Bar + Block, who originally opened their first site in Birmingham earlier this year on Waterloo Street. They now have their new ‘Tinsel + Tidings’ festive menu which sits alongside their selection of high quality meat cuts and steak specials on the Butchers Block.
Now I have to admit, I was apprehensive on arrival. Not realising Bar + Block are part of Whitbread (although it takes a bit of nosing to work that out) I instantly thought ‘what have I let myself in for?’ But, my guest and I were very, pleasantly, surprised. I also loved that you could see right into the kitchen, so you could see all the wonderful food being prepared.
The bar and restaurant area are fairly neutral, greys, creams and greens. However, it still gave off a cozy vibe. With welcoming booths and cozy arm chairs. The festive menu was the usual, 3 courses (£24.95) or 2 courses (£20.95), both come with a complimentary glass of fizz. N.B. We couldn’t try all of the courses available, but tried a mixture.
The Drinks
The drinks menu was extensive, although it felt like a typical pub in it’s offerings. There are cocktails available, but the sparse menu doesn’t really tell you the flavours or the inclusions. Being a gin fan I opted for the Gin Smash, which told by the server, was going to be a refreshing gin, mint and elderflower cocktail. It was just a bit too sweet for my liking, it might appeal to the masses. But given the quality of the food and level of detail in the food menu, drinks here are obviously an after thought. It wasn’t all bad though, I was assured by my guest the Prosecco was delicious.
The Starters
The Smoked Salmon and Avocado was the lighter of the starters. Perfectly presented with a poached egg nestled in the middle. The perfect runny yolk adding a richness, whilst bringing the salmon and avocado together. The fresh chilli served with gives it a real hit, if you’re not a chilli fan I’d ask them to omit. Two slices of bread may have been a bit much here, but overall and despite it’s simplicity, it was a good start.
The Pulled Beef Brisket was an interesting dish. The menu mentions it is served in a giant Yorkie and it really is! The horseradish sauce gives the whole dish a kick, the gravy added a richness. The brisket was crispy where it had been fried off, but there were tender bits too. For a meat eater it’s a great starter.
The Mains
Coming all the way to Bar + Block and not ordering a steak would’ve been a faux pax. It was also the acid test. Ordering the 8oz Sirloin (rare) with all the trimmings was just what I did. The steak itself was brilliant, sadly I was a little disappointed with the trimmings. There was just too much! I felt the potatoes, parsnips and carrots had been piled on, considering the steak was on a bed of Truffle Mash. Don’t get me wrong, it was tasty, but maybe a bit too much.
For the mega meat eater the Beef Rib Wellington is something special. Crispy pastry wrapped around a bone in beef rib, just ultimate comfort food. The beef was perfectly pink, and the accompanying veg again felt a bit piled on. But again, a pleasing meal flavour-wise.
The Dessert
One of us wimped out here, I apologise, I helped choose though and the Churros Sundae was picked. This was a a bloomin’ ridiculous (see above) dessert of giant churros, served with mince pie ice cream, rum and raisin bread and butter pudding chunks, biscuit bites, brandy sauce and chocolate toffee sauce. I tried a bit, but the accompanying stuff wasn’t for me. If it had been a plate of giant churros with chocolate sauce then yes. My guest finished the lot, I am assured that pudding fans, this is the one for you, even if slightly impractical to eat.
The Verdict
Overall I was impressed, the food was of obvious quality and a lot of thought had gone into the menu. The decor was a little samey compared to other modern restaurant chains, but it still oozed some comfort. My only real issue was the lack of thought with the cocktails. But I shan’t go on, I was there to check out the festive Tinsel + Tidings menu, which was pretty good for a Christmas menu. Whether you’re yet to book a family Christmas meal or fancy a pre-Christmas date night, I’d give Bar + Block a look.
The Details
Bar + Block is located at
3-6 Waterloo St
Birmingham
B2 5PG
The festive menu is available until 24th December.