The Canal House opens in Birmingham

A narrowboat, amazing food, a canalside setting and breathtaking decor? Sounds like an evening at The Canal House.

The company behind The Botanist in Birmingham are responsible for The Canal House, which is the city's newest offering.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the VIP launch* of The Canal House, along with four guests. So I brought my family girl squad along with me. The evening started out on a narrowboat, where we were treated to a beer tasting masterclass, for the duration of the journey along the canal, to the venue.

Thank you to Lauren who educated us on the three beers on offer. I wasn't really until beer until a couple of years ago - now I'm quite partial to one occasionally.

We arrived at The Canal House after a few minutes and I was impressed. Now, I'm told that it used to be the James Brindley pub but I'd never seen it before last Tuesday evening, so I wasn't sure what to expect. You can tell some time has been taken over design though. It fits in very nicely amongst the other restaurants and bars around the canal. It's a lovely addition. 

We were still busy with our lager, so didn't order drinks at the bar but I did witness a bartender make an impressive looking cocktail called 'The Lady Killer'. He was lovely, until a lady who I'm assuming was his manager snapped at him to start serving. Like, I get it but speak to your staff nicely. Anyway, after a few minutes we were seated.

I was seriously obsessed with the decor in there. I snapped so many photos of the bits and bobs - treasure, if you like - that they had dotted around.

I had a portion of baked kale to start with. It was presented so nicely, looked way better than when I do it at home. It was seasoned slightly differently to how I usually have it and it's not something I see on restaurant menus very often.

 The gin based cocktails are gorgeous. If memory serves me correctly, Silent Pool and Old Ruby are pictured here.

Between starters and mains, a few of us went exploring. There's a whole 'nother world going on upstairs. It's beautiful. There was live entertainment from 'The Goodfellows' and there are private dining areas too.

I opted for pork belly for my main; it was a simple, good meal. No more, no less. It was presented kebab-style. Very original. I'd definitely have it again.

I was very pleased to see Affogato on the dessert menu. It consisted of rum and raisin ice cream, espresso and a shot of liquer. A-ma-zing. 

A huge thank you to the team at The Canal House - especially our waitress Hannah. We were well looked-after and will definitely be back. If you're looking for a chilled few hours, this is definitely the place. 

Lots of love, 

Melly 

xo 

*Disclaimer: myself and four guests were invited to the launch of The Canal House, en gratis, to provide social media coverage. Words and photos are my own.