Opus Restaurant

Opus is a restaurant with bags of style and confidence, a place that has played its part in putting Birmingham on the UK culinary map. There's a good deal of contemporary poise about the place - warm colours, natural textures - and the fact that the menu changes twice a day shows there's a real passion for seasonal produce. In fact, high quality British produce is central to the whole operation. These outstanding ingredients are turned into dishes that allow the natural flavours to shine; nothing is over-complicated or fussy, but neither does the food lack verve. Sautéed lamb's sweetbreads with crispy filo pastry and hazelnut dressing is one way to begin, or there is Opus prawn and crayfish cocktail, or the simplicity of Carlingford rock oysters. Slow-braised veal cheeks bourguignon with Yukon Gold creamed potatoes is a main course with a bit of French soul, while royalists might go for loin of Balmoral venison with turnip gratin and prune purée. To finish, a trio of Yorkshire rhubarb makes a thoroughly seasonal finale.