In the heart of Britain's second city, Metro Bar and Grill is the epitome of conservative elegance with its dramatic curved mirrored walls and glass roof; it is a spectacular place to dine and definitely one of the "trendier places in Birmingham".

Where once Birmingham was definitely considered second rate for eating out, now it has been transformed and Metro, one of a clutch of recent entries to the dining scene, could be described as being at the head of this new generation of quality eateries adding to Birmingham's reputation as a business and entertainment destination.

The menu runs from salmon fishcake with vine tomato salsa and watercress; spiced falafel with crispy onions, mint relish and roasted vegetables, and Cornish crab with avocado mousse and grapefruit jelly to start, followed by main courses like king prawn and crayfish linguini with tomato, harissa and coriander; chargrilled fillet of lamb with nicoise salad, and roasted salt cod fillet with wild garlic, new potatoes and asparagus or pan fried medallions of beef and slow cooked ox cheek with caramelised chicory tart.

All this is happily served by helpful waiting staff, and with house wine at reasonable prices, no wonder that it is a popular venue.

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