Brightsmith on the Water is a stylish bar and restaurant located within the Hilton Birmingham Metropole as part of the hotel’s million-pound refurbishment. As suggested by the name, Brightsmith offers enviable waterside views, as well as a sharing menu of small and large plates, a weekend brunch offering and an exciting cocktail list.
Subtle references to the restaurant's name can be found throughout the menu and interiors. Brass and metallic features can be found throughout the dining room, a nod to the traditional trade of a Brightsmith, aka a crafter who works with, and highlights the beauty of, silver. The 120-cover bright space is lined with teal banquets, high and low seating, geometric tile floors as well as plenty of lush textures and floral patterns. The design of the space creates a sense of bringing the outside in. There is also a 50-cover, heated all-weather terrace for summer drinks and alfresco dining.
When it comes to the food, head chef Peter Daly aims to draw attention to the best that the region has to offer by sourcing and crafting quality local ingredients. Small plates include chicken lollipops with a harissa dip, scallop and crab in a bisque with chorizo oil hollandaise and caviar, truffle and rosemary marinated beef fillet, and pea croquettes filled with black bomber Cheddar. Large plates offer all the crowd pleasers from a sharing cote du boeuf rib-eye with triple cooked rosemary and garlic chips, through to a pork belly vindaloo curry ‘Goa style.’
On Saturdays, it serves a bottomless brunch menu with bottomless Aperol spritz, bottled beers and prosecco alongside a choice of brunch cocktails. Indulgent brunch dishes meanwhile include a classic smashed avocado medley, buttermilk pancakes, flat ‘Khobez’ bread and Huevos Rancheros.
To drink, take your pick from a creative cocktail list as well as a range of premium beers, lagers, wines, Champagnes and spirits.