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PLEASE RAISE YOUR GLASS TO FEBRUARY
Tomorrow marks the end of dry January (which you doubtless ignored), so we asked five experts which splendid tipples are worthy of your triumphant return to alcohol.
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"Dry Januarys can be monstrous so I'd suggest ending the nightmare with a trip to the Jeykll & Hyde. It's a classic martini for me without too much showboating. Tanqueray Rangpur gin gives citrus notes, with a kaffir lime leaf. Then it's a short hop into the city to Ginger's Bar for an expertly mixed, err, martini. And a pattern emerges for another year." (£7 and £8.50)
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MATT STAMMER
(Buyer, Connolly's Wine Merchants)
"If your first drink's going to be wine - and it should be - plump for Grant Burge’s Holy Trinity. It’s the vinous equivalent of sinking into the world’s most comfy armchair. Made from a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, the grapes give it its "Holy Trinity" name. The blend is similar to the wines of the Southern Rhône, albeit bolder. Pop in. Pick it up."
(£26.50 / bottle)
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MATT CHEAL
(Head Chef, Simpsons)
"Your first drink back has got to be spectacular, but it doesn't need to be an all singing, all dancing cocktail. Grab yourself a glass of pink Laurent Perrier at the top of Marco Pierre White's in The Cube. It's stunning in the day, but the nighttime views of the city have the edge. I'm also keen on a Mad Goose ale at The Prince Of Wales, but that's not so exciting." (£13.50)
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AMY SETON
(Owner, Birmingham Whisky Club)
"One whisky after a month on the wagon? It's got to be the Edradour, 11-year-old, Chateauneuf Du Pape Cask Finish at The Wellington, Bennetts Hill. Aged in an oak Hoghead and then finished for two years in a Chateauneuf Du Pape Hogshead. A really unusual dram from the smallest distillery in Scotland. Don't go adding ice to this. Ever." (£5.70)
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NEIL HOUSTON
(Founder, World Gin Day)
"For those returning to alcohol for the first time since 2013, I doff my cap to you. If it were me, my first drink would be a Jubilation, from The New Inn, Harborne. Beefeater gin with fresh green grapes and elderflower liqueur, topped up with fizz and a grapefruit garnish. You get the joy of gin, as well as some bubbles to celebrate. It doesn't get much more perfect." (£6)
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BOOK NOW: JOE LYCETT
A new comedy night lands, next month, and the first one promises to be an absolute gem. Birmingham's own Joy Lycett (8 Out Of 10 Cats, Mock The Week, Never Mind The Buzzcocks) kicks things off in front of an intimate crowd of just 100 at The Custard Factory Theatre, on March 5, 8pm. At a price of just £8 and in front of a small crowd, it's got sold out written all over it. At least, it will do, so book now. Even his Twitter background is hilarious.
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ADAM'S: NEW LUNCH MENU
If you haven't made it to Adam's yet then consider us not angry, just disappointed. Fear not, for here is a reason for everyone, from first timers to seasoned pros, to grace Birmingham's latest Michelin-starred restaurant: a new menu. A lamb shank starter (finally a lamb shank starter!) three mains and the sticky toffee pudding are all new to the £32, three-course lunch. Check out the menu here (it's called 'Lunch 3') and book your table here.
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