Harden's survey result
Summary
A Midlands institution which has spent 25 years at the top of the gastronomic tree – this Edwardian villa is still the place to go for “a real treat” with “first class food” and “outstanding service” from “wonderful staff”. A number of long-time customers rather regret the change to a simpler format: “the relaxed formal restaurant has been replaced by an OK Brasserie” – “…come on Simpsons, put back the white tablecloths!”
Summary
This Edwardian villa in Edgbaston continues to split views ever since its major makeover in mid-2015, which gave it more of a brasserie feel, and the changes can still come as “a bit of a shock: everything but the exterior was different, with an interior high on echo and to be honest not particularly comfortable”. When it comes to the overall verdict doubters feel the transformation represents “a bizarre dumbing down”, but – notwithstanding the change of approach – most reporters feel that the “high quality of its ingredients”, “skillful cooking” and “innovative” style leads to a “beautiful” all-round gastronomic experience.
Summary
This “quiet and discreet” Edwardian villa in Edgbaston divides opinion since its major makeover in mid-2015, which has “increased space” and “given it more of a brasserie feel”. Critics feel that “this once classy Georgian gem has had its heart ripped out with its new, contemporary Scandinavian look” (but “downgrading the ambience hasn’t been match by lower prices!”), and say that “while the food is good it doesn’t show the flair of years gone by”. For fans though, “it just gets it right time after time” with “delightful and innovative (if expensive) cuisine”.
Summary
It’s a new era at this Edwardian villa in Edgbaston, which has long offered “the most reliable posh night out in Brum”. It reopened in September 2015 after a hefty makeover and a change-up in the kitchen (Nathan Eades replaces longtime head chef Matt Cheal) – the aim is a switch up in gear, but we’ve left it un-rated till next year’s results are in.
Restaurant details
20 Highfield Road, Birmingham, B15 3DU
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 7 pm-9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 7 pm-9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2 pm, 7 pm-9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-2 pm, 7 pm-9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-2 pm, 7 pm-9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-2 pm |
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