Erminio Shahmani, owner of the Italian restaurant La Galleria, has been steadfastly running his business in Birmingham’s city centre for nearly a decade. Yet, he describes the area around New Street Station and Ethel Street—where his restaurant is located—as a “dead area” plagued by closures and neglect.
Since launching La Galleria in 2014, Erminio has witnessed the neighbourhood deteriorate. Once a lively street, it is now dotted with vacant shops and overshadowed by delivery cyclists congregating outside his door, serving other take-away businesses. La Galleria remains the sole restaurant housed in the historic corner building, which was once a Masonic Hall and later a cinema.
Despite the challenges, Erminio’s commitment to authenticity remains unwavering. His restaurant specializes in Sicilian and Italian cuisine, prepared fresh in an open kitchen featuring a pizza oven. “My staff and chefs come from all over Italy. You can see everything cooked fresh when you order,” he explains. His team includes three chefs, a pizza chef, a porter, and waiting staff, all dedicated to providing genuine Italian dining.
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However, the outside realities weigh heavily on him. “What we’ve seen is a decline—from bad to worse. This used to be a vibrant, bustling street with no problems,” he says with disappointment. Now, La Galleria stands alone among shuttered shops, facing uncertainty exacerbated by roadworks and the constant presence of delivery cyclists.
Erminio calls for more support from Birmingham City Council, noting that while other downtown areas thrive, this part of the city feels completely forgotten. “It should be one of the best parts of Birmingham, but right now, it feels like the worst. The empty shops tell the real story,” he states.
While determined to stay and persevere, Erminio acknowledges the uphill battle. “We have to stay positive to move forward, but honestly, this area feels like a warzone.” His remarks paint a sobering picture of the struggles facing small businesses in Birmingham’s underappreciated city centre quarter.