A prominent West Midlands steakhouse has resumed service after a sudden electrical problem forced it to shut its doors on Christmas Day, disappointing dozens of booked diners.
Unexpected Closure Disrupts Festive Plans
Miller & Carter in Hockley Heath, Solihull, was compelled to close on 25th December 2025 due to what the business described as an 'unexpected electrical issue'. The closure left many local residents, who had booked festive meals, severely disappointed and scrambling for alternatives at the last minute.
Anger was particularly directed at the perceived lack of communication. One customer expressed their frustration on Facebook, stating that a party of 13 had a booking for midday but received no prior call to inform them of the situation. They lamented that their day had been 'a write off', suggesting that earlier notice might have allowed them to 'pull some scraps together'.
Restaurant Announces Swift Reopening
The venue's management moved quickly to resolve the problem. By Saturday 27th December, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page that it had reopened to the public.
The social media post welcomed customers back, stating, "We’re open from 12pm with tables of all sizes available! Got all the family? Or want to escape for a dinner for 2 we’ve got you covered!" This signaled a return to normal operations just two days after the festive shutdown.
New Year's Festivities to Go Ahead as Planned
In a positive update for those with upcoming celebrations, the restaurant has confirmed that its planned New Year's Day festivities will continue unaffected. This assurance will come as a relief to patrons looking to ring in 2026 at the popular Hockley Heath location.
The incident highlights the operational challenges faced by the hospitality sector during peak periods, where technical failures can have a significant impact on customer plans and business reputation. The swift reopening suggests the electrical fault was resolved without requiring prolonged repairs.
