Good restaurants, central Birmingham

[havoc]

OK, after some advice here guys and girls.

It's Becky's birthday next week, she's going to take a half-day off and I'm taking her to Brum.

But I want to find a rather nice restaurant to take her to after. Not megabucks, but £25-30/head plus drinks would be reasonable.

I used to work in Brum a few years back, but I don't know what's changed:-
- The Toque d'Or (Torque d'Or?) in the Jewellery Quarter did have a very good rep - is that still the case?
- Is Bank still any good...and how expensive is it?
- Ditto Le Petit Blanc...heard a few bad things about it back when I worked in Brum.

- And what else is out there that does very good food, not pretentious "ambience"?

Cheers all,

Martin

[skibum]

Apparently there are a couple of nice new ones in the Mailbox that could fit your requirements - although I havent been, friends have recommended Paris. Have a look at the following link
www.mailboxlife.com/content/intro-bars/

[Marco]

Hi

I went to the Paris restaurant to scope it out for a media dinner I was running and was very dissappointed - food just didn't seem that great and it was expensive too. Instead I used the restaurant in Malmaison just at the front of the mailbox which was IMO considerably better.

Plenty of choices in the link above though. Failing that just head to ladypool road for a £5 balti


Marco

[westy04]

Marco said:

Hi I went to the Paris restaurant to scope it out for a media dinner I was running and was very dissappointed - food just didn't seem that great and it was expensive too. Instead I used the restaurant in Malmaison just at the front of the mailbox which was IMO considerably better. Plenty of choices in the link above though. Failing that just head to ladypool road for a £5 balti Marco

Nah

Don't go down the ladypool road. Half the roofs have been ripped off by the tornado. What annoys me is that most of the businesses had no building insurance. So the council are paying for there repairs. Thats just wrong.
Back to the restuarants. Get a cab to Jonathans. Or try Hotel De Vine.

[Pickled Piper]

westy04 said:

Nah Don't go down the ladypool road. Half the roofs have been ripped off by the tornado. What annoys me is that most of the businesses had no building insurance. So the council are paying for there repairs. Thats just wrong.

Westy04,

What is the source of your information that the council are paying for repairs to private properties that are uninsured? I know some of the contractors that are carrying out the repairs for the council and they are under strict instructions to work on council owned properties only.

pp

[westy04]

Pickled Piper said:

westy04 said: Nah Don't go down the ladypool road. Half the roofs have been ripped off by the tornado. What annoys me is that most of the businesses had no building insurance. So the council are paying for there repairs. Thats just wrong. Westy04, What is the source of your information that the council are paying for repairs to private properties that are uninsured? I know some of the contractors that are carrying out the repairs for the council and they are under strict instructions to work on council owned properties only. pp

I have been away on business for the last week, so haven't seen the news for myself. It was my wife that informed me, must have been on the local news. She didn't mention residential propertys, only the balti restuarants. She says they all rallied together and the council have agreed to pay as its good for community spirit. My wife was livid. Hope it is true otherwise I will look a tit.

[havoc]

westy04 said:

Get a cab to Jonathans. Or try Hotel De Vine.

Is that Jonathan's in Oldbury? Might be a bit far...we'll be getting the train in from Cov, so want to stay central.

And did you mean Hotel De Vin, in Church St.?!?


Mailbox...eaten at Zizzi's, thought it was OK. But my view of the mailbox (maybe unfair) was that it was more about paying to eat at a fashionable place than at a good restaurant.

Just thought of another that used to be good - The Bucklemaker, corner of St. Paul's Square by the Jam House. Anyone comment?!?

[skibum]

oh Bucklemaker is fantastic - as it St Paul Restuarant in St Paul's Square.

Bucklemaker is in the cellar of one of the buildings, really nice atmosphere. Owner walk around with an apron on taking orders - real focus on good quality food. Have never heard a bad word about it! Right Must book myself a meal there as well - cant believe I forgot about it.

Agree to a certain extent about the Mail Box - also, if you're taking the missus there don't forget you'll also need to get her past Harvey Nich's, DKNY, Armani, etc... Could be expensive!

[bga]

St Pauls is nice. My favourite place in the Mailbox is Shogun for some sashimi or tappin yaki

[BliarOut]

havoc said:

OK, after some advice here guys and girls. It's Becky's birthday next week, she's going to take a half-day off and I'm taking her up the Bum.

A gentleman would ask first, not just presume

Although I'm sure it's perfectly acceptable as a surprise treat for special occasions.

[westy04]

Hotel De Vin I beleive is in Church St. Might cost a bit more than £25 a head though.
Jonathan's is in Quinton. Only a 10-15 min taxi ride.
I forgot about the Bucklemaker. Top place.

[havoc]

skibum said:

Agree to a certain extent about the Mail Box - also, if you're taking the missus there don't forget you'll also need to get her past Harvey Nich's, DKNY, Armani, etc... Could be expensive!

Oh hell, yeah...erm...maybe we'll just shop the other side of town...they've an M&S there... :martinquietlysidlesawayfromtheconversation:

Well, Bucklemakers it is then...thanks guys!!!

Except Bliar of course...who will be getting a slap from my silk glove when I demand satisfaction!!!
(Oh damn, that'll just set him off again won't it!?!)

[BliarOut]

havoc said:

skibum said: Agree to a certain extent about the Mail Box - also, if you're taking the missus there don't forget you'll also need to get her past Harvey Nich's, DKNY, Armani, etc... Could be expensive! Oh hell, yeah...erm...maybe we'll just shop the other side of town...they've an M&S there... :martinquietlysidlesawayfromtheconversation: Well, Bucklemakers it is then...thanks guys!!! Except Bliar of course...who will be getting a slap from my silk glove when I demand satisfaction!!! (Oh damn, that'll just set him off again won't it!?!)

Silk gloves mmmmmmmmmmm

[jimothy]

BliarOut said:

havoc said: OK, after some advice here guys and girls. It's Becky's birthday next week, she's going to take a half-day off and I'm taking her up the Bum. A gentleman would ask first, not just presume Although I'm sure it's perfectly acceptable as a surprise treat for special occasions.

They've got an OXO tower opp north?

[havoc]

jimothy said:

They've got an OXO tower opp north?

Nah, the Bucklemakers is in a cellar...I'll just take her down the coal-chute!!!

[catso]

Michelle's is very nice, doesn't look much from the outside but the food is good and not too expensive.

www.labastille.co.uk/

[DanL]

The Living Room's quite nice - www.thelivingroom.co.uk/

Dan

[Donut]

For a lovley tasty curry in nice surroundings.....

the rajdoot(sp?) is the place, it is opposite Rydale Central on the summer row side. Nice bars there too for a pre and post

Hope you have a fab time

[Iria]

[quote=havoc]


Well, Bucklemakers it is then...thanks guys!!!

quote]

Good choice! And massive portions! (fatmodeon)

[ANDY_CTR]

Bucklemakers is a very good choice !

You can take her dancing afterwards at the Jam House which is virtually next door. It's a great venue with a really good atmosphere ....

[url]www.thejamhouse.com/[/url]

You'll have a great evening!!

Can I come? !!

Andy.