Best Bites: Why The Top New Restaurants And Bars Are Choosing Birmingham

2018 has so far seen Birmingham’s restaurant and bar scene boom. Only five months into the year and the city has already attracted a plethora of top openings, notably celebrity favourite The Ivy which opened its doors just last month in the heart of the city’s business district.

When you consider the significant amount of investment and development the city is currently receiving, it comes as no surprise that scores of restaurants are making the move to establish themselves right in the city’s core.

“The rapid regeneration of the city is something big restaurant names want to be aligned with and the improving F&B scene in Brum is something that inspires regeneration.” Says Tom Cullen, Editor of popular Birmingham culture publication I Choose Birmingham. “We’ve sort of hit a sweet spot, in Birmingham, and suddenly everyone wants a piece of it… You’ve got to hope there’s room for all.”

Here’s our rundown of some of Birmingham’s top restaurants and bars, for those eager to explore the newest eateries or get dates in the diary for the most hotly anticipated launches.

The Ivy

The Ivy triumphed amid ‘phenomenal’ demand for the prime city centre spot on Temple Row which was previously occupied by designer store Louis Vuitton.

Paying testament to the demand for high-end restaurants in Birmingham city centre, Laura Bamber, operations manager for The Ivy Collection was previously quoted saying ‘With a food scene as strong as Birmingham’s, the city is the perfect location for The Ivy Collection.’

We think The Ivy is a welcome addition to the flourishing restaurant scene within the city’s Colmore Business District.

Adam’s Restaurant

 

One of the top 50 restaurants in the UK, Adam’s Restaurant is a Michelin-starred venue and the top fine-dining restaurant in Birmingham.

Ran by owner Adam Stokes, Adam’s opened in 2013 and found a permanent home on Waterloo Street after he fell in love with the city centre. With a dedication to luxury and elegance, Adam’s menu is comprised of a 3-Course Menu, Lunch Menu and their acclaimed Tasting Menu, which uses quality produce to provide the epitome of fine dining.

Revolución de Cuba

The Cuban spirit has been brought to  Birmingham this spring, with Revolución de Cuba opening its doors back in March. Citing the vibrancy of the second city as their reason for expanding to Birmingham, the venue offers exotic cocktails and authentic, flavoursome food on the menu to get your fiesta in full flow.

Revolución de Cuba prides itself on authenticity and their expertise of rum, and often plays host to live salsa bands and dancers.

Dirty Martini

The Grade II listed former banking hall on Bennetts Hill has undergone an incredible transformation and now makes an opulent addition to Birmingham’s bar scene.

There is an eclectic range of drinks to choose from – with a tempting range of martini-based cocktails to try, of course.

Dirty Martini CEO, Scott Matthews, referenced the ‘thriving nightlife’ of Birmingham that the company want to be a part of. The bar opened its doors in early April, and offers DJs and live music as part of its evening entertainment.

Purnell’s Bistro & Ginger’s Bar

 

Combining traditional rustic British fare and more exotic ingredients, Purnell’s Bistro is a bistro and cocktail bar in the heart of Birmingham city centre. With soft lighting and a Bistro décor, Purnell’s has created a vibrant atmosphere that utilities ‘rustic home cooking with an eclectic twist.’

As one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK, Purnell’s maintains its position as an award-winning food and cocktail offering for Birmingham city centre.

Sabai Sabai

The independent Thai restaurant is already a firm favourite in the Birmingham area, with well- established restaurants in Harborne and Moseley.

Property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton said Sabai Sabai’s expansion to Birmingham city centre would ‘enhance the city’s reputation as a top destination’.

Gino D’Acampo: My Restaurant

Work begins on the new restaurant this summer, as part of the celebrity chef’s growing restaurant chain that has existing outlets across the UK, counting the cities of Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and London amongst its other locations.

Set to open next door to The Ivy, the new venue will span over two floors offering all-day dining as well as a prosecco bar, deli and ice cream bar. There will also be space inside for a games room and an upmarket bowling alley.

Opheem

TV chef Aktar Islam, former director of the Birmingham-based Lasan Group, will be opening a new restaurant in May on Summer Row.

Islam mentions his enthusiasm for opening the new restaurant at ‘such an exciting time in Birmingham’s culinary development’  and hopes that Opheem will contribute to the city’s already ‘sterling reputation for great food’.

This is only a taste of what 2018 holds for Birmingham’s bar and restaurant scene, and if these first five months of 2018 are anything to go by then the city’s already exceptional status as a culinary hotspot will be tough to rival by any location.

Want to know more about property investment opportunities in Birmingham? Click here to find out more.