I tried a 60-minute three-course lunch in Birmingham - it was a deliciously authentic Italian experience

Lunch is usually spend behind my desk with a quick snack and a cup of tea - so when I was offered a three-course lunch that I could fit into a hour lunch break, I had my doubts on whether it could be done.

I headed to La Bellezza in Birmingham’s stunning Chamberlain Square to get a taste of what a more luxurious lunch break would feel like. The restaurant was so welcoming, with friendly and helpful staff and stunning decor that left me in awe.

My guest and I were shown to our seats and handed the set menu for 60-minute experience - which seemed great for the prices (£16 for a main, £19 for a started and a main, £23 for all three courses).

Everything looked delicious, it was hard to decide what to try! When ordering, we did have questions about what items were on the menu and our server Julian was very accommodating and a delight to talk to.

I settled on the Burratina Al Pesto for my starter - which was a creamy mozzarella ball, topped with tomatoes and surrounded by pesto. It was delicious and well-presented - though I will admit, I was more excited for the main.

My main course was the Spagettoni Al Ragu Di Angnello - which was a spaghetti with a lamb ragu with a mint sauce. The portion size was great and the flavours were fabulous.

The pasta really took me back to my time in Perugia, Italy in my university days with how it tasted - it felt like it brought me the authentic taste of the region to my plate in Birmingham - it was an experience to behold.

My guest ordered the Mammargherita Di Bufala - a pizza with rich tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella cheese. It was a generous size with a thin base but thick crust around the edge. I tried a slice too and was jealous I didn’t order it for myself.

My guest paired her meal with glasses of white in wine, while I opted for a summery cocktail - the Limonata Di Fragole (a lemonade with a strawberry twist) - which was was refreshing and sweet, which also being large enough for me to only need the one drink through the whole meal.

Finally, we got onto the dessert - which we had two options for - a tiramisu, which was scooped into the bowl by staff at your table or a rich dark chocolate mousse drizzled in caramel and sprinkled with hazelnuts. I am not much of a coffee person, which is key to enjoying a tiramisu - but I am a borderline chocoholic so I naturally ordered the mousse and it was perfection itself.

It may have been a bit of a naughty treat for a woman trying to watch the pounds but it was the ideal ending to a decadent lunch break.

Would I do it daily? Though tempting - I’ll have to resist. But would I go again? Absolutely! It was five stars!

The 60-minute lunch offer is available Monday to Friday from 12:00pm to 4:45pm - so make sure you pop along and try it for yourself!