Miller & Carter Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield

Substantial pub / restaurant in a prime position with a large veranda overlooking Powell's Pool reservoir. It happened to be the first evening open after a period of closure for refurbishment, and not having visited before I'm not sure what's changed, but the various seating / dining areas are surprisingly uncluttered and have a smart appearance. I was slightly unlucky in that the real ale (albeit Doom Bar, which I understand will generally be available from one of three handpumps) hadn't settled in time, so went for the Adnams Southwold from among the bottled options.

Official site of Miller & Carter Sutton Park - www.millerandcarter.co.uk

Official site of Miller & Carter Sutton Park - www.millerandcarter.co.uk

A detached Miller & Carter chain Steakhouse, Bar and Grill tucked inside the Town Gate of Sutton Park. It has a nice decked rear patio area over looking Powell's Pool. It is a former restaurant; modern looking with the roof and covered portico being the dominating features that make the place look rather bland. The interior is a large L-shaped room around the serving/ordering bar area. The decor is grey and cream painted brick with carpeting and roof trusses. There are a few brick hearth features. There is a mix of tables, sofas, booths with bistro style art, mirrirs, a wine display and a bowl of leamon and limes. There was no music and there were a few TVs which had the news on. The service was functional, i assume because the place was rammed with diners - a mix of families and couples etc. It was so busy i had to get out - luckily the patio was quiet. Beer; tap stuff along with Peroni, with three real ales on handpull; Pedigree, Purity UBU and an OK Timothy Taylor Landlord. Another foody place in Sutton, but with the advantage of being in the Park. Too packed for my liking and too modern, but clearly i am in the minority!

In summary: More of a food place than a drinking place - go for the ambience more than the alcohol. In Detail: I went on a Saturday night after a long hot day, the place was busy but not crammed to the eyeballs, wait to get a table was as described when we arrived (about 30 min or the perfect time for a leisurely pint and chat). It's part of a chain and more focused on food rather than drinks (that's not a negative comment, just a statement of fact). The location is overlooking one of the lakes in Sutton park and this was the main attraction for me, a lovely relaxing location that feels a little bit out of the city. The (small) outside area is on a raised platform looking out over the lake, very, very nice and a fabulous change to a pathetic beer garden hemmed in by walls and next to the dustbins that some places offer ! Steaks are what they specialise in but neither of us had that, choosing something a little lighter in the heat. Chicken and pasta where both excellent and the salad had just been put on it when it arrived at the table so it actually smelt fresh which was lovely. (we were sat right next to the kitchen so a little bit of clashing of cultery going on, but worth that for the freshness of the salad) Drinks prices were about the same as I'd expect in most mainstream pubs in the area, but with a much better location, food prices were equally good for the quality - and they seem to have some good off-peak food deals. Would definitely go again, not for a drinking night out, but for good quality, reasonably priced food in a very nice location - top notch. I'd probably feel less keen on a nasty grey autumn day if it was lashing it down with rain.