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5 Great restaurants near the NEC in Birmingham

I have spent the last twelve years exhibiting at the various shows at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre and have tried all sorts of restaurants near the NEC during that time. The list that follows is not exhaustive and they are not necessarily the best for culinary dining. I am not a food critic, just a humble greeting card publisher. I enjoyed eating at all of them though and hope you do too. If you like this post please do share it by clicking the social buttons above.

Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse at the Cube in Birmingham

1. Marco Pierre Whites at the Cube

If you stay over in Birmingham I think this place is a must. It is ultra modern and sits on the 25th floor of the amazing looking Cube. It has 360 degree views across Birmingham city centre from their stunning roof terrace. MPW describes it as affordable luxury, so it's not that expensive. The food is nice and even though it's a steak house, as a vegan, I was looked after. I think it's a great restaurant to entertain at NEC shows. It's very popular though, so I'd advise you to book in advance. Dress code is smart / no trainers.

Book a table at Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse by clicking here

The Orange Tree in Chadwick End - a lovely pub / restaurant near the NEC2. The Orange Tree at Chadwick End

This gastro pub / restaurant near the NEC is one junction along the M42 so you'll need a car to get there, but it is a classy place to eat with friendly staff. The portions were a good size and the food was very tasty. One of things I enjoyed most about this pub is the atmosphere. It's buzzing when the show is on and a fun place to go with a group of people after a show.

Find out more about the Orange Tree by clicking here

Cafe Tamarinds a great Indian restaurant in Balsall Common near the NEC

3. Cafe Tamarinds in Balsall Common

This award winning curry house is popular amongst NEC regulars and even Gordon Ramsey eats there when he's at the NEC. The staff are friendly and the food is presented on stylish crockery with an ambience to match. It's a nice Indian restaurant without being too upmarket and pricey. The food is tasty and well presented. It's a short drive from the NEC.

Click here to visit Cafe Tamarinds website (don't let the website put you off)

Pendigos in the Crowne Plaza hotel a good restaurant near the NEC

4. Pendigos restaurant at the Crowne Plaza

We often miss great places that are right under our noses and I think this restaurant is a case in point. It is on site at the NEC and has a spacious bar upstairs for your pre-meal drink. The bar serves cheaper bar meals which are good enough, but the best food is saved for the restaurant downstairs. It's refined and the meals are delicious. Leave room for desert to experience a taste of heaven at the end of your meal. It's a bit pricier than most, but a pleasant dining experience and very convenient when at the show.

Click here for more information about Pendigo's (the website doesn't do it justice).

The Little Owl pub / restaurant close to the NEC

5. The Little Owl at the NEC

This pub is on my list because it's a fun place to go to with friends at the NEC. It's busy and the atmosphere is buzzing. It's very affordable and has a cosy setting with log fires. It's close to the Holiday Inn and new Premier Inn on site and is walkable from the halls if traffic is bad. Be prepared to queue to place your order as it can get rammed at the Spring Fair trade show. It's a lot quieter during Autumn Fair and other NEC events. The meals can be hit and miss in terms of quality, especially if you don't eat meat. There's a lot of comfort food on the menu and there's not a huge choice for veggies. If you eat fish you'll still have options.

Click here to book a table at the Little Owl online

 

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