This was one of the first places in the city where you could go and have rare fine wines by the glass. They have a great selection, and the staff, mostly ex-sommeliers, are really knowledgeable. If you want to go out for a drink and try something new, this is definitely the place to go to.
36 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU; lokiwine.co.uk
The Cod’s Scallops
This recently opened fish and chip shop is really traditional, with a great menu. There’s a lot more on offer than just cod and haddock: they do things like bass, mackerel, monkfish and potted shrimps, too. Their pies are also really good. It’s all done well, like in the good old days.
85 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9ND; codsscallops.com
Soho Road
I love Soho Road. It’s full of shops selling mithai Indian sweets, and places where you can pick up chaats and pakoras – all that sort of stuff. There’s a really good range, and you can still find lovely vegetable samosas with tamarind dip for 45p. It has a real old-school vibe.
Carters of Moseley
I’ve always admired the Michelin-starred Carters of Moseley. I love what owners Brad and Holly are doing. They really celebrate Birmingham and its food history. One dish they do is Birmingham soup, which is based on a beef and vegetable soup that the industrialist Matthew Boulton served to his workers in the 18th century.
2c St Mary’s Row, Wake Green Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9EZ; cartersofmoseley.co.uk