We were enticed to Robata, a restaurant that prides itself on combining Pan-Asian styled cuisines with a modern approach, by images of a high tea the likes I’ve never seen before. Both the Head Chef and Head Pastry Chef have previously worked in award winning restaurants and hotels and their expertise and experience was evident in all courses of our lunch.

I’m always intrigued by any experience that is a little different; food, drink or otherwise and this was certainly ‘not your average’.

With a wall of windows that let in an incredible amount of natural light and delicate background music the restaurant atmosphere was relaxed and calm. This mellow feeling continued throughout our lunch as we were leisurely, but efficiently served by a team of cheery staff.

High Tea is priced at £19.50. Other options available include a Champagne and a  Gentleman’s version both priced at £27.50. We opted for the Cocktail High Tea priced at £24.50 as I cannot resist a pretty little alcoholic number.

First we had a Ginger and Lemon Iced Tea; complete with flowers. We were informed that it was to cleanse your palate and prepare your taste buds for what was to come. It was surprisingly enjoyable and very refreshing.

High Tea is served in two waves with complimenting drinks. This helps set the pace for the experience, in fact we were advised not to rush but take our time, as it’s more filling than you might imagine.

Our hot food was delivered in a bamboo steamer basket. When the lid was lifted, the smell was divine.

It was tasty too; the Duck Leg Long Bao was soft and tender; the Chicken Yakatori and the Breaded Prawn and Tofu Ball were both full of flavour.

After a short while, an extravaganza was brought to the table. Both Hubby and I said “Wow” in unison! They say you eat with your eyes first and this certainly fulfilled. The photograph doesn’t do it justice, it was so beautiful.

We started with the Avocado Maki Roll – my favourite type of sushi. Dipped in a little soy sauce, I popped the whole thing in my mouth (quite a feat as it was pretty big!) and it was really good.

The Beetroot Cured Salmon and Squid Ink Cracker was an amazing sight. To me, it resembled the bottom of the ocean or a coral reef. It tasted as good as it looked too, although I ate this a little more delicately!

Our cocktails arrived at the same time and if you follow me on Instagram you know I’m always on the lookout for a pretty one. I had the Mandarin and Kumquat Bellini.

And Hubby had a non alcoholic English Garden.

First shelf devoured, we moved onto the desserts. They all looked so amazing we both said we didn’t know where to start. However I quickly decided it had to be the Yuzu and Lime Tartlet which was a myriad of textures and flavours that ticked all the boxes for a sensory gal such as myself – crunchy base, soft filling, chewy meringue…mouth-wateringly yummy.

The Orange Scone with Orange Curd had a subtle zing and the filling was a refreshing alternative to clotted cream and jam. It had a lovely softness that only just baked cakes have.

The piece de resistance for us both though was the Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice. The sponge was moist, with an almost mousse like texture, soft, gooey and totally chocolatey.

After devouring the chocolate delight, a much needed breather came in the shape of our tea. Hubby opted for traditional English Breakfast, but I went for a mellow Jasmine Blossom.

After our pause, all that was left was the Spiced Strawberry Trifle. Thankfully this was a light affair and not too much to handle.

I am no stranger to afternoon teas and although they all have their own signature element – nothing has come close to this unique dining experience.

Carefully crafted, perfectly presented and delightfully delicious. High praise for the Robata High Tea.

Robata Bar & Grill

Resorts World Birmingham
Pendigo Way
Birmingham B40 1PU
United Kingdom

This meal was not complimentary and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.

Spontaneous lunches are always a fabulous idea in my book. After an hour in the gym, Hubby and I were suitably famished so set off in search of local food.

Hogarths is situated just outside Solihull, West Midlands and sits in 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and woodlands (it even has a secret private island for weddings!)

When you arrive, after following the long driveway to the entrance, you are greeted by Mr Gilroy. This steel sculpture by Ray Lonsdale is breathtakingly beautiful and placed as a stark reminder of how the horrors of war changed young people forever. I’m told it’s one of Hogarths most photographed features.

Mr Gilroy isn’t Hogarths only sculpture; in fact there are many contemporary pieces of art throughout the hotel and grounds. I noticed that apples are a common theme, with each piece as individual as the next.

The staff are welcoming and quietly attentive giving the whole place a relaxed, yet proficient atmosphere.

The hotel itself has a fresh, vibrant feel to it with a bright colour scheme incorporating purples, pinks and lime green. Trust me – it works.

The restaurant (Bar8 brasserie) and hotel have won a number of awards over the years including Good Hotel in 2015 and Midlands winner of hotel restaurant of the year.

We sat in the champagne bar, with fabulous lighting (which was needed as it was a grey and miserable wet day) and started with a coffee.

The restaurant has a full A la Carte menu whilst the bar boasts a great selection of sandwiches, hot things, light bites and afternoon teas. Hubby and I both settled for a fish finger with tartar sauce sandwich…

…and the most amazing triple cooked, not to mention enormous chips that were perfectly crispy on the outside whilst light and fluffy inside.

I can recommend Hogarths if you’re in the neighbourhood –  we fully enjoyed our impromptu lunch and have even been back in the last week to partake of the fish fingers again!

Hogarths

Four Ashes Road
Dorridge, Solihull
West Midlands
B93 8QE

This meal was not complimentary and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.

The minute you step through their door you are embraced by The High Field’s warm and friendly atmosphere.

This modern gastropub situated in Edgbaston is a mere 5 minutes away from Birmingham city centre and known for serving brasserie dishes and top quality pub food. I’ve eaten here a few times recently and always left feeling the same – relaxed and well looked after. On this occasion we decided to join them for Jazz and Breakfast. Self explanatory – eat breakfast whilst listening to jazz!

The bar is the first thing you see on entering and it’s the heart and soul of this establishment. Well stocked and ready for action; it has a great atmosphere, not too noisy but there’s definitely a good vibe about the place. With a choice of seating areas it’s also the perfect place to relax with a coffee or sample a cocktail or two.

The restaurant’s split into two parts – one has an area that’s bright, light and perfect for soaking up some Vitamin D whilst having a bite to eat. There’s also outside seating but I’ll save that ’til the warmer weather!

Just around the corner is the main restaurant – with a mixture of seating, tables and chairs and booths. It’s not too crowded but well spaced and can cater for large groups and children too.

We escaped the hustle and bustle of the previous week by leisurely sipping Bucks Fizz and  listening to Keli and Jay who eased us slowly into the weekend with some jazz. It was a lovely way to relax whilst contemplating  the breakfast menu.

There was plenty to choose from, but Hubby finally settled for the devilled beans and poached eggs on toasted sourdough –  with added mushrooms and sausage. He said it was lovely – and he certainly ate every morsel!

I was slightly more awkward as I wanted something I had sampled on a previous occasion – BBQ brisket and sweet potato hash with a fried egg. Despite it not being on the menu, Head chef Ian went above and beyond and rustled one up for me.

It was magnificent.

In fact the whole morning was divine. It was that fabulous combination of good food, attentive staff and the right atmosphere that you wish you could bottle and take home. Some places just seem to get it so right – and The High Field has…and then some. It has you looking forward to your next visit before you’ve even said “Bye” to the pig!

So tell me, what’s your favourite way to start the weekend?

The High Field

22 Highfield Road

Edgbaston

B15 3DP

This was my first ever review – let me know in the comments below if you have any suggestions of other places or events you think I should check out! 

This meal was not complimentary and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.