Loves Restaurant in Birmingham

fabulous food and wine. Chef and his wife sommelier had a nice little business, white wine and cheese tasting was excellent. Shame they are closed now.

Always wanted to visit after following the winner of the Michel Roux scholarship and I was not disappointed, what an amazing experience, the food was beautiful. Can not wait till they open in Warwickshire to stay in the accommodation.

En general, me pareció que la experiencia en general fue decepcionante.

Este fue un regalo de cumpleaños para mi esposa, y nuestra primera experiencia de restaurantes de "lujo". Nos encontramos en la puerta por Claire amor, y se sentía como si fueses una bienvenido en su propia casa. El menú era sencillo y fácil de comprender, pero vale la pena con amplio conocimiento de Claire de su lista de vinos, y muestras. Sus explicaciones dieron sin esnobismo, y dieron en el clavo.

Fuimos con unos amigos que ama el sábado por la noche.

Mi pareja y yo hemos dinned en ama restaurante varias veces y siempre hemos disfrutado de nuestra experiencia.

Buena comida y un gran servicio. Añadimos el vuelo de vinos a nuestro menú de degustación. No es una salida barata pero los precios, etc. están claramente presentados en el sitio web así que no hubo sorpresas y diría que representaba una buena relación calidad-precio. Si te gusta la buena comida y probar nuevos sabores, etc. entonces esto es para ti.

Más de 2 horas interminables esperando para pequeñas porciones de comida repetía. Dos campos olía de comida de perro. Buen trabajo elegimos nuestros propios vinos (que era bueno) de lo contrario nuestra £200 ley habría sido mucho más. Gracias a Dios que el EEUU personas saben que un gran restaurante es más a gusto que plegar servilleta y arrogancia. horrible!

Visitamos ama como un regalo de aniversario para mi novia.

We opted for a taster menu with matching wines. The owners were very friendly and knowledgable and the food was very nice. Some portions were a little smaller than a usual taster menu and it is slightly on the expensive side for what you get but overall a lovely experience.

Este es un gran pequeño escondite para una cena romántica en un bonito restaurante - escondido desde el centro de la ciudad, junto al canal, es un verdadero escondite joya. Cuando llegas, te dan una cálida bienvenida desde el propietario - Claire, inmediatamente te hace sentir tan relajado en un entorno agradable, la decoración es de primera categoría, y el restaurante en sí, tiene cómodos asientos y un gran ambiente (no te sientes agobiado, está cómodamente divididas). Nos reservamos con antelación y nos temíamos que nos puede ser estresante para la próxima sentarse - no en todos. De hecho, tuvimos un montón de tiempo, e incluso lentamente ritmo entre nosotros mismos campos. La comida en sí estaba compuesto de 9 campos - sin duda tenía un factor sorpresa sorpresa. Creo que sólo la veluote "cebolla blanco que no me gustó mucho, probablemente, porque me parecía que era demasiado salada para mi gusto. Aparte de eso, una buena cena, y a mi marido le encantó sus opciones de carne - en sus palabras el campo de carne fue fantástico. Todavía no es un restaurante de una estrella Michelin pero, en nuestra opinión merece ser uno- espero que van a tener que pronto. Nos alegramos de haber reservado aquí (y tan contentos que Claire fue capaz de satisfacer a corto plazo), y sin duda volveremos otra vez. Gracias 'ama» para una gran noche - una experiencia inolvidable

The 8 course taster menu was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Amazing food, perfect accompanying wine choices and attentive service, all this in a very understated and genuinely relaxed atmosphere. We simply couldn't have asked for more and will definitely be back.

This place is for special occasions only given the price of £75 per head for the 8 course tasting menu without wine. It's oddly sombre in that it's quiet and tucked away by the canal, with bland hotel style decor and few tables. Don't misunderstand me, the food is very good, the service is exemplary. It's just that for me, the atmosphere was too sombre on our visit. My take is that you should choose this place for a special occasion (given the high falutin' taster menus) and/or if you a serious foodie.My friend and I rolled ourselves out of our chairs after 8 courses plus cheeseboard and agreed that with hindsight, we should have gone for 5 courses plus cheeseboard. I enjoyed the veggie tasting menu but what really stood out for me was the incredible service. Each course is well explained and even the water is served with a choice of lemon, lime or orange slices. The owner is really lovely and devoted to her customers, even walking is round the corner to our taxi. You can absolutely see why this place has a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Visited on Friday with family with high expectations after rave reviews; the restaurant is led by its owners and i was very very impressed with the service given by Claire and the food was also very good. I did however have one observation which I believe may let it down if it is intending on bidding for that coveted michelin star, the service from the waiting staff with exception of the owner wasn't great I have eaten in many Michelin star restaurants including all of those in Birmingham and although this restaurant is far better then turners I don't think it compares to Purnells although having said that Claire was brilliant but I personally feel a restaurant can't just run on its owners, the support staff front of house just seemed like novices in delivering the service the food deserved....when you go to Michelin star restaurants its the whole experience that you remember having said that please please do not let this review stop you from going as the owners are wonderful at what they do and they effectively oversee 95% of what you experience

We had the 8 course taster menu with wine flights as part of my husbands 40th birthday celebration. The whole experience was pretty faultless, service, food and wine selections were perfectly balanced, staff were attentive and Claire Love took time to explain wine choices with each course. Personal menus were a lovely touch and will be a momento of the evening. We will definitely return sooner rather than later!

Family and friends gathering of 8 on Saturday lunchtime/afternoon. 5 course tasting menu plus cheese course and flight of wines, with one member of the party being vegetarian.The location is a bit out of the way and in a slightly tatty bit of the canal area of Birmingham, but all of that is immediately forgotten once inside the modern (rather than cosy) interior.Greeting and seating were faultless and there was warm welcome from Claire Love. We then spotted the bespoke birthday menu complete with my wife's photo on it that has clearly been arranged in advance - a lovely touch. English sparkling wine to start with made a nice change.Their ethos of as far as possible sourcing local produce within 50 miles of the restaurant is worthy of special mention.All of the courses were lovely and very tasty. The wine parings suggested by Claire were excellent with decent-size glasses each time. Claire certainly knows her stuff as a sommelier.The warm bread (3 different styles) was divine, as was the first of 2 amuse bouche, which were delightful. The 5 local cheeses were lovely but more subtle than if there was a range including Stilton or Brie, due to the local produce policy. Claire's suggestion of a red wine rather than port to accompany the cheeses was very well judged too. We were left nicely full but not overly so. The price was reasonable for cooking at this level and we had a wonderful lunchtime/afternoon thanks to Claire and her team. A signed menu as a memento rounded things off very nicely.

Loves has long been on our hit list for years. So finally we got around to trying, we opted for the simple three course lunch menu. The restaurant is situated close to Sherborne Wharf. It's easy to find once you know but if you don't, ask for directions first if you are walking there. The food is clearly heading towards the 'holy grail' of a Michelin star. Every course was a work of beauty. Service was extremely professional and friendly throughout. The owners clearly care about what they do and have a very clever reservation system to keep everything tightly run. Really glad we came and we shall definitely come again.

On Friday 30th Jan we had the 8 course tasting menu with matching wine flight. Hard to fault anything; I thought that the food was up to Michelin star standard, the wines were very well matched and interesting, the service was perfect.

A fabulous evening we had before we set off to get married! The food looked great and was attentively put together by talented chefs. Also, the taste of the food was amazing! We have returned a further two times with friends who love the place as much as we do!

Had a brilliant night here with my husband. We had the 8 course tasting menu with wine flight. Claire and her staff were wonderful. Just wish we could afford to come here again.

Went with friends and firstly the restaurant was cold, as was the red wine! The food was verynice, but when you compare it to other similar priced Birmingham restaurants not as memorable.A bit of a disappointment actually!

I have been to Loves twice for meals with my wife and once for a party for my norther in laws 70th birthday. On every occasion we have be looked after wonderfully and for my mother in laws party had a private room. Food and service always excellent. Not cheap but you know that before you go, quality costs. We have also been to Opus and Purnells and in my opinion Loves is far superior in every way. I look forward to my next visit.

Steve and Claire have never let us down. We have had dinner, Sunday lunch, special events and drinks with them. Foods are fresh , local, cooked to perfection. Wines on offer is superb , excellent recommendations from the team there. As an extra treat ask to sit at the chefs table. Brilliant experience's and you get to talk to the owner/chef about all the dishes. Best place we have eaten in England and we have eaten at some good places.

Three of us had booked for 8pm on the 20th of December .We were greeted our coats taken and shown to a table to have a pre dinner drink ,look at the wine list and peruse the menu .once we had chosen the five course tasting menu we were shown to our our dining table .Claire Love advised us on the white wine we wanted with great knowledge .The staff run to clockwork and are knowledgeable on what food they are presenting to the diners .The food and its flavours were of the highest quality .We opted to end the meal with a cheese board and although they had used fairly local cheese makers I felt I had had better options .the surroundings and decor are nice and tasteful The bill was not cheap but overall I think excellent value.It is somewhere I know that I will return to .When I asked if it was possible to have a menu to take with me as I collect them Claire very kindly got me one signed by her husband the chef Adam.

Our fifth visit and it was as good as ever. We had the eight course tasting menu with matching wines and we thought that the wine matching was some of the best we had ever had. The attention to textures and temperature of the food adds an extra dimension to the experience. We look forward to our next visit.

This maybe a bit out of it for some but we enjoyed getting away from the madding crowds in a unique location with canal boats cruising by. There we only three or four tables all couples on a Saturday night. Great chef, wine list was excellent and the service first class. Romantic dinner.

Went here for a birthday meal having had it highly recommended by a friend. We had the 8 course taster menu with matching wines. I very much enjoyed the evening but did feel it was lacking in a couple of areas.Let me start with the good bits:The food. Very well made and well prepared food, tasty and well presented.The wine. Suited the courses well.Location. Lovely views over the canal and a little different from other restaurants in the city.Service. We were greeted with a friendly manner, the food was served promptly and the staff were clearly very knowledgeable.And the bad bits.The food. For all its good bits it just wasn't that interesting. No single course jumped out as hugely memorable sadly.The wine. Despite it clearly suiting the courses well there was nothing overly different or interesting in the selection, safe selections I would say.Location. I suspect 10 years ago this was a buzzing part of Brum but that is no longer the case. It is very much out on a limb here and I fear for the lack of passing trade it gets.Service. Lacking in panache. Functional, yes. Efficient, yes. But there was no passion when explaining the courses, no excitement for the wine. There was also some confusion when I explained I had a nut allergy, at least one course (I suspect a second based on a feeling in my taste buds!) was served with nuts, it was quickly rectified but I would have expected it not to be served at all.Atmosphere. Well there wasn't any simply. A (at a guess) 40 seater restaurant had 10 people in it which meant the atmosphere was somewhat subdued.Overall, a good, nice, fine and enjoyable meal but sadly nothing special. There was some phenomenal restaurants in Brum at the moment and I felt that when comparing Loves to places of similar cost (Purnell's, Simpsons, Adams, etc.) it is simply not as good in all areas. Did I enjoy it? Yes, very much. Would I go back? No, I'd go to one of the aforementioned places instead.

This was my second visit for a five course taster menu this year and again it didnt disappoint. Yes, the atmosphere can be a little lacking compared to somewhere like Edmunds but the food and service are both excellent and i will be back again!

I have been very fortunate to have dined at several Michelin restaurants so was really looking forward to dining at Loves for my anniversary with my husband. My first reaction upon entering was a total lack of ambience and felt I was sitting in a lobby. Absolutely no atmosphere or intimacy for a restaurant that is clearly pitching itself to the couples market. We moved tables to around the corner and spent the night, when not eating, watching the couple directly opposite us because the table layouts do not allow an element of privacy for each table. The food itself was a little disappointing, sadly. We had the 5 course tasting menu. I did not enjoy the main course of beef, dare I say I think it was over-cooked. I felt the entire meal service was rather rushed. No sooner had we finished one course then the next appeared. Not enough time was given explaining each dish to us which I would have enjoyed. We arrived at 8.30pm and were positively amused that we might actually be finished all 5 courses by 10pm! I doubt very much we would return especially when Simpsons ticks every box a Michelin star restaurant should be.

My partner and I dined last night (Friday 31st October) and had a great evening. As another review mentioned, it was not busy which was surprising for a Friday. Mind you it kept the volume levels low and added to the dining experience.We chose the 8 course tasting menu with accompanying flight of wines. Although not a cheap option (£85 per head for meal and £52 per head for wines) we both felt it was worth it. The menu and wines complimented each other very well. Overall it was a great experience and agree with all said in previous review.

We dined at Loves tonight on an impulse. We had not eaten here for a couple of years but its slightly out of the way location led us to overlook it until now. We had the five course tasting menu and I had the accompanying flight of wines. Although the restaurant is an easy stroll from Brindley Place it is not the kind of place you are likely to walk past unless you are looking for it. This undoubtedly contributes to the surprisingly low number of covers for a Friday evening - we were two of twelve in the restaurant. Noise levels are low not just because of the limited occupancy but also because the restaurant is spacious and well carpeted. If you like a quiet restaurant where you can conduct an intimate conversation - and we do - then Loves is exactly what you are looking for.So much for the ambience - on to the food. We thought the food excellent - imaginative, well cooked, and well presented. In fact there were so many "courses" (some of which were actually amuse bouches or "pre-courses" that I did seriously begin to wonder whether they had mistaken our order and put us on the eight course tasting menu. Loves' wine list is outstanding by any standard. This does not mean that it has impossibly priced first growth clarets but rather a really interesting selection of wines thoughtfully chosen. Any small restaurant that can offer three vintages of Ch. Musar gets my vote. Their selection of wines to accompany the five course tasting menu comprised six very generous glasses ranging from an opening English sparkler to a French dessert wine offering outstanding value for £40.We have often dined at all of Birmingham's fine dining restaurants and we were more than happy with our evening at Loves. We will make a point of dining here again more often. Strongly recommended as a great restaurant for an intimate dinner.

My wife and I came here to celebrate our anniversary. The restaurant is located next to the canal, and the interior is very relaxing with soft sound of romantic songs. We chose to have a 3-course lunch menu, which was very nice. The food came in perfect timing, good portion and tasty. The service was excellent as well. They gave us a little chocolate cake as a treat on our special occassion. It really fits their claim to be one of the most romantic restaurant in the UK.

Travelled for 45 minutes for a special night out with good friends tonight to celebrate my birthday. Chose the 8 course taster menu with the accompanied wines at £ 130.00 per person with high expectations ...In very good company I really tried my hardest to enjoy myself and the food , however , my Fois Gras came wrapped ( still ) in plastic ( ? ) and when we asked for more bread the reply from the owner was ; " I will certainly ask the chef " ....and none came ? ! Judging from all other reviews I can only assume that this was a very bad night and I can clearly see the intentions of this restaurant are in all the right places. Was it worth £ 665.00 for four people ...no , unfortunately ! ! Good night , could have been better .

We visited on a Friday evening on a groupon deal. I had heard about Loves so using the deal was a great way to give it a try. It's a little tucked away but we found it ok. We had a 5 course taster menu. They had to make a minor adjustment for my husbands allergy which had been advised upon booking but not passed on. Anyway the amuse bouche was a sort of cauliflower feta cream which was very tasty and did what it's supposed to do. The next was a white onion velouté with pullets egg. This was divine and by far my favourite course of the evening. Next was a butternut squash risotto for me, very good and a milk choc and tomato risotto for the hubby which was interesting but he wasn't enamoured. The main was Cornish coley which the hubby enjoyed more than me. I like fish but I would rather have had a meat course. The first dessert was a elderberry creme not great, just tasted like jam. The next damson cake dessert was very good and I especially liked the sorbet. We didn't have the wine flight as the hubby isn't a wine lover. It was good to be able to buy a nice half bottle of Chablis though which I very much enjoyed.The service was good and our waitress very friendly. It wasn't too quiet in there but like some other diners mentioned can't quite put my finger on it but the atmosphere lacks just a little. Value wise on the deal it was good but I would have been disappointed to have paid around the £150 mark but maybe paying full price the experience would have been different as the menu we were offered wasn't like the sample menu on the website. Especially when nearby for between £10 more per head you can get a Michelin taster menu where food and service are on another level all together.Would I recommend it? Hmm probably. Would I go again? On a deal yes.

I took my wife for a birthday lunch last Friday, having heard about and walked past the restaurant many times when my daughter lived nearby.We weren't sure if it was open when we arrived, but it seemed that we were the only diners which seemed strange for a Friday lunchtime, although the location is a little remote. It's not one you would find easily.Pity as its quite picturesque for brum, lying in the king Edwards wharf area, overlooking the canal and with lots of moored barges.We were greeted warmly although unfortunately the maitre Dix was on the phone at the time taking a booking.It turned out to be a splendid lunch, if a tad expensive, with delicious well cooked food, superbly presented.The lunch menu is three courses with two choices per course, and the amuse bouche and pre dessert are delicious morsels.We both had the mushroom velouté, with coddled egg.I had the pig cheek and my wife had the coley fillet.For pudding I had the apple mousse and my wife had the raspberry choice.I feel that dining is improved by the ambience and chatter of a busyish restaurant, unfortunately we were the only people other than the maitre Dix, which although it guarantees superb one to one service it felt a little strange.It's a real pity as the food was presented beautifully and tasted gorgeous.Yes the 10% service charge always rankles in my book, and overall these are really michelin star prices which the restaurant sadly doesn't have.

Went here with friends and had a great meal. We had a 5 course tasting menu and every course was delicious, the wine was excellent and the service was great too but the only reason I've not given it 5 * is because for me, there is just something lacking about the whole experience. I'm not sure if it's down to the fact there was no soft background music or if it's down to the sparse slightly disjointed layout of the restaurant but it just felt a bit hollow. Don't let this put you off and would I return? Definitely!

We had a pleasant evening, and would certainly not put anyone off a visit. Front of house were very good and leave you feeling comfortable and looked after. We had the 5 course tasting menu The website shows an autumn menu but it would appear we were given the summer menu, and you know what it's like when you've dishes you look forward to. The amuse bouche and white onion starter were absolutely delicious ( I could ramble on for ever about them but won't). The butternut squash risotto was I'm afraid just bland with no taste from the sauce vert. The coley dish with accompanying smoked potato that had no smoke flavour at all, again a little disappointing but that could be our taste in food rather than the dish. The first of the sweet courses was a fruit "cream jam" and a biscuit and was a something and nothing course to us. The finale however was back up to absolutely delicious standard again with a lovely damson cake and sorbet. We were on a deal so certainly got vfm but at full price of £140+ inc wine and tip for two I would want every course to wow me and I'm afraid it didn't. A different menu and I'm sure thus review would have been very different.

It was my 35th wedding anniversary surprise. I had no idea where I was going, but what a surprise!!! I was treated like a queen, and nothing was too much trouble. The waiter even replaced my napkin to my lap on return from the toilet. Claire greeted us with a glass of wine and spent time telling us all about the restaurant, the wines and where the food came from and was so knowledgeable and passionate about her wines. I have never tasted food like it!!!! It was so delicious all small portions I admit, but after 5 courses plus the wine you do come away full. I would fully reccommend this restaurant to anyone. A big, big thank you to everyone involved, it was truly wonderful.

Had the 5 course tasting menu which was packed with some of the tastiest food I have ever eaten. All beautifully prepared and presented. The service from Clare was also excellent.For a Thursday the restaurant felt fairly quiet and I can't help but feel that it is let down by its location, which is slightly off the beaten track, but still very convenient for Brindley Place. Inside, it reminded me of an airport departure lounge with the minimalist decor and floor to ceiling windows. But, I forgot about all of that with every mouthful. Based on this experience, Loves fully deserves it's reputation.

Amazing tasting meal at this fantastic little restaurant. Would thoroughly recommend to all on food, wine, service and atmosphere for anyone looking for somewhere to spend a special evening. Will definitely be back!

For a restaurant that charges these prices, they need a lot of improvement. Firstly the waiter spilt a bit of champagne but didn't bother to wipe it down. One of the waitresses served the first course and forgot to tell us what it was and needed a prompt from another member of staff. The staff generally lack courtesy and could do with being more polite. The service should be key in a place like that. The restaurant overall is lacking warmth and atmosphere. The real let down was the fact that we were celebrating my partners birthday. I made a note on this when booking, mentioned it on the phone twice and again when we got there. I was made to feel silly for asking when they replied and said of course don't worry we will do something with the dessert but thanks for reminding us. Even after that, they still failed to do anything. I mentioned it to one of the staff when leaving to say how disappointed I was and emailed them to let them know. It's been 3 days and I still haven't had a response which is such a disappointment. When you're spending almost 300 on a meal for two, there aren't any excuses for this kind of slip up. In comparison to dining at Simpsons or purnells, loves does not compare. The food however was delicious, little on the small side but the chef is fantastic. There weren't any petit fours either. There wasn't anything special about this dining experience and I wouldn't recommend it for an experience or to celebrate an occasion because they don't make any effort to recognise this. I'm extremely disappointed with this. I would recommend Simpsons all the way if you want a great experience, great surroundings, knowledgable and polite staff, delicious food and wine and a memorable time.

Absolutely adore this restaurant!I went last night for the second time and was once again blown away by every aspect.The relaxed chilled atmosphere and friendliness of the staff instantly make you feel at home.Clare Love is wonderful and cannot do enough to help you. My husband has a few dietary requirements and she was more than accommodating in sorting this out!We had the 8 course tasting menu and I really couldn't choose one course that was my favourite. They were each sensational in their own way. My husband however fell in love with the egg and onion compilation and now wants me to create it home!!!Thank you Clare and Steve for a wonderful night. We cannot wait to come back again!

OK, so Birmingham isn't London or Tokyo or Paris when it comes to fine dining... but we do have an increasing number of really first rate establishments and Loves is one of the very finest.We went for the 5 course tasting menu with accompanying wine-flight and have to say it was really rather marvellous. Each course was a delight in its own right, as were the amuse and palette cleanser, they were cleverly put together and thought out and very very good - right down to the theatre of the presentation. However, they were taken to another level with ingenious wine-pairings patiently and thoroughly explained to wine-novices such as ourselves by Claire Love herself. The wine genuinely enhanced the already wonderful food and the food the wine too. We came out pleasantly full and surprised at 3.5 hours having gone by.Yes, its a quite lot of money for a meal but then this isn't an every day place. And when you consider its a whole evening of education and entertainment too I'd say its a bargain and look forward to the next time we have an excuse to go back!

We visited Loves for my husband's Birthday in August. We ordered the 5 course menu with wine taster menu too - a fantastic experience as Clare Love explains all of the wines passionately and knowledgeably, which makes the whole meal a real experience!The service is intimate and attentive without being over-bearing - the staff engage with you and take your lead as to how much. We really liked this.I emailed the restaurant around a week in advance and explained about my husbands' dietary requirements, he is gluten and dairy free. Clare said that there would be no issue and they sorted him out his own menu - immensely impressed! They even made gluten free bread for him which was a real treat! Instead of feeling 'left-out' his menu was fully inclusive and adapted accordingly, a really refreshing change.We loved it and will definitely be back! Have already emailed to bagsy a New Years Eve table!Highly recommended.

Sorry for the very obvious headline but it was the most fitting. I took my wife here for her birthday and we… loved it. We had the 5 course taster menu which consisted of some fabulous flavours presented by a chef who obviously cares how it all looks. The white onion cream dish starter was a favourite. It was all washed down with a reasonable price bottle of red wine which we savoured greatly. The staff were on the mark and timings on service was spot on.If I was being hyper critical, the ambience inside could be a little better/romantic but it is a tiny thing. I had informed the restaurant it was my wife's birthday and they made a special effort with some cake at the end of the evening presented by Claire (owner). This is a husband and wife team who are doing a cracking job in Birmingham - we need more of these places. Well done all.

I'll keep it brief! We had the 10 course tasting menu with wine pairings. Food delicious but a little small could do with being a little bigger portions but that was only because the courses where so tasty could of eaten them by the bowl full!! The wine pairings where bang on 2, very good! The only dish we wasnt so keen on was the panacotta as it tasted abit soapy but every other course was luvly. Would recommend you try this restaurant

This restaurant is tucked away, beside a canal just outside the centre of Birmingham. We received a lovely welcome, and a wonderful glass of the best English sparkling wine - Camel Valley. As a fan of English wines, it's great to see a restaurant actively supporting them. We opted for the £75 tasting menu with accompanying wine flight. The food was faultless, every course was a culinary adventure, though a special award needs to go to the cauliflower dishes - who knew that something as humble as a cauliflower could be so amazingly delicious.The wines were well matched and Claire was happy to swap one of the wines that didn't quite suit my palate.If I was to be extremely picky, the feta cheese in the beetroot and feta dish was not up to the high quality of the other ingredients (but still lovely). I think the carpet has also been mentioned in previous comments - after a few glasses of the delicious wine the pattern was moving all by itself :)I can't wait to return, this restaurant really is a hidden gem, and I am, like many others, also wondering why it hasn't got a much deserved Michelin star. The food is far superior to Simpsons, and I found the vegetarian offering much more inventive than Purnell's.The total bill was as expected for a restaurant of this calibre.

We have been several times and enjoyed every meal. So, we just had to come back and experience the 10 course tasting menu at the kitchen table. Food and wine pairing was as ever excellent.Why Loves hasn't got Michelin stars I'll never know!Steve kept us entertained all night with so much insight into the menu, the restaurant industry and plenty of notes to compare about meals we have experienced in other places. Thanks for a great experience.Wonderful.

Summary:A succession of creative dishes of intense, authentic flavours artistically presented — delicate paintings on a plate — accompanied by wines that complemented and enhanced each dish. Service was faultless.Positives:All the dishes were creatively conceived and executed superbly, being beautifully balanced in terms of flavours, textures, and appearance.Service.Food/wine harmony.Negatives:If you take your aperitif outside, you may find the canal-side setting a bit bleak.I visited Love’s restaurant on 18th July 2014. I chose the ten course tasting menu with the accompanying flight of wines. There was nothing I could fault in the execution of any dish. Each course was interesting, and, on occasion, surprisingly revelatory. The combination of technical excellence and creativity is of a very high order. Some of the wines added an extra dimension to the dish with which it was paired to create an experience that was greater than the sum of its parts to an extent that I’ve rarely met. The restaurant manager, Katrin, acted as sommelier and showed real enthusiasm and knowledge of the wines and their interaction with the dishes, which added to the overall experience. It’s a long time since I enjoyed a meal so much: I commend Love’s to you without hesitation.

This is the first review I've ever written...we mainly use the reviews to find places to go and never post ourself but we were so impressed with Loves I had to put something on.The food is stunning and what's more important, the taste lives up to how it looks too. We went for the £55 tasting menu each which is lots of small portions and though it does seem a little pricey initially, it was absolutely worth it!!!We had an amazing evening, the staff couldn't do enough for us, the wine was gorgeous and the courses just kept on coming. All were equally amazing but the desserts were something else.If you want a romantic night or something special, cannot rate this place higher! It's not the cheapest but you won't be left disappointed. 1 of 11 tables you're made to feel really welcome - will definitely go again! Best meal I have ever had.

Loves was recommended to us as a great place to eat by the canal in Birmingham city, it was just that. We had a great meal overlooking a very quiet part of the canal a few mins walk from the mail box and Brindley Place. The staff were excellent, attentive but not in your face. The menu was quite small but that can be a breath of fresh air after some of the huge menus of other Bham restaurants. We had the five course taster menu and wine package but added in one of the courses from the 7 course menu as it sounded so nice. The staff accommodated our menu request without hesitation. Overall a great meal in a great spot.

We went to celebrate a big birthday and opted for the £55 taster menu with wine. The service throughout was fantastic and the food was consistently creative, tasty and beautifully presented. The food is almost impossible to fault. For me they lose a star for the environment. The restaurant is a bit dreary and not upmarket enough for the quality of the food (in my opinion). Plus I personally wouldn't opt for the wine pairing next time as I felt the servings were too small for the price and they have a great wine list - I think I'd rather choose my own.I'd definitely recommend and will go back.

We went here for my birthday and had the most amazing meal, the best meal I've ever had I would say. I don't normally write reviews but just had to share how wondeful this restaurant was. The food was absolutely gorgeous and the service was just as impressive. Sometimes I've found that with really nice restaurants there has been a certain snobbery and that you almost feel like you're not that welcome or the clientele they want. Our experience here couldn't have been further from this, we were made to feel so welcome and when we asked for some help with the best wine to order, we were recommended the most lovely (and reasonably priced) wine and given some samples to try before we chose. The food and service was outstanding and for any regular Birmingham diners, or those from outside the area, I consider it an absolute must to go to.

First time we had visited the restaurant although recommended by many of our friends (and some of them chefs or just plain fussy!!). Opted for the taster menu at £55 and was not disappointed at all. The food was just beautiful and portions appropriate. Flavours were amazing and of course, presentation to match. Our only disappointment was the limited a la carte options if you didn't want either of the taster menus (£75 or £55) - just 3 starters, mains and desserts. One of the starters was pork and one of the mains also pork, so if you were not a lover of that meat then the options reduced to two!In addition, no olives were available for my martini which was very surprising at a restaurant of this level but neither of these points detracted from the overall meal experience.The restaurant is tucked away from the main thorough fair but only 5 or so minutes walk from lots of action at Brindley Place - if you want it!Thoroughly recommend to all you foodies out there.

This was our second visit. We had a wonderful evening. Staff were attentive and charming. Claire's wine knowledge was second to none, a true ambassador for the English wine industry. We ate from the a large carte menu , each dish was stunning, the dark chocolate and pear dessert was a lesson We have eaten at many great restaurants around the world, many with michelin stars. Loves is up there with the best of them. We will be back.

In short, fabulous. The food was quite honestly some of the best I've eaten, anywhere. We plumbed for the 10 course taster menu and accompanying wine selection. I genuinely do not have a negative word to say. The food was utterly wonderful. Perfect size courses, visually beautiful without being ostentatious, and the wine was equally as perfect - if not even more enjoyable than the food!The sommelier was also, in my humble opinion, a perfect example. Knowledgable, passionate, good humoured, and extremely aware of when and when not to interrupt the conversation. Lastly, the location. It is simultaneously it's secret weapon and it's Achilles heal. A hundred yards back up the canal and this place would be full 24/7 I expect. As it was, on a Friday night, there were probably no more than 14 covers all night. However, this was also part of its charm. In the heart of Birmingham, in a fabulous virtually unknown wharf (to everyone apart from the 20 or so narrow boats and over-looking flat dwellers) encompassing both modern living and industrial history, and hardly a soul about. Could be my new favourite place in Brum in fact

Had Sunday lunch in May food was excellent service good and great value.Only complaint was, we were the first to arrive and opted for the tasting menu, when other people arrived they had the tasting menu and we noticed nobody in the whole restaurant had the same food as us, a little bit gutted but never the less great restaurant.

Visited this restaurant for the first time on a Friday, it seemed relatively quiet. Tables are well spread out and so you don't feel cramped. From beginning to end the service and advice was great. Claire the owner knows her stuff, but doesn't over power you with it with regard to wine or food. We all decided to go a la carte and the choices don't seem that much, 3 on starter, main and dessert, there is a meat and veggie option. In reality you struggle to choose an option because it all sounds great and then the proof was in the eating and it was great. Clean plates all round after every course. As it was our christmas meal in July ( don't ask) they even found some left over Xmas Crackers, which I thought was a really nice touch. It isn't especially cheap, but for a special meal it's really good and I would have no problem returning to try the other options on the menu.

It’s the second time we’ve been here and both times the food and service was absolutely amazing. The restaurant is tucked away in canal front location just outside Brindley Place, so you get the nice surroundings without everyone walking past staring in the window. The service is excellent with very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The food is amazing and im at a lost as to why it hasn’t got a Michelin Star. Ive eaten at several Michelin restaurant and Loves is on par and if not better than some of the ones ive been too. As you have the first mouthful of every course you start with a massive wide eyed smile on your face and then your left with an empty dish (which lets be honest, if you was at home you would lick the bowl or mop it up with some bread). The second time we went we tried the wine course and the wine was well matched with each dish, with the host providing a good easy to understand description and background of each wine. It’s a shame more people don’t know about this place but I think that adds to the magic of the restaurant.

Excellent restaurant avec un système original de commande a partir de tablette. Produit naturel et italien

Visited this small but charming restaurant on Saturday last. Just 4 of us and we were greeted by name on arrival. I checked to see if I'd left my name tag on! Great reception and attentive from the outset. We all went for the 10 course taster with wine. Food was first rate and wine matched perfectly. Claire Love was the sommelier and boy did she know her stuff. Informative and never patronising- just right. The precision of the food/wine mix was matched by the precision of the service and the choreography of the movement around the restaurant by the staff. Great to watch and rare to see. Can't recommend it more highly. Quite expensive but well worth it as a special treat. We will go again, of that I am sure.

I arranged a dinner for 51 people from around the world attending a conference at the ICC last week. They are sophisticated, relatively affuent food and wine lovers. I lost count of the number of compliments made about the food and wine choices I selected with Claire the owner. I won't dwell on the food - suffice to say it compares very favorably to any of the one Michelin Star restaurants I have dined in anywhere in the world. I note a few moans in other reviews about ambience and location. Personally the fact that they don't play musak and are located in a quiet canalside location is a major plus. It is only a short and pleasant walk from the chain restaurants of Brindley Place. The staff are not only efficient they are friendly. It isn't the flashiest restaurant in Birmingham so if style is more important than substance look elswhere. Alternatively if you love food and wine - book ASAP!

Myself, partner and friends were on my landmark birthday away weekend in Birmingham. I'd researched well-reviewed restaurants for fine dining and opted to book for Loves as it sounded like a very special experience and I wanted a birthday weekend to remember.Their website was successful at urging prompt weekend booking due to popularity so we booked in advance for 6pm to allow for a relaxed meal & time to get ready before hitting our favourite club later in the evening.The main menu is very small with only 3 selections per course so I was drawn to the 10 course Spring taster menu @ £75 as the range of foods shown looked amazing. I also fancied adding the wine recommendations for myself with each course at the cost of an extra £45 per head. It's only a big birthday once a decade!On booking in advance I also notified of my gluten intolerance and the booking being for my birthday.On arrival greeting was very warm & friendly and I was wished a Happy Birthday. It's quite a large restaurant and was empty, with ourselves being the first dinner guests. The décor is very clean & contemporary with lots of chrome & glass. We were seated close to the door which was well lit & with a pleasant aspect. It did lack some ambience though as we were dining alone. I don't recall there being music, it all seemed a bit too quiet.2 of us were going to have the taster menu but we were advised we must all have it or all order off the main menu, as foods would otherwise be served at different times for each course. I wish that had been specified on the menu as this may have influenced my choice in booking this restaurant. £75 per head is a lot of money if everyone isn't getting what they would like to eat!As it was my day however, everyone said they would have the taster menu with me. The restaurant were fastidious regarding ensuring my meal was gluten free yet still as tasty as everyone else's. I saw the food trays being checked before being brought to the table and at one point it looked as if a dish was sent back. The gluten free homemade bread course was warm, moist & wonderful.Indeed every course was a symphony of bursting flavour and the wine accompaniments were incredible. I like dry gooseberry wines generally and never bother with anything else but I was absolutely blown away by the flavour and texture of each of the wines chosen which enhanced the dishes to absolute perfection. The sweet wines in particular which I would never have chosen were simply stunning with the dishes. I'm so glad I opted for this as I it felt maximised the experience and taste explosions. The whole combinations were masterpieces.On the down side however, I had initially been worried about a 10 course menu & being too full to party later but the portion sizes were exactly that, miniscule tasters, half a croquette with a teaspoon of puree, tiny pieces of chicken with 2 teaspoons of sauce etc. Fortunately the venison course was slightly larger and was absolutely stunning, everyone wished they had ordered that now from the main menu. A strawberry dessert dish was also slightly larger. Everything was amazingly delicious but we were all left wanting more.Another group of diners at an adjacent table ate from the main menu but the portion sizes still appeared small.We finished with coffees and petti fours were brought. I picked one up & was slightly concerned as it seemed to have a biscuit base but the gluten-free service had been so fastidious I wasn't too worried. Without touching the bottom however I ate the top section which was mousse-like then asked the waitress if the base was gluten-free. She seemed very concerned I had eaten one as they did indeed contain gluten. This wasn't mentioned when they were brought.A tray for myself was immediately brought however inscribed with Happy Birthday in icing, this was why mine had been slightly delayed. Fortunately with my sixth gluten-sense I hadn't eaten the biscuit base so was not ill. The personalised iced tray was a nice touch though, much appreciated.The restaurant filled to only around half-full by 8.45pm when we were leaving and the ambience though better was still quietly subdued.Service was superbly attentive throughout and the description of the half glass wine tasters with each of my courses was very interesting & further enhanced the experience. The total bill for 4 people with a bottle of £42 Sancerre (again a stunning flavour) came to £448 inclusive of the mandatory 10% service charge.It was an experience and if you are going to do it, the wine accompaniment is worth the additional cost as it superbly enhanced every dish. We just wished for the price, the portion sizes were half as big again on the some of the dishes and also got at least 3/4 of a glass of accompanying wine.We'd absolutely recommended for special occasions but feel the portions are too small & pricey for regular dining.We'd like to thank them for a unique & interesting experience however & helping to make my Birthday special.

My fiancé and I went last weekend using a discount voucher as others have, and after seeing a few reviews went with an open mind. Arrived early and greeted by the owner asked if we would like a drink first or sit down, we said sit down. The wine list is vert initiative not only done by region but by grape as well which means that you don't miss an opportunity! Don't get me wrong the prices are not cheap but it was a teat and good / great wine in any restaurant is expensive. Claire love was really helpful choosing suggesting a bottle I would not have chosen and said if that we did not like it we could try something different! Needless to say we did not! Now the food it was a 5 course tasting menu the starters and desserts were all amazing the beef carpaccio and the panaccotta were excellent. The only slight let down was the main course as the lamb was wrapped in pasta served on cous cous and came with mashed potato, much better to have some extra cous cous only. Otherwise excellent meal served at the right pace with great staff in a different but great location, we will be back!

I visited loves with my girlfriend using a discount voucher so I went with an open mind with lowered expectations even though I had read all the good reviews. The restaurant is in a slightly strange location about a five minute walk away from any other bars or restaurants in more of a residential area, definitely not the sort of place you would stumble upon by accident. The restaurant is very well presented - spacious and modern with very tasteful decor. The atmosphere for a nice romantic meal was perfect. We opted to have a wine tasting menu with our meal - a sifferent wine with each of our five courses. The service was excellent, each course came in perfect time along an explanation about each wine. The food was excellent. I will definitely be returning!

Food was excellent quality and flavour. We were a party of 6 and had a booking for 19:00 and it was pressed upon us not to be late. We were the only ones in there at that time and when we were seated the atmoshere was a little lacking. The 19:30 large party were late and very noisy on arrival. As the restaurant has limited covers late arrivals have a knock on effect for the rest of the night. Not sure if i would return as the atmosphere was severly lacking in the restaurant itself and from the staff. The staff were effecient but not friendly, you didnt feel compelled to linger after your meal.

Superb taster menu, service was outstanding, well worth a visit for any occasion. The wine choices complement the menu perfectly.

Enjoyed a Saturday night here with my husband. Food was great, such a range of flavours in each course. Wine was also lovely and reasonable too. We had the 5 course tasting menu which was great, the right amount of time between courses, and spent an enjoyable 2.5 hours at Loves. Only downside was the decor, felt like we were in a hotel reception, it lacked that intamte/luxurious feel of other similar standard restaurants that I have eaten in. Service was spot on though, would happily recommend (I already have) Loves to friends!

Situated by the canal but off the main Brindley Place drag we had a warm welcome arriving for Saturday lunch. The restaurant has 2 small rooms with a chefs table/larger area for a large party and tables for two in an adjoining area plus small bar with sofas. Has an elegant but not stuffy feel. We had the 5 course taster menu the highlight of which was the carpaccio. You can enjoy a flight of wines (I'm always a sucker for this) but as it was lunch we just had a glass each this time round. VFM is good but Waters has the edge as it's sooo reasonably priced. Would go again, especially for romantic meal and book a shared two seater or corner table.

My wife and I visited on a Friday night for the 5 course taster menu, on arrival to be honest I was not overly impressed only due to the size of the place but the decor and the staff greeting us quickly changed my mind.The bar area is a nice cosy situation with sofas, I could see myself sitting there on a nice afternoon with the sun beating through the glass front of the restaurant. Although small I would say the restaurant is contemporary and personable.Staff are very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable about the menus.The food was probably some of the best food I have eaten in Birmingham, the flavors of all five plates worked extremely well with one another. We have been to several fine dinning establishments and thus far Loves has come top trumps!!I would only have one small quarm but this is not by fault of the restaurant by any means, the food did not leave me full. If you have a larger then average appetite you may want to have a late lunch to ensure you don't leave yearning for another couple of courses of this lovely food.

Invited to a meal and had many courses supplanted with various wines - service was fantastic - food was to die for - what more do you need from a great restaurant. I did not pay as i was a guest of a large global investment company - but would have gladly done so! What did i dislike about it? - nothing it was superlative!

My girlfriend saw this restaurant on Groupon, so booked a table for 2 for my recent birthday. The offer was for the 5 course tasting menu which was basically a BOGOF deal.The location is a little strange really - it's pretty much right on the canal, but it is under a block of flats and there is some sort of corner shop next door to it. Only a short taxi ride from New Street though if you don't fancy the walk.The restaurant interior is modern and to our taste, we sat and had a champagne cocktail before being seated - service was good, cocktail was good, price was as you would expect. The restaurant is slightly "cold" in terms of layout and number of people. We went on a Friday night (even with a groupon and late booking) and would have expected it to be packed, but not so. More diners joined throughout the evening but it never felt full or with much atmosphere.That being said - other reviewers comment on how "buzzing" the restaurant was - I guess it's just luck of the draw and very changeable?Anyway, the food was excellent - a truly wonderful tasting menu with a number of dishes I would never order a la carte so was nice to experience something different. The amuse bouche was divine (a cauliflower cheese veloute thing) and my bouche was most definitely amused.I have been fortunate enough to experience the tasting menu at The Fat Duck before, and this (while not quite the same invention or standard necessarily) was equally enjoyable, particularly with a partner who would find some Heston creations a step too far.My better half also did the accompanying wine tasting menu, The waitress was knowledgeable and friendly and the wine excellent (particularly the dessert wines). All in all I have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant on food and wine quality alone, and would also pay full price for it with no qualms. If this restaurant was more central, and/or busier I think it would be a go-to place in Birmingham. We accidentally over tipped - there is a "service charge" included which will never cease to irritate me. I understand it for large groups, but there is surely no need on a table of 2 covers. The tip I had left was a percentage of the FULL price (not the groupon price) as I felt it fair, but this means I ended up tipping approx. 30% of the actual bill. I am aware this is partially my fault for not reading the small print but still a little annoying.My only other very minor issue is that I cannot understand why it is not called "Love's" (with an apostrophe) as the proprietors are Steve and Claire Love, but I'm aware of how pedantic that is!Eat here, then head back to the centre for some post dinner drinks - I can't see that you'll regret it.

Lovely setting for a romantic evening on the side of the canal. The food was delicious and well presented. The staff were very attentive and knowledgable on the wine list. The restaurant was busy and buzzing with laughter and chatting. Many couples were trying the tasting menu which looked divine. We will definitely be visiting again.

We dined here for our anniversary. The food was superb - we really enjoyed all of the courses and excellent wine. Staff were great and made us a little anniversary plate of petit fours with chocolate message - a great and unexpected touch. The restaurant has an unusual layout and feels very center placed for ambience - not stuffy and silent and not too noisy - great for couples or groups. The location is without doubt one of the best for a restaurant of this type - a quiet canalside square with interesting bridges and boats parked up.

Having seen their michelin guide recommendations year after year we were keen to see what this restaurant offered. The food was well cooked and nicely presented but i did not think it was very innovative, when comparing it to other highly rated restaurants in the area. However we felt the restaurants downfall was its service. It was sloppy. The service was a little too efficient. Plates were cleared away the minute you put your cutlery down and the next course brought out rather swiftly. It was also very difficult to tell what the waitress said when she was telling us what we were eating, mainly because they were either shy/strong foreign accent or in a rush to quickly tell us what we were about to eat. One of the waitresses had been out for a cigarette during service and absolutely stank when delivering our food. One dish also required a sauce to be poured over it at the table and she just chucked it over the plate to the extent we almost got splashed. It's good food but not a great experience. I probably wouldn't go back unless someone else was paying as it's quite expensive to get service of that poor standard.

Visited with friends to enjoy the five-course Spring menu with matching wines. Outstanding celery velouté with pullet egg set the tone for a very enjoyable journey. Even the rosemary ice cream won me over!! Wines were right on the money to complement each dish - the dessert wine from Stellenbosch especially. Lovely evening all round.

Absolutely adored my experience. This hidden little gem of a restaurant really impressed me. Great service, the girls were very knowledge about the menu and really helped with wine selection. Great value for money a return visit is being arranged ASAP. Highly recommended.

We had a great evening here, the food was excellent and the service equally as good, (well nearly, nothing could be as good as the food). The restaurant is a little hard to find, I would suggest arriving by taxi as parking around the location is difficult, and its not really where you want to be walking around trying to find it. Its actually located right on the bend of Morville Street and Browning Street, (the sign for the restaurant is hard to spot just above a small supermarket) but if you get dropped off here its 30 yards away, just past the supermarket. Anyway the restaurant has a small seating area for pre-dinner drinks, no actual bar, but the service here was good. The building is modern and a little lacking in style but the food more than makes up for this. The restaurant is reasonably small but still has a nice relaxed atmosphere. The food was superb, each dish cooked and presented to perfection. We had a great evening. It wasn’t cheap, but you wouldn’t expect it to be, it compares to Simpsons and Purnells for price. Personally I would say the experience was better than both. You need to plan your booking well in advance, especially for a Saturday, so if you have a special occasion coming up, then book as early as possible. But its well worth the effort, this is one of Birmingham’s best!

Tried a 5 course taster menu. Food was beautiful. Small portions but the flavours were devine. Service was very good. A very comfortable restaurant not ostentatious like many good restaurants themed to be. Will definitely go back

Anyone who says the food and service is less than 5 stars obviously had a row with their partner before they went to Loves. I've eaten at every Michelin starred restaurant in Birmingham and Loves kicks them all into next week. All of them. No exceptions. The tasting menu was faultless. I have been in catering for nearly 30 years so I think I can say this without sounding too dramatic . Well done.

Evenings out at up-market restaurants can be a mixed affair but we were given a first class evening out!From the moment we stepped inside the door we were made to feel welcome and at home. The layout of the tables, the comfort of the seating and the relaxed atmosphere started us off well. We had booked for the tasting menu which presented us with an interesting mix of tasty dishes. We put ourselves in the capable hands of the knowledgeable sommelier for some excellent choices of wine.Ultimately a great night out is at least as much the responsibility of the dining party as it is of the venue, and we certainly enjoyed ourselves. But Loves provided the atmosphere, great food and wine, and attentive but unobtrusive service the made the whole experience memorable.Thank you!

Our first visit, we went with friends who were also eating here for the first time. We were a bit worried it would be pretentious, but it wasn't at all, it had a lovely atmosphere & the staff were friendly. We all ate off the a la carte menu & although the choice is then limited (3 choices for each course), they all sounded good & between us had a selection & all agreed that they were delicious. At first glance the plates/dishes look small, (it is fine dining, so we expected this) but after 3 courses with a couple of taste cleansers in between, the sizes were considered perfect.The staff were attentive, but quietly so, which was exactly how it should be. It's definitely the place for a special occasion.

This has to be my favourite restaurant in Birmingham - once again the food was in a class of its own - Steve Love is a incredibly talented chef - The staff are knowledgeably and attentive without being intrusive - not the first time I've enjoyed eating here and certainly will not be the last - already looking foreword to my next time there - thank you

Visited last week as a treat for my husband and went with some good friends , we dined on the chefs table and had the 10 course tasting menu , not only a taste experience but also some good banter with Steve Love , hopefully inspiring my husband in his cooking , every dish was full of flavour and looked as good too , have to say its as good as if not better than any michalin establishment we have been to and deserves the recognition - although you don't need a star to be good , well reccomended and if you like fine dining a visit is a must - easy to find just a couple of minutes walk from brindleyplace

Visited Saturday for dinner - a warm smile & welcome , cosy sofas & a swiftly served cocktail got the evening off to a perfect start - with the exception of one dessert (out of 3.........) which was just not to my taste, the food could not be faulted. I have never had such intensely flavored cauliflower or Jerusalem artichokes ( amuse bouche & velouté first course). The aniseed pork was probably the nicest thing I've eaten this year , and how lovely to get a "normal" portion of mash rather than a swirl on a plate . Servings are generous for a tasting menu,and although I was initially regretting choosing the smaller of the two tasting menus I do not think I could have done justice to more. The tasting wines were a real highlight - served with genuine enthusiasm, explained in plain English and with interesting facts about the producers & backgrounds, I learnt such a lot & will now be looking for Albarinos & cordon cut sweet wines . thank you Claire ! For comparison the last three restaurants I ate at were: the Savoy Grill, Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental & the Black Boy Headington

Went here with my boyfriend as a late Valentines meal, as it had been fully booked up for Valentines day itself. The restaurant itself is in a little square, very pleasant surroundings and only 5 minutes from where I live! Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted quickly by a lovely blonde lady. Initially we felt a little uncomfortable as we haven't eaten in a fine dining establishment together before, although a formal setting we felt comfortable quickly due to the friendliness of the staff. We decided upon the tasting menu (£75 pp) since it was a special occasion. Neither of us are wine drinkers but decided we would be a little out of place if we didn't order some, so we asked the blonde lady what her recommendation would be, she recommended an English white wine which was delicious! I normally don't find wine appetizing but this was lovely and fruity, I was also pleased that the wine was very well chilled, some restaurants mistakenly serve wine at room temperature which is incorrect, it should be cellar temperature which is cool. In terms of the courses we were first served an amuse bouche of a cauliflower veloute with feta cheese and a herb oil (or something along those lines), this had a lovely creamy texture, and was like the essence of cauliflower. The second course was a chicken satay, this was a small mouthful served on a tooth pick, this had a lovely texture punctuated by the crunch of peanuts interspersed within. The third course was a pig tail croquette with a scallop, I'm normally a bit squeamish regarding off cuts but this was very nice, the textures for this were also very good. I also had the pork scratching banana sorbet and think although it may seem an odd pairing was very interesting, the contrast between the sweet, cold ice cream and the crunchy salty pork scratching's was wonderful, I guess a similar concept to something like salted caramel. The main course of the tasting menu was the hereford beef, this was cooked perfectly with the beef falling apart, the highlight of the meal being the beef 'gravy' served with it, this tasted as if it was the essence of beef. However, I do feel that maybe this course could have a little more oomph being the main. The desserts were a pannacotta with champagne foam, I felt the foam tasted a bit like bubble gum but pannacotta itself was delicious and creamy, it was also in a little jar which I found cute. There was also a ginger cake dessert. The petit fours and coffee served at the end were very nicely served, the ganache was rich and perfect as an end to an altogether wonderful meal.In total the bill was 207 pounds which I find reasonable for special occasions, the service and was excellent and the food exquisite,I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone and am surprised that this establishment has not been rewarded with a much deserved michelin star.

Dined here for Valentines Day dinner with my husband. The food was one of the best meals we have ever tasted & compliments were sent to the chef. However we review a restaurant with an overall honest mark & hope that the criticism will help you to achieve the long awaited Michelin star. There was no happy warm greeting when we arrived. This is very important with any restaurant but more so for an expensive restaurant for return diners, who may only dine out for special occasions.I chose a bottle of Australian Chardonnay because Claire was not about when we arrived. I'm not sure about wine however it turned out to be a nice bottle.Through out the night Claire seemed to be selling wine & champagne to other guests which is fine. But not once did she ask how our meal was. In fact she did not even say good bye.I think if the ambiance & comfort of the guest was addressed this restaurant could be the top restaurant in Birmingham. But for now Simpsons & Adams are our firm favourites with their good food & fantastic hosting skills!!!!!!!

My husband and I visited Loves last night (February 15th) for valentines day, from the moment we walked in we were looked after and treated like a friend, we had the taster menu with the accompanying wines amazing, the staff were very knowledgable about the food and wine. Claire was so attentive and shared her passion and knowledge about the wines that we were served and how they complimented the amazing flavours in the food that we had. I would happily say that both my husband and I were pleasantly full when we left. This is not just a restaurant it is a dining experience the combination of foods and flavours is second to none. Keep up the fantastic work Steve and Claire we will be back for more delights very soon.

Portions tiny. Service mixed. Very expensive. Go to Juju's instead its 30 seconds away & 30 times better

Visited last night and had the taster Menu with accompanying wines. The staff were knowledgeable about the courses and the wine. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. The food was unbelievably tasty, well thought out and presented perfectly.

This restaurant has always provided excellent food along with great service.I sure hope it gets its star soon as it would be fully justified.Keep up the good work and im sure you will be rewarded.

Food menu is very imaginative - main reason we went was to try the rabbit. The food looked great and tasted even better. Great atmosphere. The location is a little out of the way, but if anything the quieter surroundings added to the experience.

On a cold, wet and miserable January night the last thing you want is to struggle to find a parking spot near a restaurant. An evening at Loves is not starting well.However on entering the restaurant things start to improve. A friendly welcome into a warm and pleasant space.We have pre-ordered the special five course tasting menu, which is an amuse bouche followed by courses of whiting brandade, mushrooms with a wonderful coddled egg, slow cooked lamb belly, cheese and finally a vanilla and apple dessert. The waitress asked if we were happy with the menu and we explained that we would miss out the fourth course as neither of us ate cheese. Pleasantly she said no problem and they replaced the cheese with a wonderful raspberry and rosemary sorbet.The restaurant was full but the service was first class, friendly but not intrusive. The food was excellent and on a par with any of the Michelin starred restaurants in Birmingham. We look forward to revisiting but perhaps when the weather is a little warmer, then a canal side walk from the nearest car park would be quite pleasant.

We had the tasting menu along with the wine tasting bought for us as a treat for our anniversary.Firstly as soon as we arrived they new it was a present and for our anniversary which was nice.I disagree with the comments about no atmosphere , I was having a quiet ,intimate dinner with my husband and that is what I got. The room and lighting was perfect.All 8 courses came with adequate breaks inbetween and I could not fault any course every one was delicious. All the accompaniments gelled perfectly and on many occasions was left wanting more, which is ideal for a tasting menu.We actually joked on several occasions we could have liked the plates clean. The meats were cooked perfectly and the deserts were scrumptious .The wine menu in all honesty was a bit too much for me, but that is a personal thing, I could not drink that much wine. Every wine was explained to us and everyone tasted great. We loved our experience food was great, wine was flowing and tasted great and the service outstanding.What more can I say. If you like great food and wine this place is for you.

It has taken me a while to get round to writing the review of this place , We went in the autumn for dinner , we had travelled to Birmingham especially after a recomendation from a friend , I found the dining area to have no atmosphere at all , I felt like I was in a retail unit dressed up as a lounge !Our food was cooked to perfection and the fish in particular was the best I have had , however the dessert was drowned in rosemary to the point I could not eat it , and I love dessert . The cost was taken off the bill which I did not expect , however it ruined the meal for me sadly .The wine was beautiful and everything is served beautifully with a flourish , It is just a shame about the atmosphere , We have eaten in many Michelin star places and they "feel " different .. We usually spend many hours over the menu , reading , discussing and eating , but on the occasion we were in and out in under 90 minutes as there was no ambience , I personally would not return but only due to the venue , the food would definitely be worth another go

Excellent restaurant, we visited here in summer 2013 - I thought I had already left a review it mustn't of. Food is excellent and this place must really be pushing for a michelin star now.

Had first visited here when it first opened some years ago so this was my first revisit to try a tasting menu.Special tasting menu differed from that on the voucher we had but nonetheless was tasty, in season and beautifully presented. Each course complemented another and with a very pleasant white wine, we enjoyed a great evening. The venue itself still feels as if it's in the wrong location - layout, decor and furnishings don't quite fit the food/impression but it was busy yet we could still hear ok and enjoy some excellent food.

The food and the service here were excellent. both courses came out promptly and were cooked to perfection. The venison was great.

Went back to Loves to treat a friend for her birthday present for a tasting menu. Over all the experience was good but couldn't help feeling something was missing. Full marks to staff. They were faultless. The environment, this time with the extension was beautiful. For a tasting menu, I felt it wasn't quite unusual enough. The spumante amuse bouche and rosemary icecream at dessert with the toffee apple caramel and vanilla mousse was superb along with a magnificent sauvignon blanc at £22 were all no less than superb. Everything in between like the pork and cheese dishes just fell short of any wow factor for me. Loves isn't cheap and competition in Brum now is stiff so my expectations were high especially given their recent awards. Still, full commendation to Claire and Steve who has made a real success of the place over the last few years particularly with their slightly off the beaten track location, hidden from sight and with very poor parking and recent family extension ;-). You're still not quite my favourite restaurant I'm sorry to say . Sure I'll be back at sone point and probably sooner if more of the themed events come back and the menu is a little more surprising and adventurous.

We used a groupon voucher for our visit to Loves and it turned out to be a really good purchase! Really good from start to finish. The service was good, relaxed and informal and the restaurant had a nice, quiet atmosphere. Food was excellent with our only gripe being that the pot of mash with our excellent venison canneloni could have been a few degrees warmer, however, this was only a minor quibble and certainly did not hamper a lovely experience. It's slightly off the beaten track but well worth the short walk off Brindley Place and we look forward to a return visit.