Well, what can I say?  It has been the craziest of times lately - life has been turned upside down for us all.  Although I've not been blogging/Tweeting too much lately, I hope that you're okay and that you're staying safe and well. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways Literally, the weekend before lockdown we managed to squeeze in a meal at the Old Dresser Cafe in Bearwood, just across the Birmingham border, on the main Bearwood Road (by the primary school). It's been on my radar for a while after hearing some positive plaudits, so I'm glad we had the opportunity to visit ..read more

Photo:  Word In Veg Ways 'Saturday Night Fever' was booming out of the speakers as I walked into Bora Coffee  last year.  Not what you expect when you step out of the suburban hum-drum of the Stratford Road for a quick caffeine fix, but discotheque beats on a weekday afternoon are not to be sniffed at, it may not be a 1970's New York disco, but it is a mood booster - a pick me up. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways The other pick me up is the coffee, which incidentally is very good.  With every sip you take you are supporting Bora Coffee's mission of promoting ethical African coffee.  As a social enter ..read more

Like there was any doubt that I wouldn't visit here, my DNA wouldn't have it any other way!  My opportunity came earlier this month when I had planned a day in London and Pampushka was earmarked where I'd be dining. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways Pampushka, in fact, is a Ukrainian word which is given to garlic bread rolls typically eaten with borscht (beetroot soup) but can also be a cheeky reference to someone who is plump!  I think the word has a cute ring to it and lends itself well as a restaurant name. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways It's currently in pop-up restaurant status up until March ..read more

Sparing a few indulgent moments to think about 'this time last year....', memories come flooding back of preparing for our trip to Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways We called Vilnius (Lithuania's capital), a 'Baltic Stratford Upon Avon' in the sense it replicated it with regards to size, population, history, busyness and mood.  It was one of those long weekend trips that 'worked' and all the logistics fell into place adding to our enjoyment.   Photo:  Word In Veg Ways The draw of going in December is the snowfall (if you're lucky), the opportunity to wear cosy knits and the ..read more

I'm going to be honest, when it comes to restaurants in semi rural areas, vegan-friendly isn't a phrase that instantly springs to mind.  Trendy areas in city suburbs yes, that's what I think of, but I've found that the further out you go, vegan-power isn't so strong.  But before anyone shoots me down, I'm generalising here of course, I'm just talking from experience. However, bucking the trend in the district of Newland on the outskirts of Great Malvern in Worcestershire, is The Swan Inn.   Malvern Hills View - The Swan Inn Photo:  Word In Veg Ways When you pull into the car park, the Malve ..read more

I don't know if I really want to share my little happy cafe with anyone, but then I feel it unfair if I keep it all to myself. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways I'm talking about The German Cafe on the Stratford Road in Shirley, Solihull.  (By the BP Garage, next to the Driving Test Centre if you need to get your bearings). Photo:  Word In Veg Ways Originally called Cafe Shirley, it soon became known locally as The German Cafe as customers made reference to its German owner Andrea and the German fare sold.  So the awning and menu cards were changed accordingly. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways Its dec ..read more

Take a little walk down Warren Street and its surrounding roads in London; and as well as noticing a Bagpuss windowed emporium featuring a 'We Love Pat Butcher' bust in the window (much LOLs),  but you'll also see a number of Itamar Srulovich's enterprises prefixed with 'Honey & .....'. Photo:  Word In Veg Ways Itamar's CV boasts years of experience from chef work in Tel Aviv to working at the hailed Ottolenghi's and now he has his own restaurants and food businesses serving Middle Eastern food supported by a plethora of plaudits from customers. You have the original of Itamar's restaur ..read more

I absolutely fell in love with New York City when we went in May.  I knew I would.  I love London so I guess it was a given that I would with so many synergies between the two.  Everything from the bright lights, the hustle, the constant soundtrack of traffic beeping their horns, it's a city that makes you feel like you're alive. I could wax lyrical about the sights, about shows on Broadway, finding quirky film locations, but on this occasion, I’ll champion the food element. There are thousands of eateries, restaurants and food carts all peddling their produces.  Some of which are world famou ..read more

Many moons ago I was on a London bus en route to Victoria Station.  I was staring out of the window, admiring the immaculate houses in Belgravia, surmising how many millions they would cost when suddenly a vision of pink appeared, looking absolutely fabulous!  I managed to catch the name of it before the bus hurtled past - Peggy Porschen Cakes. Next thing I know, I'm watching 'Made In Chelsea' and one of the scenes is filmed in there.  I took both occurrences as a sign that I must go. So I did.  Took me a bit longer than from when my original 'occurrences' happened, but nevertheless, a recent ..read more

I wasn’t wasting the occasion that my hair had been straightened properly, so myself and MCH decided to go out over Easter to Solihull for some drinks.  (Apologies it’s taken until now to write about it). Photo:  Word In Veg Ways The evening was ticking on nicely but it got to the point where drinks weren’t enough and a little of bit food was needed.  Normally, I have my act together and would know exactly where I want to go to eat but clearly the Bank Holiday fever had put me straight into a relax-setting so I hadn’t thought it through.  Not to worry.  Having had people tell me that Turtle Ba ..read more