Birmingham
Rico Libre

Rico Libre

1 Barn Street, Birmingham B5 5QD, United Kingdom

Tapas • Fusion • European • Mediterranean


"What a fabulous little gem this place is! Hidden in the deepest, darkest backstreets of Digbeth (well, that might be an exaggeration but it is away from the main drag , this little Tapas joint only came to my attention via Twitter. After hearing some of the Birmingham Twitterati talk about a hot new venue, I knew we had to be one of the first people to go and try it! Firstly, let's talk booking. I had messed up with the night I had originally planned to take the guys and had put the event down as a Tuesday night (when they aren't open . Erica G. had handily spotted my mistake and spurred me into action booking the venue. I messaged them via their Facebook page and got a response almost instantaneously. Although they weren't open the night I had specified, they offered to open up as a private party for us (which is available to anyone , but I figured the minimum spend of £200 might be a tad unachievable for the amount of people that wanted to come along. After a new date was decided, I got in contact and booked for 10 people. Over the next week or so, that quickly became 12 people, which became 14... On the day itself I had to change the booking for 19 people; but they were fantastic and accommodating throughout the whole process and insisted that I wasn't being a pain (which I was! . The table was booked for 7:30, but I decided it would be prudent to get down a little earlier to ensure everyone knew we were there. We were greeted warmly and shown to our large table put together to fit the majority of our group. The venue is BYOB and we were given glasses and our bottles were opened whilst we waited for everyone to arrive. The venue isn't the Ritz. It has a lovely warm charm (like sitting in someones kitchen and the mismatched furniture, pictures on the walls and large hand drawn chalkboard really make you feel at home. The service matches the decor... Friendly, helpful and chirpy throughout; I did feel like I'd been invited around for dinner at a friends house. When we were all ready to order, our choices were very prudently noted down next to our names and the whole process was done quickly and efficiently. Their are other options on offer, but with the Tapas being 3 dishes for £10, it's a great way to try lots of things off the menu without breaking the bank. I went for quail, gambas and meatballs and waited excitedly for the food to be bought out! The menu offers lots of meat and vegetarian choice. As we had a vegetarian dining with us, this was greatly appreciated. Whilst we were waiting we were treated to some warm bread from the kitchen... This was a lovely touch and went down a storm. Everyone's food came out fairly swiftly (no mean feat when catering for such a large group . All of my choices ended up being divine. The Quail was a WHOLE QUAIL and all of the dishes were served in delicious sauces with just the right amount of spice. I couldn't fit a dessert in at the end... I was just too stuffed. So, as a summary... The booking; easy as pie. The service; warm and friendly. The venue; welcoming and homely and the food.... Simply divine. My bill came to £10 (as described and I would expect a meal like that would cost you at least double (if not triple elsewhere. The restaurant is planning to open on more evenings and get a license to serve drinks. My advice is to book and try it now before it becomes impossible to get a table."

The Barton Arms

The Barton Arms

144 High Street Aston Birmingham, West Midlands B6 4UP, B6 4US, United Kingdom

Thai • Sushi • Seafood • Asiatic


"Welcome to birmingham. Welcome to the bartons arms. Usually when I visit a pub, I take some quick photos of the pub sign and go inside. I didn't know where to show my camera. there was so much to inspire the eyes. the red brick building takes a large space on the corner of the high road in aston. When they look around outside, they remember to look up again. the beauty goes far beyond the second floor. the eyes sweetness go on when they enter. the deck is high. the middle piece is the fine rounded wood beam surface. the eyes are worn to the big staircase and glitter as they take the decorative percaline wall craft. Right is a beautiful bar from the 19th century. right is the restaurant that is designed from the original lounge area. the glass window at the far end of the restaurant is great. I sat at a table that was more used to putting a pint than a court. the service was attentive and accurate. I felt it could have been more relaxed, smiling to bring those warmth I enjoy. the food came quickly. the bartons arms offer great games for Thai cuisine. very tasteful. at midday an express dinner is offered. for £10.50 you can order a starter and main. excellent value for money. I could not argue about the quality of eating. I would like to see the courts differently presented. they leave the standard white crockery. what is with about 2 tons fine porcelain. try some variations on the presentation of eating. the bartons arms is a hidden gem in birmingham. a pub I would like to recommend to anyone who visits our humble city. the Thai food it offers is an excellent value for money. some food and service presentation tweaks would make the barton arms to the Thai restaurant of the choice in birmingham."