't want to be hassled by the white van drivers of this world, as I was whilst waiting for some friends not too long ago. However, it might be that because of its location, Shiraz had been able to maintain its charm and its steady flow of regular customers- I have been there several times and seen the same faces enjoying their food. It is very popular with the Persian community, and can get busy, especially on weekends. Shiraz is used to catering for different sized groups, and I have been there with up to 15 people before and they haven't even batted an eyelid. Service is swift and friendly, and meals are finished off with authentic Persian tea and pastries- you can also smoke some hookah if you feel so inclined. Probably one of the most original and enjoyable restaurants in Birmingham- enjoy!
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Review of Michelle's Cafe Bar
03 Oct 07, 10:42
Michelle's
Michelle's has been around since I can remember, and serves great, reasonably priced French food in a relaxed atmosphere. Situated by the law courts, Michelle's is often busy, especially at lunchtimes, when it can be full of lawyers on business lunches. Don't let this put you off though, it has a great, concise menu, a wonderful wine list and is one of those charming little places you only ever read about in books! You can choose between the bar food menu and the proper menu, bar food is generally better if you're in a rush as it is served fast and cheaply- you can get moules mariniere, fries and a glass of wine for around £6. They also do fabulous battered brie, duck liver pate and other typically 'French' dishes that are great for a light midday meal. Michelle's is not a big place- you may not be able to get a table if you turn up in the middle of lunchtime, but the staff are very friendly, and if they can, they will accommodate you. This is also a great place for a date- it is relaxed, friendly and not too over the top- it is almost like a Parisian bistro, and you can forget you're actually in Birmingham when you're in there during the evening. The food is tasty, filling and not too complicated- generally, what you see is what you get. It is ideal for anyone who is thinking of trying French cuisine but is unsure of where to start. It is an undemanding and charming little restaurant that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the city who fancies a quiet bite and time to soak up a great atmosphere.
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Review of Cafe Soya
02 Oct 07, 15:33
Cafe Soya- Birmingham
One of the best restaurants in Brum- this place is cheap, cheerful and serves great quality food in a modern and clean restaurant. I am a regular visitor to Cafe Soya, and every time I go it just gets better and better. Situated in the heart of Birmingham City Centre (behind the Rag Market), this unassuming cafe serves incredibly good food at reasonable prices. A personal favourite of mine is the Lemongrass Chicken- £6.95 for a massive plate of rice, chicken, vegetables- all of the ingredients are fresh and the taste is sensational! The waiting staff are all very friendly and more than willing to help you choose something if you are stuck- the menu is pretty extensive, but all meals (inlcuding incredibly filling broths) are under £8 or so. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough- if you are in Birmingham and have a couple of hours to kill between train connections, or you're here for a meeting, visit Cafe Soya and you won't be disappointed.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.