Award-winning Birmingham restaurant Itihaas put up for sale after 21 years
One of Birmingham’s most celebrated Indian restaurants, Itihaas, has been brought to market after more than two decades
A landmark in Birmingham’s dining scene is set to change hands, as specialist property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market celebrated Indian fine-dining restaurant Itihaas.
Founded in 2005 by award-winning restaurateur and executive chef Raj Rana, the restaurant has established itself as one of the city’s most distinctive culinary destinations.
Since opening, Itihaas has attracted national attention, featuring in television productions including programmes with broadcaster Michael Portillo and chef Michel Roux Jr for the BBC.
The restaurant quickly gained critical acclaim, with Rana named Newcomer of the Year at the Best in Britain Awards in 2005. Further accolades followed, including Best Newcomer at the British Curry Awards in 2006 and Best UK Restaurant in 2007 — the first time in 14 years the title had gone to a venue outside London.
Despite having no prior experience in hospitality before launching Itihaas, Rana created a unique concept inspired by India’s heritage. The restaurant was designed to resemble a museum, featuring artefacts sourced from Jaipur and Rajasthan, aiming to offer diners an immersive cultural and culinary experience.
His contribution to the industry was recognised nationally in 2008 when he was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Beyond the restaurant, Rana also founded the charitable initiative Let’s Feed Brum in 2016, supporting the city’s homeless community.
Now, after 21 years, Rana has confirmed he is moving on to a new venture: an ambitious hotel development in Worcestershire, which will include a restaurant and wedding and banqueting facilities.
Founder and executive chef Raj Rana said: “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 at the same time excited about the new journey ahead. My team and I are preparing for the next stage of our hospitality journey as we move into a new hotel venture with a restaurant and wedding banqueting operation.
“I will be sad to see the end of Itihaas at this location, but at the same time I am excited about the new journey ahead.
“Running a hotel with an on-site restaurant and wedding banqueting operation is a significant undertaking, but my team and I have been preparing for this transition for some time. We are highly motivated and excited about the next chapter for the Itihaas family.
“The sale of Itihaas presents a rare opportunity for an experienced hospitality operator or investor to acquire one of Birmingham’s most recognisable restaurant brands with a strong reputation, established customer base and more than two decades of heritage.”
The Itihaas site is being offered either as a virtual freehold, with an asking price of £1.25 million, or as a leasehold opportunity. Agents say the sale presents a rare chance to acquire one of Birmingham’s most recognisable restaurant brands, with strong trading performance and a loyal customer base. See the listing on Christie & Co’s website here.
James Dodd and Jonty Green of Christie & Co said: “Itihaas is one of Birmingham’s most recognisable and longest-standing Indian dining institutions, and it is a privilege for us to be appointed to bring such a distinguished business to market.
“With more than two decades of awards, heritage and loyal patronage, opportunities of this calibre rarely become available.
“The restaurant’s strong trading performance, beautifully presented interiors, and established reputation make it an appealing proposition for a wide range of operators, whether an experienced restaurateur looking to build upon a well-loved brand, or an investor seeking a high quality, fully-fitted hospitality venue.
“We expect interest from parties who appreciate both the legacy and the significant potential that Itihaas offers for the future.”