Myself and a guest were recently invited to try out the brand new Six By Nico restaurant on Birmingham’s Colmore Row.
The Birmingham branch is the brand’s 13th location, curated and created by Scottish Italian restaurateur Nico Simeone.
Birmingham’s German Markets were in full swing outside with plenty of hustle and bustle. We started off our afternoon with a Christmas cocktail high above the city in Orelle skybar.
Nico’s interior design is influenced by the unique characteristics of the six-legged dragonfly, including their body shape, colour, and natural habitat. To pay tribute to Birmingham’s industrial heritage and the pioneering work of Boulton and Watt, components of the steam engine form subtle historical nods. Materials such as iron, timber and blackened metal are paired with opal lighting to reflect the contrast between the engine and the steam, with artwork and screening inspired by ‘steam glass’ to further pay homage.
The first concept 6 By Nico are rolling out is ‘The Chippie’ menu, which takes inspiration from the much-loved British classic fish and chip shops, and we all know Brummies love their fish n’ chips.
Upon entering the venue, we were struck by how beautiful and elegant the design is, stylish for sure and nice low lighting. Whilst not great for taking food photos, it is the perfect environment for intimate fine dining.
The first concept 6 By Nico are rolling out is ‘The Chippie’ menu, which takes inspiration from the much-loved British classic fish and chip shops, and we all know Brummies love their fish n’ chips.
The Chippie menu takes in elevated classics such as Chips & Cheese with parmesan espuma, curry oil and emulsion and crisp potato terrine, Scampi with brandade, dill emulsion, gribiche, peas and beurre blanc, Steak Pie – a 24-hour beef shin with burnt onion ketchup, mushroom duxelle and ‘meaty salsa’, followed by Fish Supper, Smoked Sausage, and Scotland’s famous Deep Fried Mars Bar with chocolate pave and Irn Bru sorbet.
Service was impeccable, with great attention to detail as you would expect of a launch night, and with a packed house I was surprised to see how smoothly everything went, which bodes well for when the doors are open to the general public. Launch and press nights can really stretch a business as everything is so new, nearly always teething problems which need ironing out yet here.. there were no issues at all. We were served by various members of staff all of which were up to speed on the menu and service.
It was a lot to take in to be honest, each dish was experienced with an expertly paired wine from courses 2-6 and it gives you enough time to savour between courses.
My friend had the vegetarian alternative menu which included Cauliflower Beignet, Root Vegetable Pie, Halloumi, and I am told was superb.
I enjoyed all the dishes, some more so than others, I thought the scampi was incredible, and smoked sausage right up my alley, though not quite as sold on the steak pie but still a good 7/10 on taste and gorgeous presentation, the rest was knocking at full marks for both. It was a lot to take in to be honest, each dish was experienced with an expertly paired wine from courses 2-6 and it gives you enough time to savour between courses. The wines were all out of this world for taste which complimented some dishes and lifted others.
The final plate was of course.. Deep Fried Mars Bar which was tiny, as are all the plates here, it’s more about presentation and taste than quantity but Nico gets it just right I think, well he’s had enough experience to by now I guess.
As a side note, for some reason, perhaps the Scottish connection, the infamous Rab C. Nesbitt came into my mind, and as I sat there eating deep fried mars bar in this most opulent of environments, I could just imagine a yet to be written scene of Rab having a change of fortunes and sitting down to enjoy ‘The Chippie’ menu with a few Glaswegian expletives thrown in for good measure in his humorous philosophical style. I did mention this to Nico at the end of the night as we were leaving, but I’m not sure he was with me on that magical journey, perhaps too many wines on my part, ha! I got to thank him (and Lizze from The Relationship Co) for a perfect evening of Chippie indulgment. I also mistook a random person for Jo from The Relationship Co on my way out which was a bit embarrassing but hey ho, I was out the door and off for a Guinness.
Just a fantastic experience all around and I would highly recommend 6 By Nico as a special occasion destination, with a pint in The Colmore over the road, and a cocktail at Orelle beforehand to take in the city below.
Customers will be able to enjoy ‘The Chippe’ until 14th January – in fact a mate booked in to go as soon as I waxed lyrical.
For more information, please visit https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/birmingham/the-chippie/
Words by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham.