The story
Since opening in 2019, Land has championed a new kind of dining: modern, plant-focused, and deliberately casual. The restaurant’s Asian Fusion approach takes cues from the land itself, using only the freshest seasonal produce to build dishes that draw on flavours from around the world. Head Chefs Adrian and Tony develop menus that shift daily when exceptional ingredients dictate a change.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with a view of the chefs at work, and the service is described as knowledgeable and welcoming. Land’s commitment to vegetable-led, Asian Fusion cooking has earned it a Michelin Recommended status, as well as high praise from critics. Jay Rayner of The Guardian called it “vegan cooking to file under thrilling,” noting that “in a world where meat-free cuisine can still be dreary and predictable, Land is designed to take you somewhere new.”
Land offers two chef’s tasting menus. The Full Chef’s Menu is £75, while the Short Chef’s Menu is £60. Both change seasonally and are crafted to showcase the best ingredients from the land. Guests can choose from alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink pairings to complement each course, or order from a full drinks menu that includes wines, beers, cocktails, and mocktails.
Because the kitchen works with constantly changing produce, the exact dishes are never fixed. What remains consistent is the philosophy: let the ingredient lead, season after season. The restaurant notes that due to the nature of the menu, they cannot accommodate all allergies, so they encourage guests to contact them before booking.
Land is one of the independent businesses in the historic Great Western Arcade, a covered shopping arcade in the heart of Birmingham. The restaurant’s focus on plant-forward, globally inspired cooking has made it a destination for vegans and non-vegans alike. As one Google reviewer put it: “My husband and I have been vegan for over 9 years and this is the best vegan food we’ve eaten.”
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
At first sight, Land doesn't look like one of the most consistent addresses for plant-focussed dining in Birmingham city centre. Sensibly dressed in muted grey and green, the small, shop-fronted dining room sits discreetly in an elegant Grade II-listed Victorian shopping arcade – the penny only drops when you take a look at the menu. The food may be strictly vegetarian/vegan, but leave any preconceptions behind – it’s a real one-off. A broadly based clientele gives the place plenty of enthusiastic support: ‘The food looks great, tastes great and is great value for money – and I'm not a vegetarian either,’ is a common refrain. Expect a choice of four- or six-course tasting menus offering a mix of global ideas and a galaxy of flavours, kicking off with bites of potato crisp layered with fragrantly spiced pumpkin, coriander, beetroot and apple, topped with yoghurt and tonburi seeds. Elsewhere, a boldly flavoured char siu carrot with spring onion and delicate rice mousse, sprinkled with crisped wild rice set the tone for our lunch. If the kitchen strains under the challenge of working without butter and eggs, it doesn’t show – the standout for us was a delicate, tender leek dish with a luscious, rich tapioca and dashi sauce topped with beads of seaweed caviar. And the ‘non-butter’ that arrived with the bread was a revelation. We loved the finale, too – a delectable chocolate, balsamic and blackberry confection. Service hits just the right note, and staff give sound advice when it comes to the thoughtfully constructed list of mainly low-intervention wines.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
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