Edmunds Fine Dining, Birmingham

We’re quite lucky really that we’ve eaten at some fantastic restaurants over the last 5 years including plenty of Michelin starred establishments and I guess this is why we’re fussy. Now last weekend we ate at Edmunds in Birmingham and I can honestly say that the service and food were comparable and in some cases better than some of those.

Situated in trendy Brindley Place in Birmingham, Edmund is small, probably less than 20 tables, and serves modern French cuisine. We were greeted by smiling staff who quickly took our jackets and took us to our table and throughout the meal, they continued to be friendly and helpful without being intrusive. There was a choice of menus – the Al a Carte priced at £40 for 2 courses or £45 for three, and the ‘Didiers Surprise Tasting Menu’ 8 courses priced at £75 per person. We went for the Al a Carte menu which was small but perfectly formed.

Following an amouse bouche of butternut squash and a ginger foam, I opted for the simply named ‘Scallops’. Pan fried hand dived Orkney Islands scallops with a celeriac remoulade, mousseline and apple tatin dressing. Three plump and juicy scallops straight from heaven. Without a shadow of a doubt they were the best either of us have ever had.

The hubby went for the ‘Lobster and Crab’ – Deep fried Devon lobster & crab risotto, medley of mushrooms, lobster bisque. It was basically a giant arancini with a rich bisque and soft earthy mushrooms. Its the first time we’ve seen mushrooms with seafood like that but worked surprisingly well.

For mains, no surprises for what the hubby ordered… you guessed it. Beef. I went for the Duck. Both were delicious and pretty as a picture on the plate. It came with Anna potatoes, confit shallot, wild mushrooms a watercress mousseline and a port jus It was tender, juicy and cooked to perfection – medium to rare. We both agreed that the watercress mousseline, though bitter on its own, worked excellently with the sweetness of the shallot. The Duck came with puy lentils and smoked duck, mini crispy potatos, wilted spinach and a rich duck jus. The duck was beautiful, crispy skin and pink moist flesh. The puy lentils were a nice touch too and a little bit different.

For dessert, after a sweet little mango and raspberry pre-dessert, we shared a toffee souffle with bitter chocolate ice cream. The very picture of the perfect souffle, it would have had any MasterChef finalist quaking in their boots. The waitress sealed the deal and the point that she cut it open and spooned chocolate icecream into the centre. Needless it didn’t hang around for long. Finally, we somehow managed the petit fours – macaroons, blackcurrant pastille and shortbread.

All in all, as I think you’ve probably gathered, we loved our meal at Edmunds. The staff were friendly but professional, the service excellent and food sang for itself. This is a really special place which is well worth a visit for your next birthday or other special occassion. Or, go mid week or choose to eat early and take advantage of their ‘Taste of Edmunds’ menu, very reasonably priced at £29.50 for 3 courses and available Tuesdays to Thursdays 5:30 – 10pm and Fridays and Saturdays up to 6:30pm.

We are already planning our next visit. I’d say to Adams, Simpsons, Turners and Purnells – watch out.. there could be a contender here for Birmingham’s next michelin star. The city is unstoppable at the moment for great food so be scared London, we’re coming to take your crown!

*We did not pay for our meal but my opinions are all my own.