I went to Bristol to experience an exciting new meaty restaurant concept on its way to the West Midlands

Beautiful Bristol is renowned for many cool things.

It’s by the sea, there are beautiful colourful houses adorning its hilltops and it’s situated amid some of England’s finest farms - to mention but a few.

And from these farms is borne a key staple in a new restaurant concept that is flourishing in Bristol - and making its way to the West Midlands.

Cow & Sow defines itself as being a new era steakhouse which celebrates the art of this most treasured meat.

And it has put its offer of some pretty tasty cuts of pork too.

The premium steakhouse - which is opening near Albert’s Schloss in Paradise in Birmingham city centre on December 2 - has got some pretty strong competition in the meat menus of Brum.

Steak is the star of the show at renowned upmarket restaurant chain Gaucho on Colmore Row and the recently opened Pasture, also on Colmore Row, is constantly booked up. 

So I guess that proves it’s a popular dish. 

There’s also Miller & Carter at the Mailbox, Bar + Bloc on Waterloo Street and, of course, not forgetting, Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse at the top of The Cube.

So what is so special about Cow & Sow and how is it going to compete with these popular Birmingham steak restaurants?

The Cow & Sow team showcased their unique approach to steak during our trip to Bristol where they have two - very different - restaurants.

In the charming Queen’s Square, the smaller of the two venues, chalk boards and fridges display the celebrated cuts of meat available to customers.

Chateaubriand, Porterhouse, Tomahawk and Picanha steaks are all available with their own unique flavours and textures and the friendly team are on hand to talk you through each one.

You can wash each dish down with Cow & Sow’s own brand of Malbec, bottled in South Africa and busting with deliciousness.

Over in Clifden, the vibe is relaxed and upmarket befitting of the prestigious area. The spacious venue offers varied seating options in comfortable surroundings. Here we were treated to Cow & Sow signature cocktails including Dirty Cow Martinis, Apple Pie Martini, Sow Punch, Smoke on the Water - to name but a few.

I also enjoyed one of the best desserts ever - a Salted Caramel Tart with honeycomb and vanilla ice cream. Savoury, yet sweet with the most divinely smooth yet crumbly textures with a creamy cool edge.

What to expect at Cow & Sow Birmingham

This new independent will offer an exalted culinary experience in a contemporary yet premium setting.  

Expect open kitchens, a beautiful bar and a private dining area perfect for the local business community and intimate dining experiences.

Jordan Stewart, who has previously worked at Birmingham’s Hotel du Vin, will be taking the helm as the general manager.

The team provided us with a sneak peek at their express menu during our visit to Bristol, priced at £14 for one course, £18 for two and £22 for three.

Starters include ‘The Sow’ Sticky Pork Belly and Crispy Squid. Mains include Flat Iron Steak and Chips and Slow Cooked Pork Belly and Chips. Desserts include Salted Caramel Tart, Caramelised Pineapple and Affogato.

Cow & Sow founder Mark Warburton was determined to open his third restaurant in Birmingham, and admits he jumped at the chance when he was offered the space at Paradise.  “It’s been my dream to expand outside of Bristol and I’ve had Birmingham in my sights for a long time.

“I’m thrilled to be opening in Paradise and can’t wait to showcase what we have to offer to the people of Birmingham.  The city has a thriving dining scene but I’m confident that Cow & Sow will prove ourselves to be a cut above."

Cow & Sow opens on Monday 2nd December in Paradise next to Dishoom, F1 Arcade, Albert's Schloss, Big Mamma Group and Rosa Thai. For more information and to book a table click right here