Birmingham restaurant industry at risk: Asha’s boss warns of more closures following Purnell's shutdown

Mr Bassi, of Asha’s, a city favourite on Newhall Street in the heart of Birmingham’s business quarter, said the new parking lines, pedestrianisation and excessive business rates were major factors that were “killing the hospitality trade”.

He listed Michelin-starred Purnells, Opus, Gingers (also a Glynn Purnell venture), Zen Metro, Blaze, Florence, Jojolapas and even the coffee shop next to Asha’s as once thriving businesses that have closed in recent months.

He pointed out that these closures had meant the loss of hundreds of jobs.

“People want to enjoy a top quality night out in Birmingham, but they can’t park near to city centre restaurants and are forced towards multi-storey car parks.

“And because nobody can park anywhere near the restaurants or offices in the city’s business quarters, they are forced to drive around to find multi-storey car parks that are full and overflowing.

“Surely evening parking should be free and readily available as is the case in other centres, who are trying to revitalise their towns and cities and attract visitors to venues.”

He added that high business rates for city centre properties were not necessarily reflected in the returns that could be made and were a major disincentive to investment.

“Birmingham City Council’s well documented budget black hole means that there is no appetite to support initiatives like the city centre nighttime economy, but changes to parking rules don’t cost money,” he said.

Cuts to the council’s budget have already hit the city’s cultural life, with cuts to funding for the Birmingham International Dance Festival, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the IKON Gallery.

Asha’s briefly closed in August this year, but for a major £500,000 refurbishment programme that has been widely acclaimed as a major, stylish refresh of the city’s favourite restaurant.

Mr Bassi said that other city centre restaurants that did not enjoy as high a profile as Asha’s could be living on borrowed time unless urgent action is taken to encourage people to come into the centre.

“We need positive action immediately to support the city centre hospitality sector or there will be more closures and many more job losses,” he warned.

Asha’s Restaurant & Cocktail Bar has been made famous by celebrities including Hollywood stars Tom Cruise, John Malkovich and Jack Black, singers Pink and Ed Sheeran and the Rolling Stones .

It has also received the seal of approval from acclaimed chefs such as Glynn Purnell, Heston Blumenthal, Paul Rankin and James Martin.

Ashas Restaurant & Cocktail Bar has been the recipient of countless awards over the years including Best Restaurant in the British Curry Awards and Best Restaurant in the Asian Business Awards.

Only last week was it listed in the top 10 Indian restaurants in the UK.