Hot concept
PubChef checks out Paul Salisbury's "posh Harvester" concept.
The Farm
Farmhouse Way, Solihull
? innatthefarm.co.uk
Who: Paul Salisbury and Paul Hales, the entrepreneurs who helped develop Mitchells & Butlers' Project S premium country-dining concept. The site is a Mitchells & Butlers pub which Paul has taken on a lease under their franchise division.
What: A double-centred experience. The pub, known as the Inn at the Farm is "a place of pared back simplicity with a Scandinavian feel", serving "simple and delicious" bar food, from noon to 7pm. The Food at the Farm, offers traditional rustic dishes in a rugged environment comfortably seating around 90 people.
Decor includes a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, wine prison, steel drinks bar, and grain-oak floor.
On the menu: Starters include: the Farm crayfish and prawn cocktail with gazpacho dressing (£5.45); hot-smoked salmon, parsley and crayfish fish cake with horseradish tartare (£5.25).
Mains feature: half a dozen lamb chops (£12.25); BBQ ribs (£9.95); BBQ skewers of chicken with harissa, lemon and mint (£9.45); swordfish with chorizo and lemon (£10.95).
Other mains include: spice-rubbed, spit-roast chicken and chips (£9.95); pork loin slowly turned with apple and sage stuffing, mash and jus (£9.95); gammon, free-range egg and chips (£7.95).
Desserts include: chocolate brownie with fresh cream (£4.95); and apple and strawberry crumble with custard (£4.95).
Devil in the detail: Funky cow-print mirrors; plates stamped with the Farm name; biscotti with coffee; "The Farm, No Bull" window signs; complimentary bread - warm white, brown and granary with a small, white bowl of aïoli.
Lovin' their work: The Farm's salad bar is free with all main courses.
Hanging out: Ladies that lunch, couples, groups of businessmen.
Promotions: The Farm offers "Happy drinking and happy eating" from Monday to Friday between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, giving 25% off all the menu prices.
Drink: House Champagne is £15 per bottle and house wine is £10 per bottle.
Best bit: The sexy salad bar. A trip to the salad bar is complimentary with all main courses. Customers are given a white bowl and then help themselves. Salads on offer include cous cous; new potato salad with green beans; sweet potato wedges, beetroot, home-made coleslaw.
