Style Birmingham

One of Birmingham’s newest fine dining restaurants has received top accolades – just four months after opening. Loves was awarded the prestigious three AA rosettes in the latest additions to the AA restaurant awards.

Owners Steve and Claire Love (pictured) picked up the award for their latest venture in Canal Square. “We have had a long affiliation with the AA and I am really pleased that they have openly supported us so soon after opening,” said Steve.

No stranger to top food awards, Steve won the coveted National Chef of the Year for Great Britain in 2004, an award shared by only 22 chefs including Gordon Ramsey. He also won The Roux Scholarship in 1997 and is one of only two people in the country to hold both national awards.

Loves opened to acclaim last year and its canal-side location has proved a popular spot with city diners. Claire added: “This latest accolade is a fantastic coup for us. It’s completely unbelievable and rare for a restaurant that is so new to gain an entry at three rosette level. It’s a real testament to how hard we have all worked as a team since opening in September.”

Giovanna Grossi, the AA’s hotel services group area manager, said: “Restaurants serving food of a three rosette standard are worthy of recognition from well beyond their local area. I am glad very deserving restaurants have been acknowledged for their efforts.”

The AA reported: “The thriving Birmingham dining scene has been enriched further by the arrival of Steve and Claire Love’s eponymous restaurant. With a good measure of experience between them – Steve a sure hand in the kitchen and Claire a measured and calm presence front of house – the Loves have created a fine-dining venue of considerable class.”