I like Bistro du Vin a lot because it’s consistently special. It pushes the boat out so far that I might as well not be in Brum, which I obviously love. I last visited Hotel du Vin back in April, but this time around, I was here to sample the new summer menu and meet the new GM, Tom Gallimore.
The menu has been revamped for the summer months and has a mix of new dishes and older ones. Its light, accessible and just what Costa Del Brum needs right now and Tom, previously of Malmaison is right at home making a positive impact with warmth and knowledge.
Based on Church Street, Bistro du Vin @HdV serves up classic, hearty French/British home-style cooking that relies on seasonal produce and delicious dishes.
The space
Even in summer, its cosy, comfortable and seriously romantic. Think Victorian period features from the fireplaces and flooring to the lighting. Wine bottles and candles adorn every surface and I’m a big fan of this lovely, warm aesthetic.
The food
We start the evening with a seafood platter to share which is a great introduction to the new summer menu. Fruits de Mer is a pretty impressive platter of oysters, lobster, Salcombe crab, prawns and squid ceviche on a bed of ice with sauces to dip and dunk. At £69, it ain’t cheap but if there are a few of you who want to share starters then this is a great treat to start with.
Next up, we sample a variety of starters including a deliciously fresh Capresse Salad (£7.95) with juicy Isle of Wight tomatoes and creamy buffalo mozzarella.
Flavoursome Toulouse Sausage (£6.75) with tomato and red onion salad is light and tasty dish that is perfect for the warm weather.
Bayonne Ham and Melon (£7.50) is the dream and one of my favourite combinations to eat in the sunshine, al fresco if I can help it and this offering was as good as I’ve had anywhere else.
Garlic Snails (£6.95) in a herb butter make an appearance and disappear in an instant.
When it comes to the mains, there is so much choice that I’m undecided for a moment before opting for the Poulet Basquaise (£13.50)- a generous portion of chicken in a rich, tomato based sauce with peppers, olives and a side of fluffy pilaf rice. Its a good dish, albeit not something I’d normally go for and if given the chance I would not be loyal babes, I’d opt for the steak because it looks incredible.
Other mains on the table include Moules Mariniere (£14.95)- steamed mussels in white wine and garlic; Steak Hache with chips (£14.50).
For dessert, I finish with a Strawberry Sundae (£6.50) full to the top with creamy vanilla ice cream, strawberries and crisp meringue. This is the dessert where you know you’ve had a dessert, the dessert to end all the desserts. It transports me back to kidulthood and of course I don’t finish it, every body else does though. I also sample a selection of French and British cheese served with biscuits and chutneys which is more me and I adore it.
I really enjoyed trying out the new menu at Hotel du Vin, its light, full of flavour and is the perfect accompaniment to the lovely weather we’ve been enjoying recently. The service is friendly and informed and the staff are lovely as usual.
*I was invited along to try the new menu as a guest of Hotel du Vin and Delicious PR but didn’t have to write about it. As always, my opinions are my own*
Bistro du Vin 25 Church St, Birmingham B3 2NR
