Review: San Carlo’s Sunday Lunch, Birmingham

Review: San Carlo’s Sunday Lunch, Birmingham

San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

San Carlo Birmingham’s new Sunday Lunch menu brings a touch of Italian sophistication to one of Britain’s most beloved rituals – the roast.

Served in the elegant Temple Street dining room, the experience feels both indulgent and unhurried, designed for long, sociable afternoons that stretch into early evening.

The family‑owned San Carlo group has reimagined the traditional roast with its signature flair for premium ingredients and polished presentation. The menu mirrors that of sister restaurant Fumo, offering a contemporary twist on the British staple – hearty yet refined, with unmistakable Mediterranean finesse.

San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

Each roast is served with rosemary‑and‑thyme potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy – with the option to add creamy cauliflower cheese for extra comfort – because, why not?

You can choose from Half Roast Chicken, Lamb Rump, Rib of Beef or even T‑Bone Steak for Two – designed for sharing, this dish embodies San Carlo’s convivial spirit and love of a big appetite!

Desserts, of course, continue the Italian theme – think pistachio torta or the indulgent torta setteveli, a seven‑layered chocolate‑hazelnut dream!

 

Although, for me, the lure of the vanilla cheesecake is always a difficult one to ignore – and it did not disappoint.

San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

The Temple Street restaurant exudes timeless elegance: marble surfaces, crisp linens, and a hum of conversation that feels distinctly cosmopolitan. Service is attentive but relaxed, encouraging diners to linger over cocktails or a glass of Barolo. But resist the food at your peril. This menu has always one for savouring – and now with the addition of everyone’s Sunday favourite – every day is a great day to visit San Carlo!

San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

San Carlo’s Sunday Lunch is a masterclass in balance – British comfort meets Italian sophistication. Perfect for family gatherings, catch‑ups with friends, or a leisurely date, this new menu elevates the humble roast into something truly bellissimo.

Visit sancarlo.co.uk

Review: Tales After Dark, Coventry

Review: Tales After Dark, Coventry

Tales of Tea, review, Coventry, Tales After Dark

Coventry’s St Mary’s Guildhall has long been a jewel of English heritage, but on the last Friday of each month, it reveals a completely different side of itself.

Tales After Dark transforms the Guildhall’s historic undercroft into a warm, glowing sanctuary of Caribbean flavour, chilled cocktails, and soulful music — a contrast that feels both unexpected and utterly enchanting.

It’s a setting that invites you to exhale, settle in, and let the evening unfold at its own unhurried pace. The venue’s team describes it as “a sanctuary of music and flavour” – and that’s exactly what it becomes.

Tales of Tea, review, Coventry, Tales After Dark

The culinary offering leans into authentic Caribbean‑inspired small plates, designed for sharing and lingering. Paired with house‑made cocktails served chilled and crafted with care, the menu brings a vibrant island spirit to a deeply historic space. The Guildhall promises “the taste of Cuba served in the heart of English heritage” – a juxtaposition that feels fresh, modern, and surprisingly seamless.

Guests can expect an evolving programme of live performances and, from 6pm, the resident DJ sets the tone with soulful, atmospheric tracks but this is not a nightclub; it’s a curated vibe – one that feels sophisticated, warm, and perfectly pitched for an after‑work wind‑down or a prelude to a night out.

Tales of Tea, review, Coventry, Tales After Dark

Tales After Dark is one of those rare experiences that blends heritage with contemporary culture in a way that feels effortless. It’s atmospheric without being pretentious, flavourful without being fussy, and social without being overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed evening with friends or a stylish start to your night, this Caribbean‑inspired event offers a refreshing new rhythm for Coventry – one that lingers long after you step back into the city streets.

Tales After Dark is open from 5pm on the last Friday of each month, and while walk‑ins are welcome, booking is recommended to secure a table in this increasingly popular hideaway.

Tales of Tea, review, Coventry, Tales After Dark

Tales of Tea also continues to serve its renowned afternoon teas, brunch and lunch menus within the undercroft, which was apparently once used for everything from food storage to housing gunpowder during the English Civil War.

This is truly one of the most impressive dining backdrops I’ve experienced in some time and offers a unique vibe all of its own.

For more information visit HERE.

FleurFest hailed huge success

FleurFest hailed huge success

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys
Emma Woodhouse with Andy OBrien from K9 Club who judged the dog show.

Hundreds of revellers soaked up the sun and the atmosphere at a popular festival which returned to a local village pub at the weekend.

The second FleurFest, hosted by The Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford, on Saturday, also raised funds for Warwick children’s charity Molly Ollys.

The event brought a host of entertainment and activities throughout the day, from live musicians to performers – including stilt walkers and bubbleology. There were also family activities and workshops, from face painting and hair braiding, plus the chance to enjoy pony rides with Pampered Ponies as well as paint your own pottery in a craft tent run by Crazy Kiln.

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys

Visitors were also invited to bring their proud pooches to compete in a dog show, sponsored and judged by Andy O’Brien at K9 Club – with Prettiest Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Wisest Elder (8+yrs old) and Cutest Puppy (under 2yrs) all being crowned!

Live music acts included Jam House regular Carl Sinclair; new Shropshire-based band Soul Perfection; three-piece acoustic covers band The Laundry Room and Lapworth musician Dan Robinson.

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys

The Fleur De Lys, which was last year named Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards Pub of the Year, is nestled on the banks of the Stratford Canal between winding roads which used to be part of The Forest of Arden. The garden boasts an acre of land and is also popular as a stop-off for canal users.

Emma Woodhouse, who runs the pub with her husband Nick, said: “What an absolute privilege to see so many people in our garden for FleurFest this year. This event really was a love letter to our community, celebrating all the things our pub stands for – family and friends, core memories, gorgeous dogs, good times and great company.

 

“We’re thrilled that so many people turned up to enjoy all the live music and activities throughout the day, seeing every smiling face on a pony ride or chasing StiltMan around making it worth every minute of the planning process. It was also an honour to partner with Molly Ollys again and help raise funds to support their vital work.

“We loved giving the stage to local musicians and upcoming artists who knocked it out the park at one of their first ever gigs – remember you saw them here first! Most of all, we’re really grateful to all the fans of the Fleur who turned up to support us; the shocking statistic that pubs are closing at a rate of two per day this year has proved that their support is more important than ever and we appreciate each and every person who visits us.”

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys

Molly Ollys is a south Warwickshire-based charity which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to help with their emotional wellbeing. They provide gifts and wishes to individuals and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

The charity also works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community, including funding consultants in paediatric palliative medicine and the creation of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.

Throughout the 15 years Molly Ollys has been running, it has raised more than £5 million; has provided more than 5,500 wishes; supported more than 21,500 children and distributed more than 23,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals – making those darkest of days brighter for so many families.

Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “We had a fantastic day at FleurFest and were so grateful to their team for inviting us along to raise awareness of Molly Ollys. The weather stayed fine and we met lots of people on our stall as we held a number of games for families. In all, we raised £310, so would like to say a massive thank you to those people who make donations on the day.”

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys
Molly Ollys fundraised on the day.

For more information about Molly Ollys or to donate visit HERE.

Father’s Day Cocktail Recipe from Warwickshire Gin Company: Cuba Libre

Father’s Day Cocktail Recipe from Warwickshire Gin Company: Cuba Libre

Warwickshire Gin Company, World Cocktail Day, recipe

Distilled using a small batch method in Leamington Spa and using a traditional copper pot, the inspiration behind the award-winning drinks collection of gin, rum and vodka, comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to truly represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the hand-crafted flavours to life.

This cocktail is made using Pugilist’s 37% ABV Spice Blended Rum using the finest Guyanan Rum and rectified with nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, orange peel, and finished off with Grade A vanilla to deliver a beautifully smooth mouth feel.

More info HERE.

Available to purchase in 70cl, 20cl and 5cl bottles HERE.

CUBA LIBRE

The Cuba Libre is a classic cocktail that combines the refreshing flavours of cola, lime, and rum.

Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes.

Pour 50ml of The Pugilist Spiced Rum, 25ml lime juice and top with cola.

For a finishing touch, garnish with a slice of lime.

Warwickshire Gin Company, World Cocktail Day, Father's Day

The Story of Pugilist Spiced Rum

The rum is inspired by Randolph Turpin, who went down in British boxing history for sensationally winning the World Title from the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson earning himself the memorable nickname ‘The Leamington Licker’.  Born in Leamington of Guyana heritage, Turpin became a hero overnight!

Pugilist – Sting Like A Bee – Honey Rum and Pugilist Ghost Edition White Rum are subsequent additions to the drinks collection.

Review: The Back Garden restaurant, Dormy House Hotel and Spa

Dormy House Hotel and Spa, Broadway, review
The Back Garden restaurant

Dormy House Hotel and Spa in the beautiful Cotswolds chocolate box village of Broadway, undoubtedly offers the five-star experience.

And central to that is its culinary contribution, enhancing the guest stay with its fine dining credentials.

Four very different restaurants on site provide a generous choice of dining. The Back Garden is an informal but sophisticated space which celebrates the best of local ingredients, including those from its own hotel kitchen gardens. The dining area is bathed in natural light, thanks to large glass windows that overlook the gardens, opening up the connection to the outdoors.

Intimate MO (open for dinner, Wednesday to Sunday) offers a showstopping chef’s table eight-course tasting menu for up to 12 discerning foodies each evening.

The Back Garden, Dormy House, The Cotswolds, review
Braised Beef Blade

In The Back Garden, My Paddock Farm Scotch Egg with Spiced Apple and Pear Sauce proved a winning choice of Starter from a tempting menu which also included: Revills Farm Beetroot Soup, Smoked Crème Fraiche, Cumin and Sourdough Croutons; Caramelised Onion Tart with Crispy Kale, Smoked Shallot Puree and Pickled Walnut or Venison Farmhouse Terrine with Dormy’s Homemade Fruit Chutney, among others.

My friend’s Crispy Filo Prawns With Seaweed and Chilli Dip were given a big thumbs up and we were both impressed by the portion sizes, oftentimes sacrificed as part of the fine dining experience.

Main course brought another fish dish her way in the form of BBQ Monkfish, Tikka Masala Sauce, Spiced Cauliflower and Potato while I devoured the Braised Beef Blade which simply melted in my mouth, complemented by the Crushed Celeriac, Crispy Kale and Horseradish, Red Wine Sauce and side dish of Garlic Mash. (I couldn’t resist)

The Back Garden, Dormy House, The Cotswolds, review
BBQ Grilled Monkfish

Locally brewed Hawkstone Ale formed the basis of the Risotto dish – served with Wild Mushrooms, Watercress and Old Winchester Cheese while their other options included: Outdoor Pig Company Chicken and Mushroom Pie; Cready Carver Duck Breast, Caramelised Onion, Braised Salsify and Crab Apple and Cider Sauce, plus Stokes Marsh Farm Beef Wellington, Stinking Bishop Dauphinoise and Peppercorn Sauce (to share.)

The high standards dictated a third course was definitely in order and so my Sticky Toffee Braeburn Apple Pudding with Clotted Cream Ice Cream lived up to its promises as one of the most delicious desserts I’ve enjoyed in a long time. My dining companion’s Warm Chocolate Fondant with Candied Chestnuts and Conker Coffee Liqueur Ice Cream also hit the spot and neither of us regretted a single calorie!

The Back Garden, Dormy House, The Cotswolds, review
Warm chocolate fondant

Other sweet treat options include Caramel Crème Brulee, with Pear and Sherry; Fig Leaf Tart with Pickled Blackberries and Blackberry Sorbet and Dormy Plum Souffle, Pistachio and Preserved Plums. Cheese and Biscuits also available – served with thyme, honey and crab apple jelly.

Elsewhere on site, The Greenhouse café at the spa – with its own sun terrace – serves breakfast, cakes, coffee, nutritional light lunches and snacks, whilst the modestly named The Shed, is a cosy lounge bar that offers the perfect pitstop for everything from fireside light bites to pre- or post-dinner tipples.

A fun feature which catches a lot of attention in the bar is a wine dispensing machine (yes, that’s right!) This enables guests to help themselves to their tipple of choice simply by popping in their credit card and making a selection. And I’m assured all the wines are kept at optimum temperature. Now where can I get one of these for my kitchen at home??!

The Back Garden, Dormy House, The Cotswolds, review
Sticky Toffee Braeburn Apple Pudding

Back in The Back Garden, breakfast is a deliciously lavish affair of freshly cooked options as well as a buffet – where you can even grab yourself a range of nutritious options, including a health drink shot, to set you up for the day!

All these spaces are tastefully and individually designed in keeping with the opulent yet sophisticated ambience the hotel is striving for.

Dormy House Hotel & Spa is a 17th-Century farmhouse which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment. It has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic origins of its family owners with Scandi-chic décor and hand-picked furnishings throughout.

It exudes a casual (definitely not snobby) sophistication and delivers a five-star level of service the price tag would dictate (it’s hefty!) That said, for the most discerning it’s a clear choice for that special dinner or even the ultimate weekend retreat.

For more about the dining options visit HERE.

Read my review of Dormy House Hotel & Spa HERE.