Foodie review – Kings Heath and Moseley

In December last year Jennie and I moved to leafy Solihull from Kings Heath. We moved to Solihull to prepare for the arrival of our daughter Bella, and I swapped the daily two hours of stop-start rush hour commuting for a ten minute scenic drive or even a nice bike ride. Our new house and area is lovely – we’ve got a cosey house with a great garden, nice neighbours in a very quiet neighborhood. The only thing the place is lacking in is good food. Typically – I can now look back and see that the gritty charm of Kings Heath attracted people like us and was therefore responsible for the amazing variety of places to eat.

I feel compelled to sing the praises of my favourite culinary haunts in South Birmingham

Maison Maycie
An artisan French bakers with tonnes of speciality breads, cakes and savouries. You can also have a sit down light meals which are always fresh and hearty.
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Byzantium
This Mediterranean restaurant is real hidden gem. The menu is varied, rich and authentic covering Spanish, Greek, Morrocan & Turkish tapas. The restaurant is small so books up early, but guarantees great atmosphere.
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Cherry Reds
Cherry Reds is a tiny bar with artisan beers that also does hot and cold food. The bar caters for vegans and Jen considers their dairy and gluten free cakes second to none.
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Manic Organic
Another veggie specialist – this cafe serves up hearty fry up breakfasts and lunches that will surprise any hungry carnivores.
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Spice Merchant
The Spice Merchant was our reliable Indian restaurant. They offer all the traditional dishes – which are always spot on. Staff are really friendly and prices reasonable.

Capeling & Co
This artisan delicatessen has an amazing selection of world cheeses and cured meats.
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Hare & Hounds – Soul Food Kitchen
The Soul Food Kitchen has changed my life. To discover a completely new cuisine on my doorstep (in a great pub) made leaving Kings Heath even harder. Soul Food Kitchen serve very fresh, beautifully presented American deep south and Cajun dishes.
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Moseley Farmers Market
The Farmers market can be found on Saturday at either Kings Norton, Harborne, Kings Heath or Moseley. Moseley village is always packed with hungry punters and so attracts the most vendors. Amazing hot food from Japan, Morocco and Italy is available alongside proper English staples of hog roasts, ostrich burgers and artisan pies. There is also a fish monger stall that comes from Hull with great fish and seafood.
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Ponte Di Legno
My favourite Italian sit down restaurant – they aren’t licensed so you can bring your own booze too. A few doors down is an incredible off license with hundreds of real ales. The pizzas are very authentic and they offer some really good steaks too.

La Fibule
This Moroccan restaurant is easy to miss but once you’ve tried it you’ll be coming back. The interior design has a simple charm to it and the tagines are very authentic.

Sabai Sabai
If you want a proper Thai blow out this is the place for you. The food is as hot, sweet and rich as real Thai food should be and the soft shelled crab is a guilty pleasure of mine. Another small and atmospheric place that books up early.
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Fighting Cocks
The best pub in the Midlands? In my opinion it could be. The drinks selection is huge with Belgian bottled beers, Bavarian lagers on tap and several great British ales on rotation. Food is hearty English staples and one of the best Sunday lunches around.
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Lasan Eatery
Lasan have several restaurants that are pushing a more modern, gourmet take on Indian cooking. The eatery is the least formal outlet – but still books up on the weekend. The food is outstanding – I recommend trying a dosa (crispy rice pancakes stuffed with savouries.)
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Here is a map I’ve created if you fancy a foodie tour day