We discover pie heaven at a cosy village pub just outside Birmingham, popular with footballers & pop stars

It’s been a soggy start to 2024, that’s for sure - but we weren’t prepared to let the rain dampen our post-festive spirits.

And what better way can there be to banish the blues than some winter comfort food in a cosy country pub? Our venue of choice was the charming village of Barnt Green - popular with footballers and pop stars - where you’ll find The Victoria.

It’s a welcoming spot, which was still glistening with Christmas cheer when we arrived on a Wednesday evening - although I’m pretty sure the tree & decorations will have been taken down by now.

There’s usually plenty of room in the car park, which leads you straight into the restaurant area just next to the bar. The stylishly relaxed interiors radiated calm and warmth with a fire flickering away at the end of the bar area.

We were in good company, several people had obviously come up with the same solution to escape the weather and were already tucking into dinner as we arrived, adding a gentle buzz of atmosphere. We had booked ahead and a bartender showed us to our table after pouring a pint for another customer. The service was swift, as soon as I sat down at the table to wait for my friend I was offered a drink.

My eyes were drawn to the Rich & Intense reds and I chose a nice large malbec for a bit of sustenance while I had a look at the menu. It was Zuccardi Q, from Argentina. Not the best glass of red I’ve ever had - a touch of smokiness and flavoursome, although not as rich as others I’ve enjoyed.

The Victoria is part of a group of Country Pubs run by the same company, which includes the nearby Barnt Green Inn, The Green House in Mere Green and several others. The same menu is served in each which can feel a bit samey, but there’s usually specials offering a touch of variety.

And on the night we visited the Chef Specials included a Chicken, Leek & Davidstow Cheddar Pie served with Tenderstem broccoli, chive mashed potatoes and rich gravy (£17.95). I’m not a particular fan of pies, or gravy, but I was very hungry and I think the mention of cheese kind of lured me in! Also, the calorie count was slightly less than the option I had planned on choosing before I arrived, which was the Pan-Roasted Lamb Rump (£24.25) - it is post Christmas January after all. It was a brilliant choice.

This really was pie heaven, the cheese added a real depth of flavour to the pastry, the meat was moist and tender and smothered in a gorgeously gloopy sauce with the leeks bringing extra texture and taste. And that gravy, well - what can I say - it was amazing, served at just the right temperature, so rich, so nourishing, so lovely to dip tasty pastry into! 

The serving of mash was just right as well - not too little or large - it was an ideal accompaniment with the broccoli.My friend chose the same dish and was equally delighted, so it wasn’t a one hit wonder.

We continued the winter comfort theme for dessert, choosing a mini dessert and hot drink each (£6.50) from the warm section of the menu. I had a home baked chocolate brownie and hot chocolate - it was the perfect sweet and satisfying end to my meal. The brownie looked more black than brown and oozed with luscious cocoa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream splattered with delicious chocolate sauce.

Our meal was a triumph, although we did have to wait a little while to get the bill - as is often the case in restaurants. I never understand why it takes so long for staff to check if you’re ready to leave. Barnt Green has attracted a host of well known faces over the years, including the likes of Jack Grealish and Jamelia - maybe they've enjoyed pie at The Vic too!

So if you’re looking to escape the downpours, then I can happily recommend you treat yourself to a warming winter dinner at The Victoria in Barnt Green.