Barnt Green Inn, The

It is a welcome surprise to find a pub that has firmly grasped the gastro nettle in and around the Midlands, with pretty sensational results that include demonstrably freshly cooked food and a high zing factor, all sited in an imposing Tudor building of great character and true heritage.

• Address: 22 Kendal End Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham, B45 8PZ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): English, Gastropub, Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £28.00

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Beeches Bar & Grill, The

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The Beeches Bar and Grill with its warm relaxing colours, comfy sofas and fine views, is a sought-after place to eat and drink in the Solihull area. Located on the hill in the picturesque village of Hampton In Arden, it has an excellent name for serving an eclectic mix of fresh food, with a tapas-style starters menu, and main dishes that depend upon simplicity and good presentation.

• Address: Marsh Lane, Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull, B92 0AH (Map)
• Cuisine(s): European, Gastropub, Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £20.00, Dinner: £28.00

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Bluu - Birmingham

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Bluu opened in March 2008, to rapturous sounds from both its public to be and the more discerning critics. On the edge of the city's famed Jewellery Quarter, Bluu has the advantage of experience gained from its close relatives in four of England's major cities.

• Address: Islington Gates, Summer Row, Birmingham, B3 1JH (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Brasserie, Modern British, Modern European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £28.00

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Cock Inn at Wishaw, The

A watering hole, well known amongst ramblers who often set out to explore the countryside of West Midlands, The Cock Inn at Wishaw, has an interior all set for a fine dining experience. Such features as an open kitchen, stone fired ovens and log burning fires all combine to make this a friendly local that draws people in from a wide area.

• Address: Bulls Lane, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9QL (Map)
• Cuisine(s): English, Gastropub, Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £28.00

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Crown, The

Behind the traditional façade of The Crown lies a surprisingly modern interior with people coming in to enjoy the pub's peaceful atmosphere and tasty cooking. The dining area is smartly attired with comfy sofas, artistic lampshades and spot lighting, and there's al fresco seating for those who'd like a breath of fresh air.

• Address: 83 Wergs Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9BP (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Gastropub, Mediterranean
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £28.00

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Lyttelton Arms

It is a wonderful surprise to find a pub that has firmly grasped the gastro nettle in and around the Midlands, with pretty sensational results that include demonstrably freshly cooked food and a high zing factor.

• Address: Bromsgrove Road, Hagley, nr Stourbridge, DY9 9LJ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Gastropub, International
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £28.00

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Plough & Harrow, The

The Plough and Harrow served as an old coaching inn in the past and is now restored to become a spacious country pub and eating house, with large open areas and numerous alcoves. It retains its old world charm with stone floors, exposed beams, leaded windows and roaring log fires.

• Address: 770 Chester Road, Walsall, WS9 0LR (Map)
• Cuisine(s): English, Gastropub, Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £28.00

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San Carlo - Birmingham

When one of the country's most respected and leading critics says that this restaurant is "the best Italian Restaurant outside London" it is time to take them seriously. Britain's love affair with Italian food is a cause célèbre of long standing and shows no signs of waning, so it is always welcome news when somewhere like San Carlo sets out to reach for the skies.

• Address: 4 Temple Street, Birmingham, B2 5BN (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Italian
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £22.00, Dinner: £40.00

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Simpsons Restaurant with Rooms

Located on the Calthorpe Estate, just one mile from the city centre, and in a conservation area, Simpsons's owners, Andreas and Alison Antona have adapted a handsome Grade II-listed house in which to set up their enterprise, one of the focal points of which is the dining room, with seventy covers.

• Address: 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3DU (Map)
• Cuisine(s): French, Modern
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £32.00, Dinner: £70.00

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The Bilash Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant

Whether or not you are a Wolves supporter, Wolverhampton has a good West Midlands ring to it, an area that is synonymous with Indian food of the best kind. So when you hear that The Bilash appears in the most distinguished guides, including the Michelin and Good Food Guides, and has a list of Awards that would outdo the left hand side of a Russian general’s uniform in quality and colour, you know that something much better than usual is afoot.

• Address: No.2 Cheapside, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TU (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Bangladeshi, Indian
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £38.00

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