West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has expressed his deep sadness following the closure of Simpsons, one of Birmingham’s most iconic Michelin-starred restaurants. Owner Andreas Antona announced the permanent closure of Simpsons in Edgbaston on May 28, ending an impressive 32-year run.
Antona attributed the difficult decision to ongoing economic challenges, remarking that he never wanted to see his acclaimed restaurant close in such circumstances. The news comes just days after Mayor Parker unveiled a strategic plan to revive the region’s struggling night-time economy.
The revitalization blueprint includes proposals for enhanced late-night public transportation—aiming to make services more frequent and affordable after hours. It also recommends improvements to street lighting and safer public spaces designed to host vibrant late-night events.
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Despite these promising measures, the closure of Simpsons represents a significant loss for the local hospitality scene. Mayor Parker, who has long been a fan of the restaurant since it earned its Michelin Star in 1999, shared his heartfelt reaction with BirminghamLive: “Simpsons has been one of my favourite restaurants for years. This is genuinely sad news.”
He emphasized the need to support pubs and restaurants, especially given their cultural significance to the West Midlands region. “Places like this are exactly what our night-time economy report is trying to protect,” he noted. “It’s a reminder of why that work matters.”
The restaurant’s closure has deeply affected the culinary community. Matthew Cheal, former Simpsons chef of 17 years and now owner of Cheal’s restaurant, described the moment as “a truly sad day for Birmingham hospitality.” On Instagram, he paid tribute to the restaurant’s enduring legacy: “Simpsons was far more than just a restaurant—it was a family, a place of passion, standards, creativity, and unforgettable memories. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I learned during my time there and proud to have been part of a restaurant that shaped so many careers.”
Cheal lauded Andreas Antona and team for creating “something very special” whose impact will be remembered throughout the industry for years to come.