There aren’t many things that can motivate me to leave my bed the afternoon after coming home from a trip. Normally this time would be dedicated to moping, usually hungover from both alcohol and food, and only using energy to edit holiday photos for the ‘gram. Last week, however, I landed back in the UK from Dubrovnik at 1am Wednesday morning, and was heading out again by 5pm. The one thing that could tempt me? Food, of course.
The Lyttleton Arms in Stourbridge has just undergone a major refurbishment and, with a brand new menu launching, I couldn’t resist an invitation to the opening. When it comes to eating out, gastropubs are my actual fave – I love a relaxed pub atmosphere teamed with an extensive menu of high-quality food. The Lyttleton Arms looked to be just that, and with stunning new interiors to enjoy as an added bonus.
After a 40 minute drive from Coventry, we arrived at the pub and were treated to a drink and some entrees from the menu. A new cocktail menu has launched alongside the new dishes, and this includes a selection of ‘classics with a twist’. I opted for a Cosmo Twist, which consisted of orange gin and elderflower liquer in place of the vodka and triple sec, topped with cranberry. This was delicious (and also prompted a ‘OH MY GOD HOW ARE YOU DRINKING AGAIN’ message from my friend, who was on the post-holiday recovery in bed) and definitely something I need to try again.
We then sat for our meal. The menu at The Lyttleton Arms is ‘inspired by social dining’, meaning there are plenty of sharers and small plates, perfect for trying a little bit of everything (or a lot of everything, no judgement huns). This section of the menu is also handily split into meat-free, seafood and meat dishes, making it ideal for an #awkwardvegetarian like me to navigate to the dishes I wanted. James and I opted for the panko-crusted fried brie and grilled lamb kofta from the small plates menu, along with garlic, mozarella and rocket ‘pizette’ to share. Lordy lordy, I think I still see the deep-fried brie in the dreams, it was that good. The pizettes are also a great size and delicious – I’d happily tuck into one of these as a lunch option.
For mains, I was spoiled for choice with a tagine, battered halloumi and plant-based burger all catching my eye. Eventually I opted for the pan-fried pumpkin gnocchi, which came with roasted butternut squash and a generous sprinkling of feta. James of course went for the steak (if you’ve read any of my other restaurant reviews you’ll know this is a common occurrence), which came with twice-cooked chunky chips and was reportedly tasty AF. Steak fans and carnivorous couples will probably also be interested to know that on Fridays and Saturdays, the Lyttleton Arms offers a 16oz Chateaubriand steak sharing dish for £54.95.
Of course we hardly had any room for dessert after this absolute feast, but of course we said yes to looking at the menu anyway. And it didn’t take long for me to decide that I just about had room for the melting chocolate and peanut bomb. James also found room for the home-baked chocolate brownie, and both were absolutely amazing. Which I know first-hand because of course I had to try both – anything for the blog, lads.
Overall our experience at The Lyttleton Arms was faultless. The interiors, as you can probably see from the photos, are absolutely gorgeous – even the toilets are crying out for a place on the ‘gram. There’s also a beautiful outside terrace, which will be great for locals in the summer. The service was brilliant, and as I mentioned the menu was packed with choices.
If you’re local to Birmingham or Stourbridge then I would definitely recommend paying the pub a visit. I have my next holiday booked for September, and I genuinely think that brie is the only thing that will get me over the holiday blues once I’m back…
This place looks fantastic. I went years ago and had no idea it had gone through a refurb. I will soon be back!! 🙂 Great blog btw.