Hello, Food Club friends! Kirsty Bosley here, back with this week’s round-up—and first, a heartfelt apology for leaving you hungry for news last time. I was under the weather, and the recent closure of Simpsons—home to arguably the best vegetarian menu in Birmingham—only deepened my gloom. Such a heartbreaking loss for the city.
Sadly, those working in hospitality have been sounding the alarm for some time now. The message is clear: the industry is battling immense challenges, and without change, more beloved spots may close their doors.
Chef Andreas, owner of Simpsons, predicts an ‘avalanche’ of closures unless action is taken, suggesting a VAT cut to align with European rates as a possible lifeline. This concern was echoed by Ian Simmonds, owner of Bedders—a cherished chip shop in Small Heath celebrating its 80th year. With just three owners in its history, Bedders has been under Ian’s care for over four years, but rising costs—now doubled—threaten its future. His candid words underscore the urgency of the situation.
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Shifting gears from closures to exciting openings: did you hear there’s a fresh new venue coming to Paradise? No, it’s not replacing York’s, much to many peoples’ chagrin, but it’s just around the corner by the old Brutalist library near the Vulcan statue—the largest statue in Alabama.
Confused? You aren’t alone. When Sticks ‘n’ Sushi announced its move to Birmingham, UK, it shared a photo more than ten years old—mistakenly mixed with one of Alabama, USA, sparking some frustration among locals. The brand has since responded to ease tensions, and despite the rocky start, this Danish-Japanese restaurant promises to bring an intriguing and unique dining experience to the city.
On a sweeter note, did you spot the new treat stop in the Bullring? These visually stunning, hand-crafted and hand-painted delights are ready to be snapped and savored. I’m counting down the minutes until I can indulge!
That’s it from me today, but if you’re still peckish for more local food news, our writers have plenty more to share. Catch you next week! And meanwhile, feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]—I’m always keen to hear from fellow food lovers.