After travelling all day, and with two hungry kids in tow, I feel tired and considerably underdressed. I’m sitting in a contemporary booth in the Verve Bar & Grill restaurant of the Village Urban Resort Dudley, and I’m wearing jeans, a T-shirt that barely made it through a sticky visit to Cadbury World, and a pair of trainers. Around me, diners have at least made more effort than I have, and they slip into the elegant surroundings in smart casual wear and considered accessories. Our accessories are two children, a couple of stuffed lizards courtesy of nearby Dudley Zoo (not real ones), and my husband’s indiscreet chocolate stain. Bournville, if you must know.
The Verve is one of those restaurants where all of the above don’t actually seem to matter though. It may have an appealing, modern menu, decidedly crisp napkins and a wine menu that a Sommelier wouldn’t shake his head at, but none of that makes it pretentious, and even our trainer-clad family, too exhausted to change for dinner, is heartily welcomed in.
If you have a passion for food and you like the sound of a tasting plate with olives, ciabatta and balsamic oil, Eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise, and chicken liver parfait, then this is a restaurant for you. Although the menu is far from extensive, it’s well conceived and very well executed. Mains include roast chicken and creamy garlic mash, and salmon and asparagus with crushed potatoes. Kids won’t be disappointed either, and favourite children’s meals are presented with a little bit of DeVere flair. This is dining in style and comfort, yet it manages to offer a unique blend between high-brow service and relaxed family feel, something that’s relatively difficult to achieve.
There are three menus to choose from here. The A La Carte, with some interesting options, including a tempting Sea Bass dish or choice of steak has something for everyone, but there’s also a set menu to choose from, and the promotional 2 Dine for £29 menu.
If you can’t decide, and that’s perfectly possible, the staff at the Verve are happy to give you some recommendations. I left my choice of starter and glass of wine up to Matt, who really couldn’t have chosen better.
It took us over two hours to eat that night, something our family, always on the go as we are, doesn’t normally achieve. I can only put that down to the relaxed atmosphere and attentive, but unobtrusive staff, as well as the delightful food. Incidentally, if you’re staying in the hotel, the Verve is also where you’ll have breakfast every morning – with a range of cooked foods, cereals, fresh fruit and continental pastries to decide between.
To read more about the Village Urban Resort Dudley, follow this link, and to visit their website, click here.
