A fresh culinary venture is poised to make a significant impact on Birmingham’s dining landscape this autumn. Beyond will open its doors at the University College Birmingham (UCB) campus on Summer Row, a notable location already famed for housing the city’s only two-Michelin-star establishment, Opheem.
Run by UCB students, who receive training under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals and lecturers, Beyond will offer breakfast and lunch daily, complemented by dinner services from Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant’s small plates menu is designed to showcase the diversity of UCB’s student body alongside Birmingham’s rich heritage, featuring dishes prepared with locally sourced produce.
The offering is matched by an extensive wine list, promising high-quality options at accessible price points. This aligns with the standards set by the existing UCB restaurant, the Restaurant at College of Food, which is currently undertaking a refurbishment to enhance its facilities.
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Earlier this year, UCB revealed a £15 million investment and acquisition initiative aimed at taking over The Cube hotel and restaurant-previously home to Marco Pierre White’s steakhouse-to further develop their culinary education and dining experiences. Beyond will be the pioneer of two new restaurants under this plan, accommodating 80 guests and creating approximately 30 new jobs for both full-time staff and students undertaking placements.
The interior design will combine table seating with kitchen and bar counter spaces, alongside an outdoor terrace perfect for enjoying Birmingham’s sunshine. Guests will have the unique opportunity to walk through Beyond to access the upgraded Restaurant at College of Food, which will feature a larger open-plan layout, a new finishing kitchen, and an additional bar.
Students working in both the kitchen and front-of-house roles will benefit from invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing their skills and confidence to prepare them for future careers in hospitality. Meanwhile, visitors can look forward to enjoying high-quality food and exceptional service.
David Cumberlidge, UCB’s commercial director, commented: “The developments at our Summer Row campus exemplify our commitment to providing exceptional learning environments and creating outstanding experiences for the people of Birmingham and beyond. Whether dining on small plates and wine at Beyond or enjoying the exemplary dishes at the transformed Restaurant at College of Food, these new spaces will offer our students state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to work alongside industry professionals in settings that mirror current hospitality trends.
“These enhancements not only enrich Summer Row as a destination but also strengthen our educational offering, encouraging more young people to pursue their studies here at University College Birmingham.”
UCB boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including Michelin Star chefs Brad Carter, David Taylor, Liam Dillon, and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Dan Lee. The Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food is scheduled to reopen in October, with bookings already available. Beyond is set to launch later this autumn, with further details to be announced in due course.