Le Petit Bois in Birmingham

One of the best food in Birmingham.

Wonderful place to celebrate our Ruby Anniversary! All the staff made us feel so special, their friendliness and all the little extras. They are a lovely group of young people with enthusiasm and a real warmth and passion for what they do. The food was exquisite as usual and the setting just glorious. Cannot recommend highly enough!

We were not at all impressed. First of all, we were not attracted by the facade which appeared to front a small cafe, the window and door being made of grubby, white painted wood. However, we discovered a second glass door that looked more pleasant, and the main entrance, and decided to see what was on offer. It opened onto a larger space than was anticipated. This seemed hopeful. As a type 1 diabetic, my diet has to take into account insulin requirements. That means I need to work out what foods on offer are least glycaemic, and the amount of insulin and the timing of injections are paramount considerations. I decided the best food for me that was available at this cafe was the Nicoise salad. To slow down glucose absorption and to add protein too, I asked if I could have a little cheese. I also asked if I could have olive oil as other dressings often contain sugar. I also enquired about waiting time as after insulin injection the meal needs to be eaten within 20-30 minutes. Despite enquiring at the point of ordering about these various factors, and the waitress assuring us she would find out, she did not return with any answers, and five minutes or more later I therefore decided to go up to the counter to ask again. When I asked again, I was told I 1. "could not have cheese because it was market day" (?!); 2. They could not give me any olive oil as they did not have any.; and 3. They were unable to give me any idea as to how long the wait for food was! We found this total lack of consideration for an individual's dietary and health issues/needs completely unacceptable, and as a consequence told the waitresses so, and then simply walked out, taking our custom to another restaurant which willingly and happily supplied a suitable and lovely meal across the road. So, the advice is: if you have any specific dietary needs, avoid this cafe.... Neither the waitresses nor (apparently) the manager /owner gives a toss about you!

Bit of retail therapy followed by lunch at Rouge. We enjoyed a glass of wine while waiting for our meal, had the two course menu. The chicken was fine, if a little tough and apple tart and ice cream delicious. I wish I’d asked the name of the waitress as she was charming, made us smile every time she spoke to us. We didn’t wait long for our food and will certainly come again in our next shopping trip.

Very delicious, boss gives the best milkshakes and waffles.