The New Inn is part of the Bitters ‘n’ Twisted family of venues in Birmingham. I’ve blogged about a few of the others already; Bodega, Rose Villa Tavern and the downstairs menu at Jekyll & Hyde. The New Inn is just outside of the city center in Harborne, we’ve been on 2 occasions recently so this review is a culmination of the both really!
The decor and atmosphere is totally what you would want of your local pub – homely and warm with little quirky elements here and there. The service overall on our couple of visits was good – friendly and helpful. The menu was nicely sized and they had some lovely local ales and interesting cocktails on offer too.
On our visits we sampled the Confit Bacon with Apple, Celery & Candied walnuts, Leek & Potato Soup and the Grilled Mackerel Fillet with crisp pancetta and mustard lentils. The confit bacon was superb, something very different and really tasty. The soup was under seasoned but well made and the mackerel well cooked. I really like the sound of all the starters on the menu – they all offered something little different to the usual pub food.
Mains were an 8oz Flatiron steak and the Fish & Chips first time round, then another steak and the Pan Fried Gnocchi with crispy kale, onions & chestnuts tomato and tarragon sauce the second.
The steak was cooked perfectly both times and a side of onion rings very well cooked too. The chips were a little underdone and hard one one occasion but much better on the second. The gnocchi dish was a standout from start to finish with fantastic flavours and combination of ingredients – a great vegetarian dish. The fish fell a bit short for me with soggy batter and lack of seasoning.
Overall food was good; some dishes were great and a couple a little below par.
http://www.newinnharborne.co.uk
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Disclosure: One on occasion our meal was complimentary and the others was paid in full. Opinions as always are our own.
