Hello Brum Food Club friends, Kirsty here with your latest Birmingham food and drink roundup. This week, Birmingham is clearly having a sushi moment, but it comes amid some tough news with numerous closures.
So far in 2024, we’ve seen around 13 significant restaurant closures across the city, which is genuinely heartbreaking. Among the most recent is Caneat in Stirchley—a personal favorite for its charming secret garden and family-friendly vibe. It’s especially sad, as it was on my must-try list for next year, alongside Simpsons, which also recently closed.
But it’s not all bad news. Birmingham’s sushi scene is booming, with six new sushi spots opening this year. Just last week, Solihull’s beloved KIBOU announced plans to take over the former Riva Blu location on Temple Row—catching many of us by surprise. Riva Blu has now permanently closed, marking the end of an era.
Meanwhile, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at The Cube shut down alongside the hotel. The buzz has already started about who might fill that prime spot next—feel free to share any insider info at [email protected].
On a different note, I treated myself to a Snow Peach ice lolly at the new Snowflake Gelato stall in the Bullring, but at £7.80, it felt a bit steep—especially knowing it would melt in seconds! By contrast, Greggs offered a more wallet-friendly cherry lemonade. Also nearby, the Costa café is temporarily closed for a refresh, though it’s not leaving the Bullring. The new Vyve Cafe will have a kiosk there but isn’t taking over Costa’s space.
Finally, for sports fans, especially those enjoying the World Cup, I recommend two fantastic pubs in Birmingham. One is the only Midlands pub shortlisted in the Great British Pub Awards’ sports category, while the other just won Traditional Pub of the Year at the Midlands Food Drink and Hospitality Awards. Both spots boast great atmospheres, including rooftop terraces perfect for watching the game.
That’s all from me this week. Thanks for tuning in, and here’s to discovering more hidden gems in Birmingham soon!