La Plancha — Restaurant in Birmingham

First time back to plancha for just over a year and was really looking forward to it as it's my absolute fave restaurant. Always provided top quality food big portions at a price that is on the expensive side but works out great value all things considered.

Not sure if it's a change of chef, the impact of covid, or both, but couldn't help but leave disappointed this week.

The portions have shrunk I would say by 50%. Notably the lamb koftas which may even be closer to a third of the size now. The calamari was similarly reduced in size and was soggy. The chickpea and black pudding stew had 4 tiny chunks of black pudding and a few more of chorizo but was mainly water. The halloumi was as lovely as ever but less bread provided now.

Staff I found a little frosty and the atmosphere felt a lot more flat than ever before. Noted it was a Thursday so not exactly party time but still significantly more somber.

The cost per couple with a couple of beers each was £80 - we had 6 taps dishes at between £7-9 and I left still hungry.

It's certainly shifted my view on what is value for money these days which is massive shame.

Would still recommend if you haven't been before to go and try as I can only guess I caught it on a bad day - but from now on I'll be going with a...

AVOID! Especially if you have dietary requirements!

Whole experience went from bad to worse. Waitress absolutely ruined the experience and whole night I'd put her on the same level as GP receptionists for rudeness, maybe even slightly worse, i did not see her smile once. Was told there was no availability despite numerous empty tables, asked if we could sit outside and was told only if you're prepared to. Asked for vegan menu this was not brought out, had to go back inside to swap. Placed my food order explicitly stating all off vegan menu, my partner placing his off the main. Then returned to tell my partner this dish was not available. Vegan mushrooms were brought out with aioli, normally served with olive oil. Asked if they could check if its vegan this took around 20 minutes, they returned to tell me it was (I'm sceptical) at which point the food was cold. Asked if I could have a fresh one as its cold, I was told the kitchen is now shut. Asked then to remove the dish off the menu then, at which point she took the food away from me and told me she would remove it.

Bill was brought to us massively overpriced, terrible service and...

I held my daughter's hen party on 29th April 2017 at La Plancha from the minute I made the booking the staff especially Robyn were more then helpful and went above and beyond.

The room and table on the night was decorated beautifully by the staff with little personal touches and nothing is to much for them.

Even just walking in the atmosphere hits you it's got something of a buzz about it.

I'd sent over the food orders a few days before hand to ensure no one was waiting for food on the night but I had no reason to panic as all the food came out together for all 19 of us with around 3 dishes each.

The food is just out of this world and tastes amazing and they don't scrimp on portion size you'll not be disappointed but you will be stuffed and glad you went.

The drinks were flowing and no one had to ask twice where their drinks were and the cocktails are to die for and the shots were good too.

The service was outstanding and the staff are friendly, helpful and went above and beyond to make my daughter's hen party one to remember. I can not wait to go back.

I would denfinatly recommend La Plancha you will not be...