I can attribute the majority of my travels, far and near, to my work. Being in Solihull was no exception. One seldom goes to such places of their own free will. But, let it be known that I was pleasantly surprised to find The Farm, a converted barn restaurant.
Make sure you go into the building on the left, not the right, if you’re looking for a delicious meal. I made the mistake and had to go around again in the pouring rain! Don’t do that to yourself, even in resplendent sunshine.
This Grade II listed building was established around 1495, but the feel inside now is really rather modern. They have redone the place to a wonderful standard. Truly impressive. The vaulted beams are a particular highlight for me. I love a good beam. The lamp covers are made of clear marble. They look exceedingly heavy. And delightful.
Onto the main event. On account of my estate agents being deplorably slow and inefficient, I was forced to stay in a hotel for a few days. On one such day, I went off to Solihull. Needless to say, I needed something to sate my deep dissatisfaction. The Farm provided relief in spades. The place was warm and welcoming. The staff were faultless. I was truly looked after.
Complimentary homemade bread with a vinegar and olive oil dip were brought to me. Fabulous. Much much needed after the day I had had. But what followed really stole the show.
What more could one want from a Sunday lunch than that which is contained in the above photographs? Splendid succulent lamb, a panoply of perfect English vegetables. Wonderfully consistent gravy. Just a winning combination overall. This is what one needs after a rough few days. I was for a brief moment, in heaven.
Reality has a way of crushing you after periods of joy. This day was no exception.
However, The Farm Solihull provided all the warmth and nourishment I needed. I recommend it for you if you want a stylish, fun, flavoursome experience in Solihull. You won’t soon forget the roast lamb!
Imagine my surprise, not only at my superiors sending me to Durham two days after I moved to Birmingham, but also at finding this café once there!
There are far fewer braziers in the Launderette than Bald Hiker’s photo (which I mercilessly pinched for my cover) suggests. Nonetheless, I was impressed by it’s other ample qualities. I’m going to let you absorb the enormity of that last pun for a moment.
The building was originally opened in 1928 as part of a 320 seat cinema, Crescent Cinema. In the 1941 it became Rex Cinema which closed in January 1958. (Bald Hiker)
The Old Cinema Launderette is one of a kind. Never in my vast and overwhelmingly pretentious experience have I seen a cafe combined with a Launderette. In addition to copious cups of coffee, you can clean your clothes! They do snacks and even live music events of a weekend evening. But coffee is not the only beverage one can order here, far from it.
They also have a large selection of booze! Of course I went before (and during) lunch so I couldn’t possibly imbibe. Additionally, I was driving. I think driving under the influence is the final taboo and ought never to be broken.
I was and remain deeply impressed simply by how cool the concept of this establishment is. Can you say honestly that you have been to a place where the staff can make a Manhattan and tell you how best to remove paint stains from your expensive jeans? No? Me neither, until now.
While I was enjoying two sandwiches from Jani’s Deli (a delightful place for an economic lunch, just three doors down), I met this lovely little pooch. I think it’s a Terrier. Correct me if I’m wrong. Regardless, he was surely the highlight of my trip to the Old Cinema Launderette.
This is one suggestion which I shall return to time and time again. I am seldom so vastly impressed by a cafe. This concept was so well executed it begs for my return to delve deeper into its history. I’m so glad I went.
Old Cinema Launderette has to be one of my top suggestions!
If you’re meandering around Cambridge and are feeling peckish, head over to Stir. There you shall find a stunning interior design scheme, created and photographed by Mystery LTD London.
I first came to be stirred, if you’ll pardon the pun, in December. On a cold Cambridge morning, I had a coffee and refreshing breakfast there. The night before had not been kind to me. I was welcomed and felt immersed into a world of delectable dining and high style.
This visit was far more productive. I arrived shortly before I was due to start my work and profited from the extra time to have an elaborate breakfast.
The coffee. Super duper.
But the main event for me was the poached eggs on sourdough bread with halloumi fries. Oh boy. A Cypriot/British fusion triumph. I’ll let the picture do the talking…
The egg was so beautifully poached. All the yolky goodness flowed onto the sourdough bread and fused gorgeously with the mushroom and halloumi. I can’t express what joy one is filled with on ingesting these morsels of greatness. One feels healthy and one feels hearty.
I’m so impressed by the professionalism and consistency of the staff. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food and drink are of the highest quality. And, to top it all off, it is central. The city centre is a ten minute walk away which means there is plenty of free parking around. Just don’t abuse it. Cambridge residents are not as quaint ans harmless as they look, believe me.
In all, this is one of my hidden gems. Family run; away from main monuments and hellishly good food. Go and bring your friends. You won’t regret it.
I cannot find words to describe what Jeff Wayne has achieved in making this album. There are no expressions readily available in the English language to describe the scale of musical triumph held within The War of the Worlds. But this blogger shall try, at least, to encompass its greatness in around 300 words.
The War of the Worlds is a musical adaptation of H.G Wells’ epic 1897 novel of the same name. The album recounts the tale in the novel, each song bearing the name of a significant event throughout. I won’t say too much about the story so as not to ruin it for new listeners. Essentially the Martians come to Earth with the sole intent of colonising it, starting with England!
Playing the protagonist/narrator is Richard Burton, a famous “thespian wastrel” and, briefly, husband to Elizabeth Taylor. He plays the part of the journalist, through who’s eyes the story is told. Other notable vocalists include Phil Lynott (of Thin Lizzie) and Julie Covington (Don’t Cry For Me Argentina) as Parson Nathaniel and his wife, Beth.
The full album is almost two hours long. I’d suggest, as is my want, that you listen to it all the way through in one go. Only then can you appreciate its depth. My father suggested this to me. Only after my fourth or fifth listen all the way through, including one where I drove from Austria to North Eastern Italy, did he tell me that his father had suggested this to him.
War of the Worlds is a family musical heirloom. I’m not surprised this album has survived the test of time. For want of a better word it’s otherworldly. There is something magnificent about the way it has been put together. The melodies contained within will make the hair on your neck stand up. I cried four times when listening to it on my way to Stansted. And I mean full heaving weeps, not some minor droplets. This album will evoke emotions in you. Emotions you are not ready to recognise you possess.
There does exist a new version, with vocals by Liam Neeson as the spoken voice of the Narrator and Gary Barlow (Take That) as his sung voice. The artilleryman is played by Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs). Maverick Sabre plays the Parson and Joss Stone (The Soul Sessions) plays his wife. The reworked album follows the same direction as the first one, with a lot more synth and a refreshed feel to it. The Spirit of Man is a particular highlight for me.
Listen now and listen well to this magnificent musical triumph. You won’t regret it.
This gorgeous little niche is hidden in front of St Mary’s Church, Stafford. I have the misfortune of being employed. My work sends me across the country on various daily errands. Around lunchtime, I often enjoy eating. This particular lunchtime saw me dining at the Grove. This restaurant is unassuming yet really rather friendly.
The first thing which caught my eye were these homemade scones. Of course I ate savoury before sweet but these were in the back of my mind the entire meal. Make sure you take one before your meal. They will all be gone by the time you finish.
My first of many visits to the Grove consisted of a simple meal. I asked the waiter what his best panini was. He replied; brie and cranberry.
All the sandwiches are home made, hand cut and baked with only the freshest ingredients on the day. This transpires in the quality of each luscious bite. This may have been a humble sandwich, but it packed a punch. The salad was lovely too.
The atmosphere at the Grove is marvellous. You feel propelled back to the late 1940s. The Grove is welcoming, quiet and secluded. I was really impressed with it, and so too will you.
While you’re there, have a look around Stafford town. It is absolutely charming.
