I have been to lunch at Simpson's twice - I think their Saturday lunch is excellent value. I believe it's £30 for 3 courses, and everything has always been great. In my experience, you can get lunch reservations with just a couple of days notice, and it's easy to reserve via their website.

Haven't been to Purnell's (going in Aug) or to Turner's yet. My partner had a work dinner at Cielo and said is was very good as well.

I also really enjoy Lasan, a modern India place in the Jewellery Quarter. The Island Bar is scruffy, but makes fab cocktails (no food though).

B'ham is packed with the UK chains - I think independents aren't really out in force here yet. Sometimes it can feel like there's Pizza Express or Simpson's - not much in the middle

I haven't lived in B'ham long, but I am working my way through the restaurants. I have been to lunch at Simpson's twice - I think their Saturday lunch is excellent value. I believe it's £30 for 3 courses, and everything has always been great. They don't cut corners on quality on the set menu, but staff did tell me portions are somewhat smaller. The second time I ordered 3 courses off the menu and was uncomfortably stuffed! In my experience, you can get lunch reservations with just a couple of days notice.

I also really enjoy Lasan, a contemporary India place in the Jewellery Quarter.

For pub food and beer, I like the Old Joint Stock, especially their sausage menu.

I do think it's a shame we don't seem to have more independent places here. The chains seem to have a tighter hold on B'ham than they do in other UK cities. We could do with a good cheese shop, too.