Brightsmith on the Water — Restaurant in Metropolitan Borough of Solihull

We eat at Brightsmith On The Water on Friday 9th February 2024, on the 1st evening of our 2 night stay at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Both the bar and restaurant area are lovely, we like the decor, vibe and relaxed lighting. The staff were also friendly and we enjoyed our time there. However, we both felt as if we didn’t quite get the full proper experience that others clearly have. Surprisingly, we weren’t offered the Valentines menu at all despite it running from that evening until 17th February. When we asked for a Ps, I Love You Cocktail which we knew was on the Valentines menu (we had checked online), the waitress was hesitant and didn’t seem to be too aware of it. We did get these cocktails but we were asked afterwards by a different member of staff how we knew about it, as though it was a secret. There was no apology for not offering us this menu. My partner also didn’t receive the mushroom sauce with her fillet steak. I had to go and find the waitress to inform her, and she initially thought I was asking for mushrooms. When the mushroom sauce finally came, there wasn’t any apology. It’s sometimes the little things that matter, that perhaps seem magnified especially when you’ve spent quite a lot. I believe it was £233 on the meal and later a further £140 on drinks which we spent when we went back there early the next evening, to enjoy the relaxing bar area. It’s clear we really like the place, but based on our experience, and the large amount we spent, we do feel a little shortchanged. I don’t recall even receiving an after meal survey where we could’ve mentioned these points. We are probably staying at the Hotel again in the next couple of months or so, but perhaps we will opt to eat at Resorts World instead, as there would need to be an inducement for us to return. UPDATE: I am annoyed as a Tripadvisor reviewer who spent almost £300 less than us and had a negative experience has been offered an incentive to return and we have been offered absolutely nothing! Very disappointing! Therefore my review score is now 2. Such a shame, as we would’ve returned, but this has...

Absolutely terrible! We booked this restaurant many weeks in advance for our special anniversary. Unfortunately, arrived 18 mins later than our booking time and then waited for another 7 mins at the desk, but no one was there to meet and greet us. Then the lady finally turned up to only tell us that our table was given away to someone else as we were more than 15 mins late! We were late but not THAT late! From a decent restaurant which they are trying to be I would expect at least a courtesy call to confirm our attendance. There were no other tables available other than one at the bar! Not a great start of our special night! The lady made us feel extremely unwelcome. Yet we still hoped to have a nice evening. Alas, it hasn't happened! After waiting for 25 mins for our drinks at the bar and rude attitude from the same woman, who gave our table away, we gave up hope and left. Luckily the Skybar nearby had availability and we were well received there. The Skybar saved our special night, big thank you to the staff. As for the Brightsmith, we wont recommend wasting your time on a place that does not value...

I stayed at the Hilton over the weekend and we were lucky enough to experience Brightsmith. As the restaurant hasn't had the official opening yet it was fairly quiet but the menu was still extensive for food and drinks.

We started off only ordering cocktails but did move onto the food after seeing the prices. Slightly higher than other places (as you'd expect from the Hilton) but portion sizes were plentiful and definitely worth the money.

The drinks were stunning and had a flair to them that you won't get in most places. We thoroughly enjoyed what we tried. You can also order non-alcohol versions of the cocktails but the price won't change due to the use of a non-alcohol spirit (it isn't just juice).

We did have some issues with incorrect food coming out (we ordered risotto sides but received mains) however the staff ensured we were not charged incorrectly and corrected the bill with ease. Apologies were also given.

All in all, lovely decor, amazing food and drinks. I will be back next time I am in Birmingham.

Pictured is various cocktails, tomato risotto main and chicken...