Food Club friends, hiya! Kirsty Bosley here, first with a sincere apology for leaving you hungry for news last week. I was poorly and can neither confirm nor deny that the closure of Simpsons, home to easily the best veggie menu in all of Birmingham, contributed to my state of medical melancholy. Such gutting news.
That said, anyone who has been listening to those grafting in hospitality would have seen the warning signs for a while. The cries have been repeated ad nauseum: Hospitality is struggling and unless something changes, more will follow. Chef Andreas, who owns Simpsons, predicts an 'avalanche' of them, suggesting that a VAT cut to fall in line with Europe could be a step in the right direction.
It was a sentiment mirrored by Ian Simmonds over in Small Heath. He is owner of Bedders, a chip shop that celebrates its 80th year this year. It's only ever had three bosses and since it took over four years back, his costs have doubled. It could spell disaster for the legendary chippy. Come and read what he said, he pulled no punches.
From Closures to Openings
Did you hear the news that there's a brand new spot coming to Paradise? Before you ask, no, it's not going in that spot where York's was, more's the pity. Instead, it's just around the corner. You know, by the old Brutalist library just next door to the Vulcan statue, the largest statue in all of Alabama... Confused? So too were Brummies when Sticks 'n' Sushi announced it was moving to Birmingham UK with one photo of our city that was more than ten years old and another of the Alabama city that shares our name. Needless to say, Brummies weren't impressed with their first impression. Here's how they reacted, plus what the brand said to restore harmony!
All clumsy communications aside, it sounds like it's going to be a really cool addition to the city. The menu sounds interesting, I've never been to a Danish-Japanese restaurant before.
New Treats in the Bullring
And in final news for this section today, did you see there's a new place to get treats in the Bullring? Get your cameras ready, these are picture perfect. Hand-crafted, hand-painted and going straight in my gobhole at the earliest possible opportunity.
Any road over, that's all from me today but here are few more morsels from our writers if you're still peckish:
- I tried the 'hottest curry' in the Balti Triangle and turned into a total mess
- Pub closes for huge makeover with re-opening date announced
- Nine memorable restaurant closures in 2026 which were 'heartbreaking'
- Country pub launches £10 two-course carvery in pretty village just 40 minutes from Birmingham
Catch you next week! And drop me a line if there's anything you want me to know in the meantime, I'm kirsty.bosley@reachplc.com and always happy to hear from you.
