Berrys Cafe at Newlands Bishop Farm in Solihull

We stoped by here for a bite to eat. Quite a small branch, but that was fine as we were the only people in there. We ordered some Falafels, and they were cooked to order and didn't take to long at all. Falafels were hot, and tasty.

Friday 27th September 2024. My husband’s cousin Roger and his wife Janine came to visit us in Birmingham and go to lunch. We went to ‘McKee’s Brassiere’ at Haig’s Hotel in Balsall Common. We arrived for 1.00 pm and were shown to a nice table for four in the restaurant by Jeanette. The restaurant itself is light, bright and airy with a lovely dining area, where we were seated on this bright sunny afternoon. The place was lovely and the staff were bright and welcoming especially Coleby who waited on us and was very professional in everything she did for us. We had the three course set lunch menu, which was very good value. We had an amuse bouche of tomato soup served with home-made bread, which was really warming and nice, a good beginning for our lovely meal. We had starters; My husband had haddock and trout pate served with Melba toast and butter. Roger had the cheese tart served with chutney. Janine had the watermelon, feta, pomegranate and pecan nut salad, which she said was delicious. I had the chicken liver pate with cranberry apple chutney and served with Melba toast, which was really delicious. The starters were just the perfect size to get the palate started. For our main courses: Janine and My husband had the Chicken Ballotine, chicken breast filled with chives, leeks and pancetta. Served with coarse grain mustard sauce and a stuffed cabbage parcel filled with potato which was served with a dish of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, red cabbage and roast potatoes), which he both said was delicious. The chicken just melted in the mouth. Roger and I had the Vegetable Wellington filled with camembert, beetroot and spinach with a sweet potato and mushroom sauce, which was served with a dish of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, red cabbage and roast potatoes, which we both thought was delicious. The dishes arrived together and were very hot and very well presented. We washed all this lovely food down with sparkling spring water for Roger and Janine. A pint of ‘Doombar’ bitter for my husband and a nice large glass of rose wine for me. We all had desserts: My husband had the apple crumble with creamy custard. Roger had the lemon posset with berries, which he said was delicious. Janine and I had the Chocolate Marquise with cappuccino ice cream, which was really delicious and it was lovely and light and the perfect finish to our meals. We had tea and coffees afterwards; My husband had a pot of tea. Roger had black coffee. Janine and I had a de-caffeinated coffee with milk, these came with a selection of petite fours, which were a nice finish to our lovely meal. Afterwards we all felt well fed and content.

Unfortunately we have had to downgrade our review to 2 stars based on our last visit, which made us feel like we were in a very expensive karaoke restaurant/bar - and certainly not one we wanted to be in! We spent £350 on an intimate birthday meal for my partner but could not hear a word each other said due to a party of 14 other guests singing and dancing on a nearby table, which completely spoilt our evening, eventually we asked to move outside into the greenhouse so we could finish our final drinks and eat our dessert in peace. When we addressed this with Harry, the manager, he simply said he could not control the behaviour of other guests, and after we said we were extremely disappointed and would not be returning we were offered a complimentary drink, however this is in no way compensated for such a disappointing experience at Smoke, and unfortunately due to this experience we won't be returning and cannot recommend. I have uploaded 2 videos to show what we endured during our visit to Smoke, described as "relaxed conviviality at this charmingly rustic restaurant,"

Really good food and drink from seasonal menu options. Excellent service in comfortable dining area.

never disappoints, ever - especially on those special, happy or sad, occasions - today was as sad as can be: but you did our beloved Rose (and Robert) proud. Thank you 💛