Hotel du Vin & Bistro Birmingham

I remember staying with this chain about 15 years ago and thinking it was exceptional. This time it didn't quite have the same feel. The building has a lovely old atmosphere, with a grand entrance and a bar to the left as you come in, connected to the White Lion on the ground floor. Reception gave us a nice welcome, and the old lift looks like it was added later. The room was large with comfy pillows, though dark. The shower over the bath wasn't very hot, and from bed I could easily hear people moving in the corridor and doors opening and closing. We didn't eat there this time. It's a nice place in general, but everything feels tired, and the rooms could use some paint and a makeover.

Paris was the highlight of our visit. Our bartender was attentive, knew the drinks well, and was kind, friendly and never judgemental. The way she treated each customer felt gentle and personal, and I was really impressed. I loved this bar. The decor was great, it felt private and relaxing, and it was just the peaceful, classy place my friend and I wanted for a dressed-up drink. It felt like an escape from life. The cocktail list was extensive and the drinks tasted like proper cocktails, not cheap mixes, while the prices were amazing. We even got some aesthetic pics for the gram. I'll definitely be back. Thank you!

We stopped in for tea in the lounge bar, in the building that used to be the eye hospital where my husband was a patient as a little boy. It's a majestic old place, and the hotel makes lovely use of its features. The lounge was beautifully decorated with comfortable sofas and chairs. It was quiet when we arrived, then filled with people after work taking advantage of the cocktail happy hour. As we were heading to the theatre, we ate from the bar menu. A bistrot is available. We chose a Croque Monsieur and crisps with Iberico pork and Manchago cheese. It was a novel idea, but an expensive bag of crisps with shavings of meat and cheese. Service was good, though the woman behind the bar was making cocktails on her own. Pop in for a relaxed drink during happy hour. There's definitely no old hospital smell here!

The afternoon tea we booked for my friend's special birthday wasn't available because I have a nut allergy, which I had declared when booking. The hotel said it was due to the way the tea is prepared and stored, so they wouldn't serve it. They offered the à la carte menu instead, and the food was beautifully presented and delicious. We had a wonderful time in the Bistro, and the wine was sublime as always. Thanks to Mike and team for rallying around, sorting out the challenge and looking after us.