The restaurant chains we never want to see the back of in Birmingham

In a dream world, our independents would take pride of place in every spot in the city. But these are chains we wouldn't want to be without

As food lovers in this city, we think it's really important that, as Brummies, we do all we can to support our enterprising neighbours to achieve success. We do our best to shine a light on the little independent businesses that make our food and drink scene so great, from tiny little cocktail bars hidden away in old neighbourhoods to bigger venues on busy high streets with bargain breakfasts.

But with all that being said, we can't pretend that there aren't some brilliant chains enriching our scene. Some began, and grew, in our city while others have come from further afield, impressive enough diners to last the test of time in town.

Here, we're taking a look at a few of our favourites along with some independent recommendations if you love them too. We would be keen to know yours in the comments below, if you'd care to share.

Read more: All the new places to eat at the Bullring and Grand Central in Birmingham

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Dishoom

The Chamberlain Square setting, the food, the layout... Dishoom is just a stunning spot. Breakfast naans are incredible, the fragrant samosas are next level and the view from the window is just breathtaking. Read our latest review here.

We love the soundtrack over the speakers, all the greenery, the menu and the fact there are options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On special occasions, they'll draft in local businesses - like La Pop - to serve special ice creams and treats on the patio.

Love Dishoom? Try:Celeb haunt Asha's for a really good curry. For honest, wonderful Indian street food in a cosy spot, you have to try Indian Cafe Racer - it's probably the best of its kind in the city centre. Shababs, holding up the balti flag in Sparkbrook, is the GOAT.

Rudy's Pizza

We have a few different branches of Rudy's in Birmingham and honestly, if you're looking for consistently reliable, thin crust Neopolitan-style pies in the city centre, you can't beat the spot on Bennett's Hill.

The quality is really good and the price is always right too. It's not the best pizza in the entire city (truthfully, we're spoilt around here) but the location, reliability and quality make this a great addition to our scene.

Love Rudy's? Try: If you want the best of the best, you need to take a stroll down to Otto's in the Jewellery Quarter. Hey, treat yourself and get the tram down to St Paul's and get there that way. If you're heading out of the city centre, Amore Pizzeria and Caffetteria in Moseley, Smoke and Ash in Edgbaston, Alicia's Micro Bakehouse in Stirchley and Poli in Kings Heath are also incredible.

Pizza Hut

At the risk of overdoing this pizza thing, we really do believe that after all of these decades, Pizza Hut belongs in Birmingham. It wasn't long ago that we went down to the underground branch on New Street so you can click here to read us talk about why we think it's stood the test of time.

The ice cream machine, the buffet lunch, the big fat stuffed crusts and the colouring sheets for kids. Pizza Hut is a tried and true and nothing compares.

Love Pizza Hut? Try: These other fun places to eat with kids in the city centre!

Pho

Pho recently announced that it would be branching out into Harborne and locals who love the big bowls of Vietnamese noodle soup in Grand Central don't appear to be mad about it. The food is always fresh, hearty and again, consistent.

There's a family-run Vietnamese cafe down in Bearwood and we absolutely adore the authentic Vietnamese coffee at Tranquil 1992 in the Jewellery Quarter. But for massive bowls of hot pho, this chain is the one.

Love Pho? Try: Eat Vietnam in Stirchley is regarded as the best among foodies for good reason. It's not just big soupy bowls of noodles, they have some really special little plates as well as classics like salt and pepper chicken. Get the marmite peanut butter wings and thank me later.

Costa

We are spoilt for choice with good coffee in Birmingham. But sometimes, when it's just a gigantic cup of Joe bigger than your entire noggin that you're after, you can't beat Costa.

The seasonal specials, the points system for getting free drinks and even the festive cups have us in a chokehold. If only little independents could start serving up gigantic cups, I think I could be persuaded to steer clear. Until then, it's a Costa life for me.

Love Costa? Try: Odissi on Broad Street is absolutely spectacular if you want a special cup of coffee that actually tastes interesting. They know all there is to know about coffee too. You'll get similar vibes down at Ocha in Chinatown too. Faculty, in Piccadilly Arcade, is worth missing your train for.

Damascena

It's weird to think that Damascena as a chain because it's so intrinsically linked to the city. But with a number of branches across the city now, it technically falls under that category.

The Middle Eastern flavours (stuffed vine leaves forever!), the price point and the gorgeous, hazy setting, fragrant with mint tea, is just darling. There's one on Pigeon Park and it's just smashing.

Love Damascena? Try: Another branch of Damascena. It's just that good. If you're willing to go further, Cleopatra's Kitchen in Shirley does a banging shawarma!