Rico Libre — Tapas with a Twist

Head down to Gibb Street in Deritend and you'll find Rico Libre doing Spanish tapas the right way: small plates meant for sharing, sherries that actually taste like something, and staff who know their stuff. It's the kind of place where you rock up wanting three dishes and somehow end up with seven, each one better than the last. The room's got that relaxed energy where you can have a proper conversation without shouting, but there's enough buzz around you to feel like something's happening. You're getting quality ingredients without the pretension that comes with some of Birmingham's fancier spots.