Pub grub - Kings Arms, Kings Heath.

Feb 7 2008 By Catherine Hendrick

DRIVE out of Birmingham along the busy Alcester Road South and you probably won't even notice the Kings Arms.

But pull over and you will discover this Kings Heath pub is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of this busy route out of the city.

Inside it's like the Tardis. There's plenty of space for diners and drinkers alike and the decor is warm and modern with comfortable leather armchairs to sink into.

Though if you're planning to take kids under 14, you'll be disappointed because they're not allowed in.

Though it's good news for drinkers who enjoy a pint in peace, it's not great for those with young families looking for somewhere to enjoy decent pub grub.

The Kings Arms is part of the popular Midland-based Ember Inn chain which has a reputation for serving good pub food at reasonable prices. This watering hole is no exception.

The menu offers old favourites ranging from traditional Sunday roasts and steak and ale pies to trendier options - the sort modern pubs feel they need to offer these days, like ciabatta sandwiches.

There's a lighter bites and sandwich section for those who aren't feeling too peckish.

For fans of the hot stuff, the pub also hosts its own curry nights.

Not fancying a night slaving away in the kitchen (or giving them food poisoning) I decided to treat my mum and dad to a meal at the Kings Arms during a recent visit.

Neither were particularly ravenous so they both chose options from the lighter menu section.

My mum opted for a sirloin steak roll (which she managed to polish off even though it came with chips). She described it as "succulent, filling and tasty".

My dad went for the Scottish salmon, asparagus and hollandaise fish cake, which he said was full of flavour. He wasn't quite as impressed with the accompanying chips, which he described as "OK, but a bit over-cooked". My Aberdeen Angus lasagne was also a little on the well done side. But it was still enjoyable and filling.

I didn't fancy the garlic bread which usually accompanies it and asked for some chips instead.

The friendly staff were happy to oblige. In total the food bill for three of us came to a very wallet friendly £13.73. A pint of Worthingtons, a tonic water and a mineral water pushed it up to £18.75.

The Bill

1 Aberdeen Angus Lasagne . .£4.49

1 Sirloin Ciabatta Sandwich . . £5.25

1 Salmon, Asparagus and Hollandaise Fishcake . . . . . . . .£3.99

Drinks: £5.02.

Verdict

PLUS: Decent pub grub in a friendly atmosphere.

MINUS: Some of the food was a little overdone.