On account of numerous disturbing inadequacies, I had to stay in a ‘hotel’ for a few days before moving into my new accommodation in Birmingham. During this time, some other ‘guests’ decided to take ecstasy and dance around all night in the ‘room’ above me.
Needless to say, after one night of this, I needed a drink. For some reason, I thought it might be a good idea to go to my new house to see if the landlord had done any of the 3 things we agreed he would do before I moved in. Nothing had been done. It looked as though nobody had visited the place in months.
So I looked for the nearest pub. Of course Harborne village, lovely though it is, has been gentrified. One has great difficulty finding somewhere to eat or drink which isn’t part of some awful national chain which seem to make a living on reducing comestible quality across the board.
But, fear not, White Horse came to the rescue. I got my reasonably priced cider and sat down. I write better when I’m furious. And in the company of animals. Thankfully, in addition to its many positive points, White Horse is also home to Socks.
This regal dame is a permanent fixture at White Horse. Though the picture does not show them, her paws are snow white, earning her the moniker Socks. Looking at here here and seeing how agile she is leaping across the bar, one would not dream that Socks is actually 20 years old!
The White Horse has become one of my favourite pubs in the Midlands. The atmosphere is friendly; the staff are great and the art lining the walls is fascinating to look at. But if Socks isn’t enough to convince you of the White Horse’s quality, I am unsure whether anything shall!
Living in the burgeoning metropolis that is Birmingham, I’ve been exposed to the full extent of brilliance in the local population. The engine in the car I bought here last week gave in and my bike was stolen. Within an hour of one another! As you can imagine I relished the newfound opportunity to commute on public transport, which took me 3 times longer than usual.
In this time, I re-listened to An American Prayer. This album has been on my radar for some time. Throughout September, I have been listening to a new album each day. Some truly stuck out. Big Data, 2.0; Tame Impala’s InnerSpeaker were among the top 5. But in all, I cannot deny the majesty of An American Prayer.
An American Prayer is deeply impressive. This is due mostly, for me, to the vocals being recorded in 1969 and 1970, before Jim Morrison died. The album itself was released in 1978, after The Doors had broken up.
Do you know we are being led to slaughter by placid admirals & that fat slow generals are getting Obscene on young blood?
Do you know we are ruled by t.v.?
In spite of their personal differences, the remaining members of the Doors (Ray Manzarek Robby Krieger John Densmore) got back together and wrote backing tracks to put behind Jim Morrison’s poetry. The poems and spoken words in this album moved me. They shook me. In fact, whenever I set my mind on any one part of this Opus, I get goosebumps.
An American Prayer is a stupendous album, even for those who don’t like The Doors to the extent I do. Lyrically; conceptually and musically, this album is important. It will appeal to all of those musically inclined.
Indians lay on dawn’s highway bleeding
Ghosts crowd the child’s fragile eggshell mind
And if you love The Doors, An American Prayer will bring some of their most loved songs to life. you may find yourself discovering new depths to tracks you thought you knew!
Recently, I’ve come into contact with an abnormal amount of wrath. My bike was stolen from New Street Station some days ago. I deliberately parked it under 3 cameras in a crowded area (the Drop & Go!).
To cite Homer,
[My] rage is black and murderous.
Perhaps the thieves in question were not Greek, but I should still like to “pitch [their] souls… into Hades’ dark, and [leave] their bodies to rot as feasts for dogs and birds”.
Moving on from my fully justified disgust of criminals, I found myself in need of a new bike. After a brief search and numerous phone calls, I alighted on the Bike Foundry.
We offer cycle maintenance training to individuals, schools and organisations. We also run a tool club where you can come along and use our workshop.
Founded in 2010; The Birmingham Bike Foundry refurbishes donated bikes and resells them. In my experience, their service is swift and cost effective. I got myself a Boardman hybrid bike with thin road tyres. It is pictured below. I must say, having ridden this, I’m almost glad the last bike was stolen. This bike is so very fast. It took me 18 minutes to cover 4.6 miles. I could do it in 15 without the damn traffic. I must admit to feeling immense joy sailing past all the cars on my way to the city centre each morning. The weather has been particularly kind to me in the last days. I do hope this continues.
The Bike Foundry are efficient and professional. The standard of their ware is beyond question. I am delighted to recommend them to you, on this fine Wednesday.
While on an excruciating walk to university, I snapped this picture of St Philip’s Cathedral. This bears no relevance, aside from it being a direct result of the theft of my bike. But, I am a skilled and conceited photographer and feel the need to impose this picture upon you.
Firstly, I would like to say: wow. I’m seldom taken aback by restaurants. Most places this close to such a landmark as Grand Central Station Birmingham are superbly expensive and highly pretentious. But GCK isn’t. It stood out from the first because it is currently #2 on the Tripadvisor in Birmingham. But it stood out even more when one steps inside. Antique decor; period coca cola advertisements; all the (male) staff have pristine facial hair – what’s not to like?
The cover photo, from Veggie Foodie, sets the tone for what was to be a warm and satisfying morning meal.
This was Mother’s final stop before jetting (on a train) back to the North. So we simply had to make it excellent. And excellence is provided in buckets, and on plates, at GCK. We ordered our ample coffees, which were grand in size and quality. With Whittards of Chelsea so close-by, it did not shock me the coffee here was top notch.
However, the food here really tasted and looked striking. I cannot, alas, show you what I ate. While staring into the solar plexus of the GCK special panini; a fiery combination of ham chorizo and pepperoni, I was unable to wait long enough to take a photo. Let it be known that from the first bite to the last, a consistent and overwhelming state of euphoria will send your body into convulsion.
Mother opted for the house omelette. This came on crisp white bread and for some reason tasted better than an ordinary omelette. They had put some spices in the mix which I could almost not put my finger on. But upon reflection I think it was paprika. I suppose I shall have to go back and find out… Heaven forbid!
I have yet to touch on the best thing about GCK: the prices! Two of us ate and drank copiously for little over £15. I speak for both of us when I say that GCK is not to be missed.
Grand Central Kitchen is precisely that: it is grand; central and has a kitchen. Eating here will fill the hole in your stomach without creating one in your pocket. There is no reason at all why you shouldn’t eat here, unless of course you live in Timbuktu.
While there, don’t forget to visit St Phillip’s Cathedral, it’s really quite moving.
Apologies for the long title, but there is so much I want to say about this place. I find it difficult to hide my confounding joy when I think about Gustami.
What a place. This is the Loffredo of Birmingham. Gustami is run by an Italian family. It is secluded and has few seats. Of course, the best places on this blog fit this description.
I’ve been here many times. I plan to go weekly. The prices are so economical that one can dine there frequently. I’m so elated about Gustami! Have a look at this!
The taglio misto, my first of many dishes here. Chilli pecorino; mortadella; speck; artichokes; ricotta… so much more! This is as close as you will get to the Italian misto in Birmingham.
The quattro formaggi, my mother’s go to, was equally as stunning as the starter. I know I do not condone using grated cheese on a pizza. In fact, I find the practice deplorable. But this is Birmingham, remember, and most clients are not as snooty as me. The dough was fresh, the ingredients tasted excellent. But as you can see from the calzone in the featured image; each pizza here is top shelf.
The parmigiana and polenta con salsiccia were also astounding. Of the four occasions I’ve been to Gustami, two have been with my mother. Of course father was there too, but he was too stunned by the food’s quality to recognise what a gem we had found. Perhaps he had. I often don’t give him the vast amount of credit he is due.
Specials change every week at Gustami. I intend to try them all. The polenta was w/c 7/9’s special. I can tell you, it was superb. All made from scratch. What is especially impressive is that Chef makes all the pasta from scratch. And it is really good!
This was the ragú I had the other day. Top notch. The family comes from Emilia Romagna, Bologna so they ought to know how to prepare a ragú and they do!
If you have any room for dessert, I recommend the profiteroles. But all of the desserts will leave you feeling delirious. And deeply sleepy! be sure to go for dinner if you plan to go full whack, as I do.
Go once, twice and thrice! Try everything on the menu. I can’t praise this restaurant enough. This is truly a jewel in the Suggestion Crown. I am elated to be able to share it with you.
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!
