Eating Out: Try Something New In 2022

One of my key pleasures in life is eating out. If I’m being honest, I’m not much of a cook myself, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate good food, and I love the atmosphere, the ambiance and the whole idea of being wined and dined in a top restaurant.

2021 has been a tough year for those in the restaurant trade, lockdowns, and then the restrictions of having to eat outside, stick to the rule of 6 for bookings and numerous other rules have made eating out difficult for some. But our good restaurants and food outlets need our support more than ever at the moment, and whilst we still can, we should do our best to eat in your favourite places to show your solidarity with the restaurants we love.

I’m using this post to share some of the places I love to visit, whether for a special occasion, or just grabbing something quick on the run.

The Canalhouse, Birmingham

The Canalhouse in Birmingham was one of the last places I visited before the initial lockdown, visiting for a special launch (Spencer Matthews Clean Liqueur launch in Feb 2020.) On that occasion the food was particularly amazing, as everything was vegan to tie in with the ‘clean’ (read non alcoholic) drink. The vegan food was amazingly tasty and also very interesting and innovative, showing that vegan choices are now not just a lifestyle choice, but a taste bud choice too. Vegan restaurants have come a long way since the everything is ‘tofu’ of the 1990s, and for many, they are an aspirational choice when it comes to choosing somewhere to eat. If you are looking to expand your repertoire of vegan restaurants, Square Meal can point you to some of the best vegan restaurants in London. You can click here for more details.

For an on-the-run snack

When I am in Birmingham, and looking for a quick fix of food with not a lot of time, I always head to Thai Express in Grand Central. Thai Express is cheap, affordable Thai food cooked to your order and specification. My fave is Thai Fried rice with chicken and basil, cooked to a medium spice, with Thai Crackers on the side, usually eaten before my food is actually cooked.

Thai Express is fast food done well, and don’t just take my word for it. The last time I ate there, Carlos Acosta was sitting at the next table (cue starstruck ballet fanatic me getting a selfie!)

Favourite Pub Grub…with a twist

The Littleton Arms in Penkridge is a grade two listed 18th century coaching Inn that serves wonderful homecooked food which puts a twists on British classics. It is absolutely one of my favourite places to eat, the food is divine, and it also serves brilliant cocktails.

This is a place we often visit for a second Christmas lunch on Boxing day – the Yorkshire puddings are to die for, and it is hard to choose a dessert from the extensive menu (although my hubby would say the cheese board all the way.)

Do you have any new restaurants to try in 2022, or any old favourites to return to?

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