Birmingham welcomed its first ever two star Michelin restaurant at the prestigious Michelin Guide ceremony on Monday evening (February 5).
The Michelin Guide Ceremony was held at The Midland Hotel in Manchester announcing the latest restaurant distinctions for UK and Ireland, including the globally renowned Michelin Stars. The best chefs in the country gathered for the event where the verdict of the inspectors was revealed.
During the ceremony, the Michelin Guide named its first ever two star Indian restaurants in Birmingham’s Opheem and Gymkhana in London. Chef-Owner Aktar Islam owns the fine dining Indian restaurant Opheem, which is located on Summer Row. Opheem has also become Birmingham's first ever two Michelin star restaurant.
Speaking about the Indian restaurant, a statement from the Michelin Guide, read: "Locally born and bred chef-owner Aktar Islam has fashioned a wonderful dining experience at this ever-developing restaurant. A spacious bar and sitting room are cleverly used as a space in which to enjoy snacks and a drink before heading to the dining room and its open kitchen.
"The series of flavoursome, excellently spiced and carefully balanced dishes are creative, modern takes on Indian recipes. Well-chosen wines from the excellent sommelier are on-hand to accompany."
Three Birmingham restaurants maintained their prestigious one stars at the 2024 ceremony, with Opheem winning two stars. Carters of Moseley, which previously had a Michelin star, wasn't included in this year's list as it closed and moved to Evesham last year, before relocating to Colmore Row in Birmingham. Chef's aren't able to take their Michelin star with them to different restaurants which is why Carters wasn't included in this year's list.
Let's take a look at the updated list of Birmingham's Michelin star restaurants in 2024.
1. Opheem, Summer Row, city centre: two stars
Opheem made history as it became Birmingham's first restaurant to win tow Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide 2024 says: "A spacious bar and sitting room are cleverly used as a space in which to enjoy snacks and a drink before heading to the dining room and its open kitchen. The series of flavoursome, excellently spiced and carefully balanced dishes are creative, modern takes on Indian recipes. Well-chosen wines from the excellent sommelier are on-hand to accompany."
2. Wine cellar at Adam’s restaurant in Birmingham
Adam Stokes’ elegant restaurant feels like it’s been part of the Birmingham dining scene forever. It’s a luxurious place with an art-deco-cum-retro style that includes a smart cocktail bar and a plush dining room.
3. Purnell's, Cornwall Street, city centre: one star
Esteemed Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell runs one of the city's best restaurants, with Purnell's once again maintaining its Michelin star. the Michelin Guide said: "Glynn Purnell is a leading light in Birmingham’s dining scene, constantly evolving and pushing both his cooking and his businesses. This, his flagship restaurant, remains the home of his finest cooking, with a seasonally influenced tasting menu the best showcase of the kitchen’s talents."
4. Simpsons, Highfield Road, Edgbaston: one star
Simpsons Restaurant in Edgbaston has held a Michelin star since 1999 and it maintained its status at the 2024 ceremony. The Michelin Guide says: "Housed in a suburban Georgian mansion, Simpsons is a long-standing jewel of the local culinary scene. The knowledge and experience of Head Chef Luke Tipping shows through in the assured, confident nature of the cooking – and he has the skill to know when to hold back."