Today our travels took us to Birmingham. Not in Alabama but in the UK. I didn't know anything about the city. What I do know is Birmingham is a few hours train ride out of London.
The trip was fine enough except someone in our traincar did not have the same personal hygiene practices as the rest of the passengers. Oof. Luckily we only had to share two stops with them.
Not really a criticism, just something to remember when traveling internationally and not to get upset about it. Not everyone shares Americans' love of air conditioning and deodorant. C'est la vie.
Anyway, some differences in foreign countries are for the better. For example, the UK is very vegan friendly. It is actually amazing. The smallest take away places and the most meat centric sounding places often have vegan options. Even chain restaurants that we have in the USA have more vegan options in the UK. Further, diet restrictions and choices are typically clearly labeled on menus - it's wonderful.
We were only in Birmingham for the afternoon on a quick work related visit. But we did find a little personal time and headed to a fun little pie shop called Pieminister.
The environment is casual and playful. The space is decorated with pie pun posters and neon of sayings like "look into my pies" and "pie-pie" on the exit door. Cute.
The vegan menu is pretty awesome. We got the jackfruit "beef" pie called The Mooless Moo and the This is Not a Chicken and Bacon Pie. We ordered both as the Mother Earth Meal which includes mash potatoes, garden peas, and a parsnip kale fritter. Each were delicious (after a little salt and pepper) and fun to eat. We actually love mashed potatoes and peas, so they are speaking our love language!
The drinks were fantastic. They offer two for one cocktails all day, so I did not expect them to be so well done - a great surprise! We had cosmos that were as good, if not better than any we've had with Candice Bushnell of Sex and the City fame. We also had Americano coffees which I kid you not might be the best coffees we've had in the UK.
On the afternoon we were there, the service was charmingly awkward. The flow was a little off, but as Shakespeare says, all's well that ends well - especially when done in earnest and with a smile.
Pieminister is a fun low stress date. The food is good and the vibes are perfect for sitting, talking and laughing.
They have many locations - learn more at pieminister.co.uk
The Mooless Moo after I poured gravy over it!
This is Not a Chicken and Bacon Pie, before gravy.
Pieminister, Birmingham
