Metropolis, at the heart of Coventry offers amazing food in a stunning location and building where the history and modern art meet. It’s more than a restaurant and a real destination for the city, and is a ‘must visit’ location, renowned two years ago for feel good food during City of Culture Year and beyond. Metropolis, a casual and pleasant restaurant in Coventry, seems like a paradise for many people, it does to me as well, because of dishes it serves. Every city should have a restaurant like Metropolis, where the atmosphere is casual and relaxing and the food is serious.
Last week, I visited this restaurant for Taste magazine, and it was my first time, having a lunch at this cosy restaurant that has an elegant appearance due to its unique design comprising of modern and antique art. The ambience in the restaurant is so good; wide and relaxing. It has left the best impressions! Hospitable hosts, delicious dishes, beautiful presentation, wide wine list and wonderful dessert. I would like to come back here again and again.
Most of their menu items are inspired by Asian cuisine and have been created by their head chef Stuart Tomes, has over 14 years of experience in cooking. He applied as a pot wash cash in hand to earn a little extra money and on his first day a chef called in sick, so they pulled him into the main kitchen and that’s where he ended up staying, so he sorts of fell into the industry, attended college and The University College of Birmingham and completed his level 3 then moved to London where he worked at The Savoy Hotel on the strand. Last year he has started at Metropolis as a head chef and he loves his Korean, Japanese and Asian dishes the most so his favourite dish to make is Tom yum with all the trimmings and home-made kimchi.
I have to say that I enjoyed every single bite of the meal in Metropolis. Considering the quality, the price is reasonable. Ideal for those who want a romantic night out. There was also plenty of rooms in upstairs for bigger groups.
I had a 3-course meal; Spinach and Edamame Gyoza, served with grill artichokes, edamame beans and a soy, ginger and sesame glaze at only £5. Then Pan-Fried Salmon Fillet, crushed roasted garlic and rosemary Jersey Royal potatoes, Pan fried Pak Choi with charred lemon and dill sauce at £15. The last one, 15-hour slow roasted Rosemary Short rib, with confit garlic and Cauliflower puree, honey glazed Chante nay carrots, pan fried Brussel sprouts with a rosemary, garlic and cranberry reduction at only £18 and it is worth.
“We try and work 2 days in advance, cooking our confit garlic for 2-3 days, making sure out chicken Brazilian Frangou burger has marinated for a day, applying proper cooking techniques and standards without cutting corners.” said in response to my question, what makes Metropolis different than others?
Metropolis is a training restaurant as well, employing people with difficult pasts and no experience at all, Chef Tomes trains the kitchen staff in proper techniques and a high level of standards as they learn and progress, pretty much all their menu is cooked from scratch. They are currently a team of 4, Mr. Tomes is the head chef and 3 commis, 1 has been there for over a year now and 2 of them have been there 4 and 6 months.
Metropolis provides complete inclusivity to everyone, from the menu to where each meat-based dish as a vegan and vegetarian counterpart to match without using the standard “replace the meat with Quorn “ as you can see on most menus.
Metropolis also donates 50% of their profits to local charities and were partnered with an organisation that if they have left over buffet items, they donate them to feed Coventry’s young people.
