The leafy glades of Edgbaston have long been crying out for a place like The White Swan. A prosperous area full of people who know what they like and have a keen eye for value, The Swan offers exactly what they appreciate. The fact that it is part of a modest group that has already earned an excellent track record also bolsters confidence for the future.

The Swan's interior, has been transformed and contemporary design has worked its magic, with a generous dose of natural materials that provides a restful and friendly backdrop. Whilst clearly the restaurant rules, there is no lack of space and setting for those who want to do what pubs used to do - exclusively - and have a drink or two.

The restaurant itself is full of light wood, with a level of elegance that compliments but does not overpower or distract. A menu based on the experience gained though the other houses within the group offers simplicity and draws heavily on the welcome - to most people if they were honest - concept of comfort food.

The White Swan is a place for jolly groups, maybe out to relax after a day working in the same environment, so what better to set the right note of fashionable sociability than sharing plates, antipasti of cured meats, dolcelatte, roasted vegetables, parmesan, rocket, stuffed peppers, green chillies and baked flat bread, or Greek mezze of taramasalata with red pepper humus, tzatziki, feta and flatbreads.

Amongst the starters, expect to find freshly made soup, sake cured salmon with wasabi crème fraîche and pickled ginger, or fennel with chilli crusted squid, pineapple and coriander salsa. Look, too, for scallops of the day. The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer pang pang chicken, Asian greens, satay, cashew nuts and cucumber, and for the seafood enthusiasts some prawn, avocado, spinach, watercress, crispy bacon and garlic dressing receive a rapturous welcome.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of tomato, mozzarella, oregano and basil, another with roasted vegetables, goats' cheese, tomatoes and rocket or the delicious Siciliana with Serrano ham, roast artichoke, olives and mozzarella.

The grill and rotisserie dishes for hearty eaters are well worth trying and choices include spit chicken with cacciatora sauce and frites, and rib-eye steak with rocket, fresh horseradish sauce and crispy onions. For the big event there is calves' liver with sweet potato, beetroot gratin and watercress. Persian spiced lamb chops with tzatziki, tomato and red onion salad is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. Scottish salmon with Asian greens, chilli salsa and tempura sweet potato fritters as well veal paillard add further dimensions to a wide choice range.

Well presented supporting dishes include tomato, rocket and mozzarella, and cabbage, leeks and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple and frangipane gallette and Cognac ice cream, and there is also a selection of local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

A good range of draught and bottled beers that embraces the continent, and a wine list that well complements the products from the brigade of chefs, combined with cheerful service all add up to make The White Swan a thoroughly good place to recommend to your friends - but not before you have confirmed that for yourself.

Their excellent Website will keep you up to date with menu changes and events. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.