The Studio Restaurant and Lodge, Oldbury

What is The Studio?

The Studio Restaurant and Lodge is a family run business with a traditional British feel. In fact it feels like it should be a country restaurant which is tucked away in a tranquil village, but instead it is based on one of the busiest routes into Birmingham. This should not however put anyone off, because once inside you would actually never know.

It of course wasn't always such a built-up area, and the restaurant is built on what was a plot of farming land and sits where the outbuildings used to be. The current building was erected in 1895, and as well as being a home, it has also been the base for various businesses over the years including an ale shop, and a café. It was opened as The Studio restaurant in 1980, and since then the owner's have gradually added accommodation. It now has 11 studio style bedrooms.

What is the restaurant like?

Unfortunately it doesn't appear as if the décor has changed much since it was opened in the eighties. In the bar area the walls are covered in an array of pictures, the shelves are filled with trinkets and the lounge area is furnished with a selection of patterned arm chairs. There is even a clock which loudly chimes like a doorbell. In the restaurant there are mismatched lamps on each table, strange art-deco style stained glass screens, and a questionable tartan carpet. It felt like we were sitting in someone's living room and that over the years they had collected the furnishings that they liked, without considering whether they matched what they already had. Despite its dated and cluttered style it is not unpleasant, and it was actually quite homely and comforting.

If nothing else, the décor was a talking point, as my friend and I enjoyed examining its quirky features and reminiscing about the living rooms of our childhoods.

How was the food and service?

The Studio serves traditional English fare and the chefs do it very well. The menu is simple and clear, and gives the customer enough choice without it being overwhelming.

To start I chose the pan-fried king scallops, which came with a cream sauce, whilst my friend had the soup of the day. The scallops were well cooked, and the light sauce did not overpower the seafood, and the leek and potato soup was full of flavour and far from ordinary. The restaurant tries to use local produce and the Shropshire fillet of beef proved to be a success. It was cooked well, and both it and the lamb shank were tender and full of flavour. Both dishes came with an array of vegetables, and importantly plenty of gravy.

Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed with the selection of desserts. The Pavement Café was a chocolate ice cream sundae but with a grown-up twist –- as it came with a shot of Tia-Maria. It satisfied my desire for chocolate and ice cream, without making me feel like I gone for the dessert aimed at children. My friend opted for the warm apricot cheesecake, with an amaretto base, which was light, creamy and comforting.

There was also a homemade fruit cake and a summery pavlova which looked very tempting.

The food at The Studio is not fancy, but it is reassuringly traditional and executed very well.

The waitresses were attentive and helpful, but also left us time to enjoy our meal. The atmosphere was relaxed and we never felt rushed to leave the table or get the bill.

So would you recommend it?

If you can accept the dated décor and furnishings, and are looking for somewhere that serves traditional British food well, then this is place for you.

The Studio is also good value for money. The bill for our three-course meal, plus two glasses of house wine, coffee and aperitifs came to £72.05.

The restaurant has a homely charm about it, and its relaxed atmosphere would make it perfect for a family meal or a large party. It is not pretentious, and the menu has enough choice to satisfy even the fussiest eaters.

ADDRESS:

The Studio Restaurant and Lodge, 616 Hagley Road West, Oldbury, B68 0BS

Telephone: 0121 4222926

Web: www.studiorestaurant.co.uk