The general manager at Three Church Road, Robert Diaper lauds the energy and passion of the city’s food industry

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m the general manager at Three Church Road restaurant in Edgbaston and have been working for the company for more than five years now. After moving up from London seven years ago my first introduction to Birmingham was as deputy general manager at Hotel du Vin, which was a great place to start my love affair with Birmingham.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?

I live in Leamington Spa, which has great connections by rail into New Street, so most of the time I get the train in and then walk over to Edgbaston. It’s a good way to keep fit and take in all the sights of Birmingham.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE?

It’s good. Just 30 minutes on the train and then a brief 20-minute walk over to leafy Edgbaston.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

Brum is amazing. When I moved from London I was not sure if I could find the same energy and passion for the food industry, but how wrong I was. Birmingham is a fantastic city with so much to offer.

COFFEE BREAK?

Has to be Urban cafe on Church Street, great service and brilliant coffee.

LUNCHTIME?

This is tough one. I mainly pop out to the Village Kitchen on Greenfield Crescent for a quick lunch. However, if I have more time I like to visit El Borracho De Oro for the best tapas in the city.

POWERWALKING?

My daily commute includes a good powerwalk – I always seem to take a different route from New Street to Edgbaston to see what’s new in the city. However, if it’s green space I’m looking for, the Botanical Gardens are right on our doorstep. I quite like to hold team meetings walking over the grounds as it gets the creative juices flowing.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?

I have to be slightly biased and say Edgbaston. With so many quality eateries within a small area it’s easy to spend an afternoon drifting from place to place. With a world-class cricket ground, quality golf course and an abundance of independent shops and restaurants, Edgbaston really has it all.

AFTERWORK PINT?

The Highfield is a great place to meet for a drink after work. Just stumbling distance from our restaurant, it’s a lively, friendly place with a great garden for the summer months.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?

It’s hard to say, as the city is so unique in many ways. Although, I’m sure easing up on the traffic congestions would help improve the city overall as it tends to be one of the first things people talk about when describing Birmingham.