Honest Bao

Crowned as Top 50 British Bakery, Levain & Cherry is not every day a local spot in King’s Heath gets , and it is the only one in Birmingham to make the prestigious 2026 top list. Naturally, my expectations were higher than a well-proofed sourdough. Founded by Pascal and his partner, Levain & Cherry is famous for its French artisan roots and commitment to traditional methods. Very attractive croissant and pain au chocolat but lacking the butter flavour I swung by in the mid-afternoon, but the vibe felt a bit like the party had already ended. The kitchen was packed down and cleaned, and the croissants were being stored in large plastic box. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it’s a bit of a buzzkill when you’re paying a premium price; you really want that "warm from the oven" magic. Artisan bakery with focused items  Visually, the pastries are stunning—perfectly shaped, beautifully laminated, and sporting a satisfyingly crispy, flaky crust that shatters o...

It’s official— The wait for Blacklock Birmingham is finally over! After a string of delays that had us meat-lovers weeping into our morning coffee, the doors to St Philip’s House have finally swung open as of Monday, 20th April 2026. I managed to snag a spot during their soft launch, and while the "half-price food" certainly makes the heart grow fonder, Blacklock’s transition from London legend to Brum heavyweight is looking very promising indeed. Nice historic building The setting is spectacular. They’ve taken over a historic Victorian vicarage overlooking Cathedral Square (Pigeon Park to us locals), and the decor strikes that perfect balance between "industrial moody" and "cosy tavern." The staff are on top form—professional, friendly, and they know the menu inside out. Small menu but all you want is simply steak Snacks are ok Great prime rib, nicely grilled with strong flavour Now, let’s talk meat. The snacks were a bit of a mixed bag; the crackers felt...

For those of us who grew up with the clatter of tea cups and the scent of steaming bamboo baskets, finding authentic Dim Sum isn’t just a meal—it’s a nostalgic necessity. The tradition of Dim Sum actually started centuries ago along the Silk Road. Weary travellers would stop at teahouses for Yum Cha (drinking tea), and soon, owners began adding small, bite-sized snacks to accompany the brew. What began as a traveller's respite evolved into a Cantonese art form that we now lucky enough to have right here in Birmingham. The Reliable Veteran: Ken Ho Ken Ho is a true legend that’s been holding it down for years. They’ve recently undergone a bit of a glow-up with some refurbishment, and the vibe is better than ever. The pricing remains honest, and the portions are generous. A nicely done Har Gow The Must-Order: Their Har Gow (prawn dumplings). They are stuffed to the brim with plump, snappy prawns and seasoned with that perfect hint of sesame and white pepper. My secret favourite - quai...

If Birmingham has a soul,  it’s currently residing in Digbeth. Once the city’s industrial engine room, it’s now the "creative quarter"—think of it as Shoreditch’s edgier, louder cousin or a Birmingham-style Brick Lane. It’s a labyrinth of Victorian warehouses, world-class street art, and the iconic Custard Factory, where Alfred Bird famously invented egg-free custard in 1837 because his wife was allergic to eggs. Romantic, right? Tasty KrayFC Tucked right into this historic fabric is 670 Grams, a restaurant named after the birth weight of chef Kray Treadwell’s daughter. Kray (a former Michelin Young Chef of the Year) has created a space that matches the area’s grit: industrial, quirky, and unapologetically cool. When we visited for an early weekend lunch, the vibe was surprisingly quiet—we were the only ones there—but the "fine dining with a twist" experience was in full swing. Tasty and funny snacks Mains are bit let down overall The journey starts in the lower-flo...

Glynn Purnell  is a name synonymous with Birmingham’s culinary rise. He earned the city’s first Michelin star back in 2005 and held a star at his flagship, Purnell’s, for a staggering 17 years. Sadly, in a move that shocked the city, the flagship restaurant closed its doors permanently (and controversy) in October 2024 due to the "insane" rising costs of hospitality. However, Glynn isn't staying quiet—he’s doubled down on his smaller ventures, including the recent opening of Trillium at Snow Hill in late 2025. Bland prawns Plates by Purnell’s is his "cosy" Spanish venture, and it definitely feels like a passion project. The space is small, intimate, and has a great buzz, with service that is exactly what you'd expect from a Michelin-pedigree team: professional, friendly, and helpful. As it’s a tapas spot, they suggest ordering a few plates to share, which is standard procedure—but this is where the experience started to plateau for me. Nicely cook but not a ...

If the Birmingham food scene had a throne,  Opheem would be sitting on it. As the only restaurant in the West Midlands to boast two Michelin stars, it’s the crown jewel of city dining. The man behind the magic is Aktar Islam, a local legend who started working in his father’s restaurant at age 13 and famously won Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word. Beautifully baked bread Aktar’s journey hasn’t been without a few "closed doors," though. While Opheem (opened in 2018) has been a runaway success, his other ventures like the Italian spot Legna and the Argentine steakhouse Pulperia both shuttered between 2020 and 2022 due to development issues and the post-pandemic climate. It seems his focus is now purely on making Opheem a world-class destination—and it shows. Great lamb cutlet The experience starts in the sleek lounge with a parade of Indian-inspired snacks. They are undeniably pretty and punchy, but I have to agree with the "deja vu" feeling—after the third or fourth one, th...