Birmingham's Award-Winning Itihaas Restaurant Enters the Market After Two Decades
A renowned fine-dining Indian restaurant in Birmingham has been listed for sale following an illustrious 21-year tenure in the city centre. Itihaas, located on Fleet Street, is available with an asking price of £1,250,000, marking the end of an era for this celebrated culinary institution.
Founder Raj Rana's Journey from Novice to National Acclaim
Raj Rana launched Itihaas in January 2005 without prior experience as a restaurateur. Despite this, the restaurant quickly gained recognition, being named the Best UK Restaurant at the Cobra Good Curry Awards within just two years. Rana expressed mixed emotions about the sale, stating, "After 21 incredible years, Itihaas has been one of the greatest journeys of my life. I will be sad to close this chapter at this location but excited about the new journey ahead."
He is now departing Birmingham to focus on an ambitious new hotel project in Worcestershire, which will include a restaurant and wedding banqueting facilities. Rana emphasised that his team has been preparing for this transition and remains highly motivated for the next phase.
A Unique Dining Experience Modeled on Indian Heritage
From its inception, Rana was determined to create a distinctive ambiance at Itihaas. He sourced artefacts from Jaipur and Rajasthan to design the eatery as an Indian museum, offering diners an immersive journey through India's historical eras while enjoying authentic cuisine. This innovative approach earned him the Newcomer of the Year for Ethnic Food and Drink at the Best in Britain Awards in 2005, followed by the Best Newcomer in the West Midlands at the British Curry Awards in 2006.
Notable Achievements and High-Profile Appearances
Over the years, Itihaas has hosted numerous television productions, including:
- Filming with broadcaster Michael Portillo for his railway documentary series.
- Appearances on the programme Brides on a Bus.
- Several days of filming with chef Michel Roux Jr for the BBC's Service.
Rana's contributions were further recognised when he was invited to a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2008. In 2016, he founded the charitable initiative Let’s Feed Brum, which provides meals to Birmingham's homeless community.
Sale Managed by Christie & Co with High Expectations
James Dodd of Christie & Co, overseeing the sale, highlighted the restaurant's significance: "Itihaas is one of Birmingham’s most recognisable and longest standing Indian dining institutions. With more than two decades of awards, heritage, and loyal patronage, opportunities of this calibre rarely become available."
He noted that the restaurant's strong trading performance, beautifully presented interiors, and established reputation make it appealing for experienced restaurateurs or investors. The sale includes the virtual freehold, with leasehold offers also being considered.
As Rana prepares to announce further details of his new venture, the sale of Itihaas presents a rare opportunity to acquire a beloved Birmingham brand with a rich legacy and proven success in the competitive hospitality sector.
