Event: Haig Club Bar Launch at The Cube, Birmingham

It's highly likely that you'll have heard of Haig Whisky by way of David Beckham, the brand's high profile ambassador.

Although you may not be able to meet the man himself, you can now enjoy Haig Whisky, whisky cocktails and bar food at the newly launched Haig Club Bar.

Located on Level 25 of The Cube, right alongside Marco Pierre White's, the Haig Club Bar is a brand new whisky bar with a spectacular skyline view.

I was recently invited to try out the whisky itself along with cocktails and food from the new menu.

Welcomed with a shot of Haig Man and Haig, this was my first introduction to the brand. Something of a novice when it comes to the grain based spirit (you may remember I recently attended an event with the Birmingham Whisky Club), I thankfully rather enjoyed this single grain Scotch.

With a list of 22 cocktails to choose from, we may not have tried them all, but we did try quite a few. As well as Pears in Paradise, we also enjoyed the Clubman Apple Mule, Ginger Julep and Berry Beauty which was sensationally served in a cocktail pyramid, expertly poured by head barman Jack Spencer.

The venue itself is intimate but comfortable with plenty of tables and bars stools to make sure there's space to sit and enjoy the evening. Inspired by the bottle itself, the blue and copper themed bar is relaxing and sumptuous, and I especially liked the blue velvet chairs and copper tables located by the floor to ceiling windows.

The entire menu was available for us to try including Chicken Satay Skewers, Smoked Duck and Sesame Skewers, Halloumi and Courgette Flowers, Aromatic King Prawns, Iberico Ham and Dijon Croquettes, Scotch Eggs, Patatas Bravas, Moules Mariniere, Chorizo Frito al Vino, Crispy Fried Calamari, Chorizo and Black Pudding Sausage Rolls and Black Pudding Bon Bons.

Although not everything was gluten free, the team was very good at signposting and I did end up trying a few dishes such as the Patatas Bravas, King Prawns and Chicken Satay, but do check with the team if you're gluten free or have any other dietary requirements.

The grand finale had to the be watching head barman jack expertly mix and pour a whole pyramid of cocktails for us at the bar. As you can see, it was pretty spectacular; and the Berry Beauty cocktail itself was easy to drink too.

The whisky itself? I found it smooth and easy to drink, as well as expertly blended and matched in the cocktails on offer at Haig Club Bar.

If you're looking for a new hang out in Birmingham, Haig Club Bar is as smooth and intimate as the whisky itself. 

The Haig Club Bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm-1am and offers up cocktails, mixers, whisky by the bottle and snacks and sharers.

*With thanks to Haig Club Bar and Rewired for the invitation. 

Event: Marco Pierre White Birmingham Rooftop Terrace VIP Launch

When you receive an invite to Marco Pierre White's Rooftop Terrace VIP Launch, you know you're going to need a new dress.

Sadly the only thing I could find was a black summer number, but I digress.

As one of the hottest places to be seen in Birmingham, we locals and visitors alike love to flock to the rooftop terrace when the sun's out. But when the rain starts to come in, we've always had to duck for cover; until now.

Having undergone a £100,000 transformation, with a new conservatory to shield us from the elements, guests can now enjoy the rooftop views come rain or shine, and there are even new heaters and blankets on hand.

Promising free flowing Bottega prosecco, the invitation wasn't wrong as I made my way up to the 25th floor to see the newly revamped terrace.

Supplying us with Bottega served in stylish test-tube like glasses as well as nibbles from the new Light Bite Menu including Mushroom Arancini and Glazed Pork Belly, the terrace was full of the city's glitterati.

There was even a gold Bottega motorcycle on display!

Are you visiting the MPW terrace soon?

Photo credit: Mark Little Photography

*With thanks to MPW for the invitation

Afternoon Tea at Marco Pierre White Birmingham - Mother's Day Father's Day and even Easter

The good folks at Marco Pierre White's in Birmingham have seriously upped the afternoon tea ante. Afternoon tea as you know it is all about sandwiches, scones and cakes. However, MPW has come up with not one, not two, but three variations on the traditional afternoon tea. As well as traditional afternoon tea, the team has dreamt up a Mother's Day, Father's Day and Easter afternoon tea.

Gentleman's Afternoon Tea

I was kindly invited the try out all three, and as always, as a gluten free blogger, my experience was a little different from everyone else's. As well as offering up the three different afternoon tea's above, I was treated to a special gluten free version.

To start, we have the Mother's Day afternoon tea. Mother's Day is on 6th March this year guys so don't forget!!

Here's what's included:

Sandwich Selection
Mini Brie & Spinach Quiche
Beetroot Gazpacho
Mini Fruit Pavlova
Petit Fours
Sponge Cakes
Macaroons
Shortbread Finger

In chronological order, Easter is next on 27th March. if you're thinking of getting friends and family together here's what you can enjoy:

Sandwich Selection
Scotch Quail Egg
Rabbit Ballotine
Scone
Hot Cross Bun
Chocolate Egg
Petit Fours

Finally, Father's Day is on 19th June. MPW has created a gentleman's afternoon tea for the occasion. Sadly, I didn't have a gent to try this out for me but I do have pictures!

Tamworth Streaky Bacon Sandwich
Open Roast Beef on Ciabatta
Fishfinger Sandwich on Ciabatta
Homemade Scotch Egg
Homemade Sausage & Stilton Roll
Welsh Rarebit on Cheese Scone
Baked Guinness Pudding with Brandy Cream
Bottle of Crafty Dan 13 Guns IPA or Purity Longhorn IPA or Purity Lawless Lager

Onto my special gluten free version. My afternoon tea was a little bit of a mix between the Easter, Mother's Day and traditional afternoon tea and included:

Chocolate egg and raspberries
Plain scone, clotted cream and jam
Meringue nests topped with cream, kiwi and raspberries
Almondy cake
Sandwich selection

It was so kind of the chefs to put this together for me :)

The sandwiches were lovely, and the scone in particular was fantastic. I loved the addition of raspberries with the chocolate egg, it made me feel a little bit healthier!!

Which afternoon tea is your favourite? Personally, I love the look of the Gentleman's Afternoon tea and the guys amongst us seemed to really enjoy it.

Are you taking your mum or dad out for a special treat? All the above are available to book for £29.99 including a glass of champagne for Mother's Day and either the above beer or a glass of champagne for Father's Day. Available daily from 12-5pm. Further details here.

Marco Pierre White Wimbledon Themed Afternoon Tea

Wimbledon is just a few days away, and for those of you who want to take part in the festivities without having to leave the city, Marco Pierre White Birmingham has created something special.

Famous for the Level 25 Terrace, host to many parties, events and glittering gatherings, the terrace is a beautiful spot to enjoy views of Birmingham and beyond and soak up the summer sun.

This is exactly what I did along with a few fellow bloggers where we were able to bask in the June sun and enjoy afternoon tea, a glass of champers and the finest British strawberries to boot.

To get into the spirit of Wimbledon, Marco Pierre White has launched a Strawberries and Cream themed drinks package. You can enjoy a basket of strawberries and thick, clotted cream and a glass of Lanson Champagne for £15pp based on two sharing. Alternatively, you could purchase a bottle for £70 and receive the strawberries for free. The standard afternoon tea is also available so you could stick to fruit or indulge in sweet pastries and delicate sandwiches too to make it extra indulgent.

We were so lucky to be able to enjoy a lovely sunny evening on the roof terrace in prime position on one of the outdoor sofas. I was able to try out the gluten free version of the afternoon tea which is available when booked in advance, My favourite part was the indulgent desserts and the apple crumble cake in particular!

The spot is perfect for people watching, lounging and generally relaxing, and I can't recommend it enough, especially for a special treat.

Will you be at Wimbledon or are you planning on staying out on the terrace?

Food Review: Marco's New York Italian Kenilworth

Marco Pierre White is one of the biggest names in gastronomy and following an illustrious career in the kitchen, famously handed back his Michelin stars and turned his attention to business.

Following the opening of Marco's New York Italian in Stratford Upon Avon, the newest venue to open it's doors is Marco's New York Italian in Kenilworth.

I was lucky enough to be invited to dine at the restaurant just over a week ago and was excited to see the restaurant and also to visit Kenilworth for the first time.

Not far from Leamington Spa and out in the leafy countryside, Marco's New York Italian is inside the Holiday Inn Kenilworth. With an on site car park it was easy to find and reach and is right in the centre of town. Famous for that stripy chair, the restaurant featured all the usual Marcos touches such as an impressive wine rack and images of the man himself.

The restaurant itself was comfortable and roomy and perfect for groups, couples and families.

After an introduction from the restaurant manager, we sat down to some very glamorous drinks (I had a non alcoholic cocktail on this occasion) and took a look at the menu over a sharing basket of bread and olives (none for me sadly).

Having already dined at Marco's Stratford, I decided that I wanted to try something different to what I had last time. I was able to see an allergens menu first and was very impressed with how clear and easy to use this was. Despite being tempted by the sharing platters, I went for the Baked Field Mushrooms with spinach and blue cheese and a 10oz Rib Eye Steak for mains.

I'm so glad I chose the mushrooms to start as they were divine; thick meaty mushrooms with salty smattering of blue cheese melted just enough on top.

Next, my steak arrived customised to my liking. In an attempt to be good I ordered new potatoes instead of lazy fries and they were just as good as chips I swear! My steak was decent and the garlic tomato was a nice touch as it's always good to eat your vegetables.

Finally, I chose the most amazing dessert, a Melting Chocolate Truffle Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. I'm sure everyone who saw this cake had some serious food envy because it was divine. Not only was the presentation perfect, but the cake itself was a warm, gooey, melting pot of chocolate goodness. More please!

I had a great time at Marco's New York Italian Kenilworth and think it would make a great place for lunch or dinner in the village. I'd love to go back and explore the castle and I would definitely drop in for coffee and a cake at tea time or dinner in the evening for a special occasion.

*I was invited to dine as a guest of Marco's New York Italian Kenilworth