Fishylicious restaurant from former manager of The Lord Clifden pub, will transport you to a seaside cafe serving gluten free fish and chips, mushy peas and champagne!
17:17, 29 Jul 2016Updated 11:32, 01 Aug 2016
Exterior of Fishylicious on Pitsford Street(Image: Sanjeeta Bains )
There are few things in life that beat the simple pleasure of the taste of fish and chips at the seaside.
Okay we might be nowhere the sea here in Brum but new restaurant Fishylicious in the Jewellery Quarter from former Lord Clifden landlady Sarah Thornton, is aiming to transport us to the beach with a fabulous fishy menu and beachhut style interior.
When we visited for our sneak preview, although still undergoing work to to be shipshape for their Monday, August 1 opening, Fishylicious certainly evokes that by the seaside feel -- with seagulls on the walls and toilets that look like beach huts you'd find on holiday.
Fishylicious will be opening its doors on Monday August 1 on Pitsford Street(Image: )
The workmen were still hard at work - in between drinking cups of tea made by Sarah's mom Sandra Thornton who's also been helping with the cleaning and painting for the grand opening.
But one famous workman had already finished by the time we arrived on what is arguably the visual highlight of the Fishylicious interior.
Renowned Birmingham graffiti artist Temper has spray painted a mural over the restaurant doors entitled 'Postcards and Ice Cream.'
READ MORE: New seafood restaurant to open in Birmingham's famous Futurist CinemaFishylicious owner Sarah Tornton told us:"I'm lucky Temper is friend of mine and I knew he could really create something that sums up the style of decor that I wanted for Fishylicious. I asked for something like a sepia style postcard with a sailor, something that fitted with our beach theme.
'Postcards and Ice Cream' by Temper covers the Fishylicious doors(Image: Sanjeeta Bains )
"Temper took two days to finish it - using spray paint and marker pen - and it looks amazing - like it's been done in watercolours."
Sarah previously worked at the acclaimed Brum pub Lord Clifden but says it was always a long held dream to open a seafood restaurant in Birmingham "that made you feel you were actually by the sea."
"Everyone knows fish and chips tastes better by the sea and in fish and chip paper. That's exactly how I'll be serving them on the plates.
"Birmingham is not great for seafood, so knew it would be something really great for the city. After leaving Lord Clifden last April, I started looking at potential places to launch.
Famous Brum artist Temper before the launch of his Cover:Versions collection(Image: Graham Young)
I had three other premises in the Jewellery Quarter fall through for various reasons. And then I came across this. And as soon as I saw I knew I wanted to paint it blue. It took a while to get the right shade but I think it's perfect now. "
As well as the main restaurant, which seats 27, the outdoor courtyard serves 28 - perfect for sunny evenings. And although you won't hear waves you'll certainly hear seagulls - something The Jewellery Quarter is now well known for.
On the menu enjoy traditional fish and chips served with chips, tartar sauce, pea puree.
Wines at Fishylicious, Jewellery Quarter(Image: )
Diners have the option of having their fish fried, grilled and poached. Choice of fish includes cod, seabass, salmon, scampi, hake or a daily special on the special board. Lobster and chips is also available.
For starters you can choose from mushroom caviar, classic prawn cocktail, smoked mackeral and potted shrimp mackeral.
READ MORE: When is the Bookbench Trail and where do I find the benches?All the menu is gluten free apart from the homemade pies which includes shin of beef and onion, seasonal mushroom, chicken and mushroom and of course fish pie.
On the dessert menu there is home made ice cream and milkshakes with a choice of flavours - vanilla, raspberry and butterscotch.
(Image: Sanjeeta Bains )
Sarah has hired three chefs who have previously worked for Rofuto at Park Regis, The Plough in Harborne and Metropole Hilton respectively.
All the seafood will be supplied by fresh food specialists M & J seafood wholesalers. Wines have been supplied by local wine merchants Connollys in nearby Livery Street and will have the fishylicious branding. There will also be a choice of bubbly to wash down your fish supper (or lunch)
READ MORE: First look inside new Moseley bar Cheval Blanc offering cheese, wine and French lessonsDescribing Fishylicious as 'neither gastro pub or restaurant' Brummies can expect something unique from this new eaterie.
Sarah added: " I want a relaxed unpretentious atmosphere where people feel they're just chilling in Weston Super Mare or any other seatown. We might not have the sea but we will have quality seafood and hopefully a happy holiday vibe."
Fishylicious will be open Monday – Thursdays 12 – 9pm
Friday and Saturdays 12- 10pm
Fishylicious opens on Monday August 1 at 5pm.
Unit 5, 19 – 23 Pitsford Street, B18 6LJ