The Botanist Birmingham

Rather disappointed. New to the area our group had this venue suggested as a nice stop for some food. It has outdoor seating overlooking the scenic canals. Fortunately we had a spot of sunlight so could enjoy a drink before making our way inside. The decor is tasteful and welcoming but the experience was spoilt from that point onwards. We were a few minutes late to request our table we had booked and were reminded of our time keeping via one waitress telling two of our group “you better eat quickly” accompanied with an eye roll. Conscious of this we made our choices and ordered just one course, which felt more than manageable in the remaining hour and 45 minutes to consume and then vacate. A number of our group ordered the stated “famous hanging kebabs” from the options they selected the famous hanging kebab of the day, however, when asking what they were we were given the answer “I don’t know” with no expansion in that or offer to find out we did still order what turned out to be a very tasty meal. In fact, it’s almost the biggest shame that there was so much disparity between the service and product. A few dishes were missing, then the wrong ones but it was resolved albeit the group having different eating times. The finale really highlighted the tone of experience we had that evening. The waitress after taking payment was so keen to clear the table it bordered on being almost Basil Fawlty esq. My friends drink was taken despite only being half drank and my other friend had oil from the kebabs down the back of his top. The food and setting were enjoyable, but the service has a lot to be desired. To think we paid for a service charge added to bill despite a service lacking in professionalism and hospitality leaves us with a sour taste. Maybe this is an isolated experience however, for myself and our group I wouldn’t be able to recommend this venue. With so many other choices out there I do hope some equilibrium is found between service and kitchen at The Botanist.

Bar woman with black hair ruined our evening here tonight. So rude and offensive to my partner of colour. We ended up walking out as a result of her

The food is nice and service is wel organised. However, an extra out of the box question is not even asked checked why and just denied. That is imho not why you want to pay these prices and be very happy.

No good for a person who is disabled toilets down steps. Table close together. Drinks once ordered at the table took a while to come , food was good. I asked the waitress, if the fish was cod, her reply was no I don't think so, I asked what is it, her reply was I don't no. Never offered to find out. The price of the food was very reasonable, not over expensive.

Great service and great food

Great food, atmosphere and service!

Lovely place, atmosphere was good with oldie and new feeling, food was OK, but they struggled with making me a bitter shandy, (I'm driving) the guy came and asked me as he had never done one, well I ended up with a Guinness shandy,

Went last week waited quite a while for a drink and then when our food came we had to ask for a plate as it was skewers!!!!! Basic essential I though and even then we had to go looking for someone to get them. When the bill came the waitress apologised as she was on her own !!! Needless to say she didn't ask if we wanted to pay the gratuity. We wont be back

Awful. Team lovely, food dire! Only 2 in kitchen but shouldnt allow stale food and meat that is rock hard. Lost its way and very tired!