Situated at great height, on the 25th floor of the Cube within the Mailbox realm Birmingham, boasts a venue synonymous with glamour and chic appeal promising an outstanding culinary experience. Marco Pierre Whites is an international boutique chain of steakhouse and grill offering contemporary British cuisine. I paid a visit on a weekday evening to discover just what makes it so desirable to dine there amongst locals and visitors to our city.
Myself and my dining partner were welcomed to our table by an elegant and smiling host, who proceeded to introduce our server for the evening who immediately brought over some bottled water, glasses infused with cucumber, some rustic bread sticks and a chilled ramekin of salted butter.
The atmosphere was enigmatic with nearly all the surrounding tables were full of couples, families and corporate and the opulent bar area also dotted with suits and heels. Behind the bar area was a particular favourite spot of mine, the champagne bar with horseshoe seating and a pink backdrop. The decor throughout was classic white, spacious and chic, what one would expect from a fine dining eatery. The focal usp was undoubtedly the magnificent 360 degree panoramic view of the city. The day was clear and we managed to spot other local landmarks such as the Bullring and Millennium Point. There was also a bespoke outdoor terrace for the summer months or smokers to marvel at the view.
For starters, we opted for pitted olives, pork scratching, in season asparagus poached egg and hollandaise and a mushroom soup with truffle cream. Each dish was cooked to perfection, filled with intense flavour and the portion size was a plus whilst retaining immaculate presentation which appealed. The house wines were a nice accompaniment to the meal also.
For mains my dining partner ordered the 8oz fillet steak with pepper sauce which came with grilled tomato, onion rings and chips. I opted for the belly pork, bubble and squeak, and Marcos governor cider apple sauce. The dishes were served soon after the starters and I was advised that if a diner requires a specific meal such as Halal, for chicken and lamb dishes there is no need for one to pre order and the same for the rib eye or fillet steak. Marcos can offer a Halal version of some of the other dishes but would need to know beforehand and the same for Gluten free or Kosher, which I thought was brilliant. The mains were rich and filling, with the quality of each ingredient apparent and the service throughout the meal was impeccable. The choice of dishes on the menu was extensive with a nice vegetarian selection (salads, pastas etc) speciality fish and various other meat and seafood dishes including home cooked favourites such as artisan kiev, local sausages and mash and seasonal spring chicken.
For deserts, a fine selection of port, liqueurs and desert wine graced the menu alongside cheeseboards and sharing plates. Out of options such as Eton Mess, rice and toffee pudding we selected a trio of ice cream (white chocolate, honeycomb and vanilla) which were stunningly mooreish.
All in all if you are looking for a fabulous evening meal for a special occasion or a treat, head over to Marcos. For me it was the epitome of class with a solid food offering to back up its great reputation and the surroundings were just sublime. I would visit again without hesitation, to me the place is an asset to Birmingham with it’s array of cuisines, Marco ranks in the top spot.
Facts
Prices
Snacks – £3.50 upwards
Starters £7.95 upwards
Mains £12.95 – £31.50 (extras / sides £3.50)
Deserts £3.50 – £13.00
Drinks
House Wines £8.00 upwards
Desert Wines £3.60 – £2.00
Liqueur Coffee £7.95
Offers – Check Facebook for the latest offers and monthly deals e.g. Fathers Day, the website for express Lunch deals (2 courses £20 3 courses £25), Private dining and set menus, afternoon tea and set menu deals.
Opening Times
Mon – Friday Lunch 12 – 2.30, Dinner 5pm – 9pm
Sat and Sun 12pm – 10pm (all day)
For £5 pp a seat upgrade to the window area if an option for diners
Service charge is added to the meal
