To listen to this episode of our Birmingham based food podcast Breaking Bread with Kray Treadwell and hear all about what to expect from 670 grams his new restaurant. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
What To Expect From 670 Grams?
In this week’s episode, we welcome back mega-talented Kray Treadwell. The former head chef of Michelin Starred Man Behind The Curtain, and finalist of BBCs Great British Menu is back to tell us all about 670 Grams, his brand new restaurant.
Kray is on a mission to bring the fine dining experience to a brand new audience, with an emphasis on quality food & drink at an affordable price. The menu is an ever-changing 10-course tasting menu costing just £60. Inspired by foods “I just like eating” such as the fried chicken-esque veal popcorn, or the bread/cheese/spring onion course derived from the humble Tesco cheese & onion sandwich.
670 Grams A Restaurant Unlike Any Other
670 grams has the most unique interior in the city. The 16 cover restaurant has an open plan kitchen upstairs and a modern restaurant designed with the help of 2G Design & Build complimented with stunning murals from local artists https://www.instagram.com/hotpantsromance/ & https://www.instagram.com/ollietattoo/ Kray states repeatedly in the episode that everything about this restaurant is personal to his style.
Need To Know
Where– The Custard Factory, 4 Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AU.
To listen to this episode of our Birmingham based food podcast with Kate & Sam and hear all about the potato project. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
Hello and welcome to this episode of Breaking Bread. This episode Liam speaks to Kate from Slow Food Birmingham & Sam from Eat Make Play. We talk about both organisations before talking about the brilliant The Potato Project. To purchase 10kg of potatoes or donate visit http://slowfoodbirmingham.co.uk/campaigns/
Podcast Amongst The Potatoes
What Is The Potato Project?
Charlie, a farmer north of the city, had a field full of spuds and no prospect of selling them because of the drop in trade in the hospitality sector. This is a significant issue occurring in our food supply chain as a direct result of the disruption caused by Covid-19.
To make sure he can grow next season’s crop and remain viable, Charlie needs to dig up the potatoes and find new customers fast or let them rot and add to the growing numbers of food that is wasted, before it can be eaten.
We are working with Eat Make Play to move the potatoes into the emergency food system, but we also want to pay the farmer a fair price for his crop.
So, here’s our solution to support Charlie, the emergency food system and of course find a small way of thanking you!
10kg of potatoes for £10
10kg is an awful lot of spuds for any household. So we’re asking you, to donate eight of those kilos to the emergency food system, to help feed people who are struggling to feed themselves. We will send your 2 reward kilos to various pick-up locations across the city.
To listen to this episode of our Birmingham based food podcast with Mary & Shane from Mary’s Cupcakes. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
Hello & welcome to Breaking Bread, In this episode, Liam talks to baker, entrepreneur, full-time mommy of four & creator of Mary’s Cupcakes, Mary Stevens. They talk about how Mary’s cupcakes were created, running a successful business with four young children, and about Mary’s brilliant Instagram.
Who Are Mary’s Cupcakes?
Mary’s Cupcakes was created by Mary Stevens, from a love of baking and a desire to make excellent quality, indulgent and fun brownies and chocolate creations which bring a treat day for the whole family.
Today Mary’s cupcake is a family affair. As well as his full-time job Mary’s husband Shane helps out answering emails, messages and doing deliveries. Mary’s mom Christine, plays a number of vital roles in the operation. Christine and Mary’s four children are in charge of quality control & taste testing, a dream job I would say.
Unicorn Brownie
Where Can I Buy Mary’s Cupcakes Treats?
In normal times Mary can be found at markets in Sutton Coldfield & Redditch, (Check Their Instagram For More) where she has built a loyal following. Mary is famous for her selection of treats being varied & original, her creations born out of her childlike enthusiasm for making the ultimate treat. Like the easter egg smash, a Cadbury’s creme egg wrapped in brownie covered in marshmallow and packed inside a large Cadbury’s easter egg, bound to force a smile and encourage your inner child’s desire to just smash it open.
Biscoff Brownie Half Egg
As well as the markets, Mary’s cupcakes have a brand new website. The website has an online store where you can buy boxes of treats to be delivered to your door. You can even make it a regular occasion by subscribing.
Treat Day For The NHS
It all started with an order from one of Mary’s loyal customers for some brownies which were to be gifted to some NHS employees. When Mary heard about this gesture she loved it. The idea of these hard-working heroes taking a break and treating themselves to a cuppa and a treat got her thinking. What if, with the help of my loyal customers and followers I could donate boxes of brownies to hospitals all over the Midlands?
Mary set up a donations page on her website so that people can donate cash which Mary turns in to boxes of brownies and delivers treat day to NHS workers. So far nearly £700 has been donated that’s nearly 30 boxes delivered to these amazing people who are doing such a brilliant job. You can donate HERE
Family Baking
A huge part of Mary’s success is the family element. If you follow Mary’s Cupcakes on Instagram you will often find Mary & her trusted team of taste testers experimenting in the kitchen.
Baking can be a fun & educational exercise for children, so Mary has very kindly given us their favourite recipe to do as a family for you to try at home.
Gingerbread man
125g softened butter (or dairy free butter I like vitalite) 60g dark brown sugar (or coconut sugar) 70g honey 1 egg 1 tsp bicarbonate soda 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon 300g plain flour (or whole meal white flour)
1. Mix butter, sugar & honey together with a spoon 2. Add egg and mix together 3. Add all the dry ingredients and mix with your hands. 4. Chill for 10 – 15 mins in the fridge 5. Once chilled roll out, cut and place on a baking try. 6. Bake for 8-9mins 180c 7. Let them cool 8. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, raisins, chocolate chips whatever you like.
NOTES
• Kids who like to get messy will love this. kids who struggle with textures this will help them to experience the dry to wet texture and learn by combining wet & dry will produce a dough. • I try to get my older children to read the recipe and measure the quantities. The younger 2 will measure the tsp ingredients. • Sometimes we throw more flour on the work while we wait for the dough to chill and write letters, numbers, shapes, words etc • If it’s been a bad day and parents you know what I mean. I sometimes I make the dough myself and just get the kids to roll the dough and cut them out 😀
To listen to this episode of our Birmingham based food podcast Breaking Bread all about What to expect from Dishoom Birmingham. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
Who Are Dishoom?
Indian restaurant group Dishoom is coming to Birmingham, but who are Dishoom? Dishoom offers a unique Indian dining experience based on the Irani cafes found in Bombay. With five restaurants in London, one in Manchester, one in Edinburgh Dishoom Birmingham will be the eighth to open.
With India being portrayed in Britain by many outdated cliches Co-founders Kavi & Shamil created Dishoom out of a desire for a more authentic reflection of India & her food.
Dishoom Kensington
What Is An Irani Cafe?
Towards the end of the 19th Century start of the 20th Century, Iranis fleeing famine and persecution arrived in Bombay, opening small cafes serving Irani chai & traditional baked snacks.
Dining out in Bombay at the start of the 20th Century was complicated and quite segregated. This was not the case in the Irani cafes, as migrants, they did not care for exclusivity, serving all religions and classes. Irani cafes were for everybody.
The all-inclusive aspect of the original Irani cafes is very much alive at Dishoom. Celebrities and bankers drink vintage champagne and cocktails alongside students drinking bottomless chai and eating buns. All religions are welcome and celebrated at Dishoom, with special events held for Eid, Christmas, Diwali, and Holi.
Dishoom Charity Work
Just as the original Irani cafes were safe spaces for people of all walks of life to sit & break bread, Dishoom also wants to be a space for all. An example of this is their knot of protection event. Inspired by Tagore who in 1905 sought to inspire love & respect between Hindu & Muslim in Bengal, by encouraging them to tie a piece of thread around each other’s wrists in what was a ritual between sister & brother. The message was clear, You can not divide us!
So last year for Raksha Bandhan Dishoom encouraged their customers to tie a rakhi on someone of a different faith, nationality or culture, and donated £7485 to the incredible seeds of peace charity. A charity that takes teenagers from conflict areas such as Palestine & Israel and educates them in an attempt to encourage peace.
Dishoom Dining Room
Ramadan 2015 Dishoom co-owner Shamil & the groups’ executive chef Naved Nasir decided for their Zakat, they would support two wonderful charities. Magic Breakfast UK and The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India. Dishoom decided to partner with these charities permanently, and regularly hold fundraising events.
The UK based charity Magic Breakfast aims to put an end to hunger being a barrier to education in schools by providing healthy breakfasts to vulnerable children. Indian Akshaya Patra Foundation provides daily school meals to ensure ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger’.
Bacon Naan
What To Expect From Dishoom Birmingham?
The Story
Each of the Dishoom restaurants is based on a fictional story. Dishoom King Cross being near the train station tells the story of a young Irani who comes to Bombay with nothing, who starts selling Chai & baked goods from a stall before expanding into one of the coal sheds & dominating the godown. Kensington Dishoom takes influence from a 1940s Bombay obsessed with Art Deco. Which is the setting for the Bombay Roxy, a cafe by day, jazz club at night based in an old cinema building & owned by the charismatic Cyrus Irani.
For Dishoom Birmingham- The City Of A Thousand Trades they took inspiration from the story of Roda Irani. Roda Irani was the daughter of a market trader who embraced her father’s belief in free trade and began selling hearty plates of Akuri, Keema Pau, Omelets and their specialty of crunchy Brun Maska alongside the traditional things sold by her father. When her father passed she took over the shop and under her reigns, it thrived. Now with a daughter of her own who never lived under the British Raj & upset that her father never lived to see Indian independence, Roda decides it’s time to educate her daughter on India’s past, on their past and tells her all about how they won their freedom through a thousand trades.
Keema per eedu/Bhel/Pau Bhaji
The Food
Dishoom Birmingham will open all day for breakfast, lunch & dinner and if the other restaurants are anything to go by, it will be popular at all times. The breakfast menu is one of the most original menus in the city with dishes like the Akuri (Irani scrambled eggs), keema per eedu (spiced minced chicken, fried egg & potato) and banana & date porridge. However, it is the incredible breakfast naans that have become notorious, four rashers of thick-cut quality bacon, tomato & chili jam, and cream cheese stuffed into a fluffy freshly made naan bread.
Dishoom’s main menu served from 12pm daily, is a dream team selection of all of the best street food staples & Irani cafe favorites traditionally found in Bombay. There’s small plates like Pau Bhaji (mashed vegetables with a homemade hot buttered bun) Vada Pau (spicy potato patties in a bun, like a chip butty) and prawn Koliwada (crispy prawns). There’s also a selection of grilled meats, curries, biriyanis and even a dish created especially for Dishoom Birmingham The Mutton Chaap Korma.
Mutton Chaap Korma
To Drink
Dishoom is fully licensed and offers a large selection of beers wines & spirits including the Dishoom IPA beer, but is very well known for its cocktail menu. As well as a special dish, Dishoom has come up with a special cocktail, exclusive to Birmingham. The Bombay Mule is a tall refreshing drink made from Bombay’s favourite whiskey, Johnnie Walker Black Label, chai spices, topped up with ginger beer.
Bombay Mule
Other Info
Address- Dishoom Birmingham, Paradise, One Chamberlain Square, B3 3HQ
Opening Times Are 8-Midnight
Lots of vegetarian & vegan options
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the opening of Dishoom Birmingham has been postponed
To listen to this episode of our Birmingham based food podcast Breaking Bread with Maribel head Chef Harvey Perttola and hear his fantastic story. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
Chef Harvey Perttola
Chef Harvey Perttola
This week we were very lucky to sit and recorded with one of the most talented young chefs in the country. At just 25 years old Harvey is already head chef at a prestigious fine dining restaurant, Maribel.
Like a lot of successful chefs, Harvey was passionate about cooking for as long as he can remember. Realising school, and its traditional teaching methods were not for him, Harvey found focus in home economics classes, and entering into a cooking competition judged by Opus Head Chef David Colcombe.
Opus
Although he didn’t win, David Colcombe was so impressed with Harvey he offered him a weekend job at Opus. Only 14 years old Harvey loved the kitchen environment and jumped at the chance to go full time once he finished school.
Apple Pie
Hampton Manor
After finishing his apprenticeship at Opus chef Harvey Perttola worked there for a few years, before deciding to move to pastures new to gain more experience. Harvey joined the talented brigade at highly rated Peels at Hampton Manor.
During his time at Peels Harvey Perttola refined his skills adding to what he had learned at Opus, even cooking for Michelin and being part of the team that won the coveted star. After the head chef left and a few changes to the team Harvey became a bit frustrated with the lack of promotion opportunities and was unsure if cheffing was still for him.
Pork/Langoustine/Leek
Maribel
After flirting with recruitment and some temping jobs Harvey Perttola started working at Birmingham fine dining restaurant, Maribel. Working under mega-talented chef Turner Harvey continued to hone his talents and when chef Turner left he decided to make his vision for Maribel & his food beliefs known, and the owners decided he was a perfect fit for the head chef role.
To listen to this episode of Breaking Bread with Wilderness owner Alex Claridge, and hear his fantastic story. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
Alex Claridge
Alex Claridge
After quitting his “boring corporate job”, Birmingham chef Alex Claridge decided to follow his dream and start cooking. After a few jobs in local pubs, restaurants & catering kitchens Alex started doing pop-ups at the brilliantly quirky Kitchen Garden Cafe in Kings Heath.
The Wilderness Journey
The Wilderness
Alex is no stranger to controversy or speed bumps. Very shortly after following his dream of opening his own restaurant ‘Nomad’, Alex was contacted by the lawyers of American hotel NoMad demanding Alex changes the name.
Shortly after the restaurant reopened as Wilderness. Like all great entrepreneurs, Alex learned from this disappointment and used it as motivation to turn Wilderness into one of the best restaurants in Birmingham.
Legendary ‘Oh Bollocks’
A New Mature Wilderness
The three AA Rosette restaurant prides itself on being a reflection of Birmingham with plenty of multicultural influences on the menu. Alex has big plans to double down on this “Birmingham story through food ” philosophy when he moves the restaurant on to its next chapter. A move into the old Nocturnal Animals venue on Bennetts Hill in the city centre, in what will be a more mature & refined version of the excellent Wilderness we know & love.
To listen to this episode of Breaking Bread with Rosie & Leonie from action for refugees and hear their fantastic story. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
Hello & welcome back to our Birmingham based food podcast presented by food-obsessed friends Carl & Liam. This week we were extremely lucky to sit down and chat with the lovely people behind the charity Kings Heath & Bearwood action for refugees
Action For Refugees Charity
Action for Refugees is a network of local community groups who are committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
We are not-for-profit charitable organisations working with local individuals, groups, and schools to help refugees. We deliver a range of community fundraising events and promote awareness, befriending, support and solidarity for refugees and asylum seekers living in Birmingham and the Black Country and those seeking safe passage across Europe
This Cookbook Belongs To Us
This Cookbook Belongs To Us
We first came across this wonderful charity, when they were hosting an event in a park near us which involved lots of local cafes & eateries. After looking into the charity we found out they actually have a fantastic cookbook.
We have always believed food and in particular sharing food to be a very powerful way of breaking down barriers in the community. We heard in our podcast with the people behind crazy gin, that their parents used to cook for all their neighbours. This helped settle them into their new community.
Chicken Balti
This cookbook is about that. Birmingham has such an amazing mix of nationalities and cultures, and this cookbook is a collection of recipes & stories from all different nationalities who have settled in Birmingham.
We celebrate the many cultures and cuisines enjoyed in Birmingham and Smethwick, from home-cooked meals passed through the generations, to show-stopping restaurant recipes. All proceeds from this book will aid refugees in transit. BUY THE BOOK HERE
You’re Welcome Bab
Punks & Chancers “You’re Welcome BAB”
In a celebration of how diverse & welcoming our city is. Action For Refugees has teamed up with one of Brum’s best clothing brands, to bring you their new you’re welcome bab T-shirt. All profits from this go to Action For Refugees. YOU CAN BUY THIS AWESOME T-SHIRT HERE
To listen to this episode of Breaking Bread with Laura from Bite Your Brum Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on thisLINK
Hello and welcome to Breaking Bread. Not really an interview this week more of a conversation all about food. We were lucky enough to sit down with award-winning writer and food blogger Laura AKA Bite Your Brum.
Bite Your Brum Award Winning Food Blog
Lauras much loved food blog is jam-packed full of restaurant reviews and food ramblings. With articles such as 10 places to eat alone in Birmingham, Best pizzas in Birmingham & best beer gardens in Birmingham Bite Your Brum blog is very useful for locals and visitors to Brum.
We had such a fun conversation with Laura, which included reminiscing for the old Snobs and trying to decide the best burger in Birmingham. Laura is a fabulous ambassador for our city and her passion for the city and its ever-growing food scene is obvious
music is the royalty-free track I will not let you let me down by joshwoodwardfreemusicarchive.org/music/Josh_Woodward/ edited by Liam Haughey under creative license 3 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
If you enjoyed this episode why not take a look back at our episodes with
To find out more about Beer Central Festival, just listen to this episode of Breaking Bread Podcast with Greg, Oli & Donncha. Press play on the player above, alternatively you can listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on this link https://breakingbreadpodcastuk.blog/listen/
Beer Central Festival
HELLO FOODIES, Welcome to a very special bonus episode. We have a cracking chat with Beer Central Festival organiser Greg and Digbrew owner Oli and their head brewer Donncha.
Beer Central Festival is only 1 WEEK AWAY. It is a brand new exciting two day beer festival, you hear all about it in the episode. It’s a great episode and i’m mega excited for the festival. There are still tickets available, just head to the website below.
Clio
To celebrate the festival We Are Beer teamed up with a few other local breweries including Digbrew to create an interesting beer for the festival. It’s called Clio, the origin behind the name is brilliant and well worth listening to the podcast to hear the story behind it.
“Suped Up Clio”
Beer Central Festival
Great Beer (Obviously)
The festival takes place at new venue 119 Digbeth and runs in three sessions. Friday 6th July 18.00-2300, and two sessions Saturday 1130-16.30 and 18.00-23.00. Tickets cost £45 and include a free glass, a program plus all Beer. With beer from over 30 Breweries including many Midlands based favourites there’ll be plenty to get stuck in to.
Great Food
Almost as exciting as the beer line up, is the food line up. Beer Central has got some of the best food in Birmingham cooking up a storm. Michelin Star Chef, Brad Carter is teaming up with Asian feast pop up wizard Lap for a special grill. O.P.M will be there, with in my opinion the best burgers in town, and will be joined by Birmingham legends Baked In Brick and Purecraft Kitchen.
Great Music
Providing the tunes will be DJ Yoda. A DJ set from the fantastic Kaiser Chiefs, You’ll need to get your singing voices ready for the power ballad onslaught from Ultimate Power and bring out your inner Snoop with Hip Hop Karaoke.
music is royalty free track i will not let you let me down by joshwoodwardfreemusicarchive.org/music/Josh_Woodward/ edited by liam Haughey under creative license 3 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
If you enjoyed this episode why not take a look back at our episodes with
Birmingham food tour very kindly invited me on this food tour of the Jewellery Quarter. Food, interesting local knowledge and a great time were all provided by Birmingham Food Tour and completely free. Opinions as always are completely my own.
Birmingham Food Tour
To be honest, the first time i heard about a food tour in Birmingham. Being from this great city and as someone who eats out, FREQUENTLY. I thought why would i do that? What possibly could i be shown that I’ve not seen before.
The truth is that the Birmingham restaurant scene is changing so much, that i have found it nearly impossible to make a dent in my list of places i need to visit. Especially when it comes to the Jewellery Quarter.
Saints Kitchen
Saint Kitchen
So the meeting place for our adventure is Saint kitchen at the bottom of St Paul’s Square. I enter to a warm welcome from our host Rhiannon and the rest of the food fanatics, who are all busy getting to know each other.
Joining the group on my own i was immediately made to feel welcome by the couples sitting close by, and the conversation soon got flowing about my favourite subject, food. Right on cue we are presented with a quick introduction to Saint and their food by Rhiannon to our meals a sort of tomato and bean stew with a slice of grilled halloumi and topped with a perfect poach egg. Served with a slice of sourdough toast, which threatens to steal the show, and is from the amazing Peel & Stone Bakery.
It was superb, so good it made me feel guilty i had wrongly dismissed Saint Kitchen as being part of the same chain as desco lounge and Sorrento Lounge. I now know that this modern independent is brilliant and will be back to sample some more from their brunch menu.
Otto Pizza
Otto Pizza
A quick stroll across the square, stopping to listen to Rhiannon’s interesting and informative local knowledge. I had no idea how much history was behind this area. We come to our next stop, Otto Wood Fired Pizza AKA- Birmingham’s best pizza, in my opinion. Although i’m yet to try the new pizza places vying for that throne.
One of my concerns of going on a food tour was portion size. Convinced they would just be small plates or tasters, Saint kitchen dispelled my ignorance and Otto Pizza beat me over the head with it. So much food! Even a greedy sod like me was starting to feel the burn, and then out come more pizza.
Generous quality ingredients top a fantastic crisp base, which has risen and blistered from the heat of the fire. So deep in conversation, and having fun i forget to take any notes of pizza names or toppings and just about remember to take a photo.
Rock & Roll Brewhouse
Rock & Roll Brewhouse
Our third stop was a little trickier to find, it’s easily missed but you’ll be sorry if you do miss it. From the outside it looks a bit run down and industrial but down the concrete ramp and into the windowless tap room, you are transported in to one of the city’s hidden gems.
The music is blasting but not with anything current, this place takes great pride in their uniquely brilliant taste in music. Even posting their playlist on their Facebook page for all to see.
The interior is unique too, like no other i have seen. It did feel like going back in time to an old social club which had me feeling nostalgic. The tap room was packed with a great atmosphere. When i used to drink, this is the kind of place i loved, and could have spent the whole day, sampling their different beers. A must see for anyone who has never been
Pig & Tail
Pig & Tail
A quick pit stop for a tour of the fascinating Ruskin building and it’s serene roof top kitchen garden allotment, and we arrive at our next destination. The Pig & Tail on Albion St. A kind of modern English fusion Tapas restaurant from the same folk who brought us The Pickled Piglet.
Cod Chunks
A beautifully modern pub, with a great selection of small plates and sharing boards. We are treated to a summer tasting board and a few small plates, but as with Otto i’m so consumed enjoying the company of my new friends i forget to take any notes, and my mental notes don’t expand past delicious. Not helpful for the Pig & Tail but very telling of how much fun this tour is.
Vanguard Mead Bar
By the time we get to our last stop, we are well fed and quite relived that the last of our adventures is of the liquid variety. Mead tasting at Vanguard, situated above 1000 trades. This charming bar is not only notorious for it’s selection of and dedication to mead, but for it’s quality cocktails too.
Mead Tasting
We taste three different meads, introduced by owner Chris who is determined to rid mead of it’s medieval, old man stereo type and is succeeding too. The last of the meads being a sparkling low percentage mead, which would go incredibly well over ice in a chilled glass on a warm summers day, if we ever get one.
Rhiannon passes around some treats from our friends over at the chocolate quarter, and we begin to say goodbyes. Today really did prove one of my favourite quotes true “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met” I can’t recommend this tour enough, and i definitely will be back on it soon
