Category: Review

Those who appreciate the often rare combination of quality AND quantity in a dining experience – will be in their element thanks to the latest arrival to Solihull.

Local foodies can count themselves lucky their little part of the world has been chosen as only the third UK location for Beleza Rodizio, a premier Brazilian steakhouse. The second isn’t far away either, in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Renowned for its authentic rodizio-style dining and vibrant atmosphere, this is a meat-eater’s paradise with a rather fun and unique feel – and one that stands every chance of ‘carving’ out its own place in a crowded culinary market.

Beleza meaning ‘beautiful’ in Portuguese, showcases an exciting and authentic Brazilian rodizio in all its flair and finery – an all-you-can-eat extravaganza.

Cooked over a one-of-a kind charcoal grill, sumptuous skewers are carved at your table, the Rodizio-Style service offers meats including beef, lamb, chicken, and pork, all expertly seasoned and grilled. There is also a Gourmet Salad Bar offering a selection of fresh salads, traditional Brazilian and Argentianian side dishes, and hot items to complement the main courses.

And all hail the star of the show – the diverse menu also includes Wagyu, the legendary super-marbled, super-expensive beef from Japan that’s now become really sought-after in the UK. Expensive because of the way it is reared – the cattle are fed for 600 days after weaning and that’s more than double the time for other breeds. It’s the marbling that gives wagyu its unique tender and buttery flavour. And is genuinely the most flavourful beef I’ve tasted.

And now Beleza Rodizio is changing the rules of rodizio-style dining as it’s the only restaurant in the UK to offer unlimited Wagyu cuts, creating a new luxury dining experience. Guests can enjoy a selection of high-quality Wagyu cuts carved fresh at the table, such as Brazilian Picanha, premium sirloin, and slow-cooked Wagyu short ribs.

To help wash it down, there are some great Signature Cocktails, including Brazil’s famous caipirinhas and a curated list of wines, to enhance the dining experience.

And the impressive and vibrant décor makes for a fitting sumptuous backdrop to the rich flavours of Brazilian cuisine.

For the uninitiated in this style of service, my advice is to pace yourself. The passadors are circulating constantly with a variety of meats and it is best to take your time over the plate of food and, perhaps, enjoy extra drinks and salad bar trips between the meat fest.

The costumed passadors even offer side dishes on a skewer, including garlic bread and onion rings and there’s also pineapple carved at your table for those craving a fruit hit!

For the unlimited Wagyu rodizio experience, guests can expect to pay £65.95 per adult, with under 4’s dining for free and children enjoying the same unlimited offering at a reduced rate of £17.95 for ages 5-8 and £27.95 for ages 9-12. Meat is served to taste, so guests can request their cut rare, medium or well done.

This is a culinary ‘experience’ in the truest sense, probably best enjoyed in group occasions or celebrations. Give it a go – but you might want to starve yourself for the day for maximum enjoyment!

With attentive service, elegant interiors and the theatre of meat carved tableside, Beleza Rodizio delivers an experience that feels celebratory from start to finish, whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to indulge in quality meat and ingredients.

Belza Rodizio is a fascinating feast for the senses, an immersive dining experience that I think will prove popular – at least with those who have the cash to splash. Otherwise a special occasions venue perhaps.

For guests looking for something beyond the ordinary, Beleza Rodizio is setting a new standard for what rodizio dining can be. Check it out HERE.

Nestled high on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway – Dormy House Hotel forms part of a trio of distinctive properties, alongside The Fish Hotel and Foxhill Manor, each offering a different expression of the estate’s countryside hospitality.

Luxury and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect luxury getaway at the charming Dormy House Hotel and Spa – a rather special haven that offers the ultimate in opulence.

The 17^th-Century farmhouse, which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment, now has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic origins of its family owners with Scandi-chic décor and hand-picked furnishings throughout.

We were instantly made to feel like special. I hadn’t even finished manoeuvring my car into a space when a smiling staff member dashed over to greet us and relieve us of our luggage, ushering us in out of the impending rain shower.

In keeping with its homely vibe, there is no check in desk but rather a friendly face to greet us in the first lounge (yes, there are multiple cosy areas in which to hunker down by a roaring fire and enjoy a good book or newspaper and glass of something cold). From here we are given a brief tour of the venue, so not to miss anything (although I do think there’s something fun about exploring on your own.)

Indeed, the property offers a real sense of home while is at the same time, grandiose in feel, with its preserved paneled hall, window seats, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, chandeliers and artworks among the many stand-out original features.

It was quickly clear this was going to be hotel luxury at another level. And our Courtyard Suite delivered opulence and home comforts in equal measure. (Who doesn’t love a mini fridge filled to bursting with complimentary snacks? Chilled ready-to-drink cocktails proved the perfect pre-dinner treat.) Premium brand coffee, local beers, soft drinks, water and snacks were also a welcome addition.

Clever and stylish interior design made the very best use of the space which was separated by a pristine bathroom, into living and sleeping quarters. The Courtyard Suites are just two among the 39 individually-styled rooms, including a musical Studio room complete with record player and vinyls and soundproofed drum kit (you can be let loose with no fear of reprisals!) How cool is that?

But it’s the attention to detail that most stood out for me, from the music already playing as we entered our room (although no instruments here!) to the premium toiletries and special touches throughout – including a collection of current lifestyle glossies to flick through whilst enjoying aforementioned treats.

While rooms are not available until 3pm, guests are invited to make full use of Dormy’s on-site facilities from midday, including what some might regard as the jewel in Dormy’s crown – the House Spa has a string of awards to its name. The latest is a 5 bubble Spa rating in the Good Spa Guide just last year.

And this is where the Scandie theming most excels, with its thermal suite, featuring Himalayan salt sauna, aromatic steam room and snow and tropical showers, alongside the 16m indoor infinity pool and outdoor terrace hydrotherapy hot tub – aside a roaring fireplace! It’s all too easy to while away a big quota of your day in this very soothing spot! I swear I could feel those stresses and strains ebbing away with the water.

For those who desire it, there’s also a gym, meditation suite, wave massage bed and float tank, plus a menu of facial and body treatments for the ultimate indulgence.

Between spa sessions there isn’t far to amble to The Greenhouse spa café, for a healthy snack or smoothie should you desire.

And, modestly named The Shed, the cosy lounge bar is the perfect pitstop for everything from fireside light bites to pre-dinner cocktails en route to The Back Garden fine dining restaurant, where there is a focus on high-welfare meats and produce from the hotel gardens.

It’s little surprise to me that Dormy House wins high praise from so many quarters, not least the likes of Vanity Fair and Good Housekeeping Magazines which praise the hotel’s ‘creature comforts’, spa-hotel ambience’ and ‘culinary flair.’

I’m lucky enough to have stayed in some incredibly beautiful hotels across the world – who knew one of the most memorable would be 40 minutes down the road?

Dormy House has a casual (definitely not snobby) sophistication and 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 the ultimate weekend retreat which is far from off the peg and offers that ‘extra’ touch of luxury you’re looking for.

An especially good choice ahead of Valentine’s Day for a romantic break that won’t fail to both woo and wow!

Visit: https://dormyhouse.co.uk/ for more information.