The great thing about Birmingham is that there are so many pubs to explore, both old and new. The Fighting Cocks, for example, is one of the well known pubs outside of the city centre and is a quaint little place in the heart of Moseley. I’m really happy to be collaborating with them to give one reader the chance to win a two course meal for 2. Simply enter below in the Rafflecopter entry bar and leave a comment telling me who you would take. But first, find what I thought of my latest foodie experience.
I was kindly invited in to have a look at the new menu and to have a few drinks. I visited on a Thursday night after work with one of my pals and naturally, we opted for a bottle of the pub’s best Malbec. It’s always nice when coming to review when the pub actually knows the reason why I’m there, which makes things a little less awkward. The lovely man behind the bar showed me and Lorna to our little booth near the far side of the pub. I’m happy to say our bottle came within minutes and we were very happy about that.
We were told that the pub menu changes frequently, but the most recent food lists can be found here. Ranging from sandwiches, to burgers, Sunday lunches to party packages, our meal on the night was really good, came out piping hot and the service was fluent. For starters I asked for the calamari which came with sweet chilli sauce and the portion size was decent. The batter was lighty and crispy and paired well with the dip. Lorna ordered the asparagus dish on sourdough and balsamic glaze. They were both lovely starters, I’m just not sure if I’d order the veggie dishes myself as I love trying different meats and fish.
One thing I must mention is that the pub was quiet for a Thursday night, so it was easy to order food, drinks and not have to wait ages to be served. Although I know it’s a different story on weekends. Once our starters had slid down, our plates were taken in good time and our mains were served. I opted for the crispy duck with potato and vegetables which was a really delicious, impressive meal. Coming in at around £12, I’d expect nothing less. The skin on the duck was perfectly crisp and was a delight when drinking the Malbec. I also asked for some onion rings which were lightly battered. I would definitely order the duck again, just without as much of the green on top. Lorna opted for lamb which was tender and cut easily.
Almost a bottle of red down, we had just enough room afterwards to squeeze in some puddings, with a gentle nudge from the staff. Unfortunately the dessert I asked for wasn’t available, so I was promised a chocolate and orange torte and Lorna asked for a lemon and raspberry flavoured tart. I wasn’t too sure on the appearance of mine and there was maybe just a bit too much chocolate sauce, but it honestly tasted better than it looked. Mine would have been good as a sharing dish.
Huge thanks to the Fighting Cocks Moseley for inviting me and a friend to try the menu, following on from a refurb and new menu launch earlier this year. If you would like to come and try the menu, I’m now collaborating with them to offer one person a chance to win two courses for two people, with no restrictions on what food is ordered from the menu. However please note drinks are not included. If you’d like the chance to win, please leave a comment on my blog, telling me who you would take with you. For extra point, fill in the rafflecopter generator below. Winner will be chosen on Monday 30th October.