Watch: I visited a Michelin star restaurant in Birmingham to discover the secrets of its success

Housed in a charming Grade II-listed Georgian villa, Simpsons Restaurant here in Edgbaston boasts three decades of culinary excellence, a Michelin star since 1999 and international recognition. I’m here today to learn the secrets behind its success and indulge in its dining experience.

Monste Biendicho, Simpsons Restaurant Manager told us: “it is the first Michelin Star restaurant in Birmingham. It is 24 years that we’ve had the Star, and it is also our 30th anniversary this year, so it’s quite special for us.”

The bright and contemporary decor of Simpsons perfectly complements its elegant Georgian setting while providing a relaxed dining experience for patrons. The attentive and friendly service further enhances the restaurant’s exquisite food and drink offerings.

Mark Jackson, a regular customer at the Birmingham restaurant told us: “I could summarise it by telling you the place is fabulous. I’ve been coming here for years.”

And when it comes to the dining experience, he says: “The chefs are geniuses in terms of what they do. The food is fabulous. Everything comes on a plate that looks like a work of art.

“In all the times I’ve been here, and I’ve been here probably over a hundred times, I’ve never had a meal that wasn’t fabulous. I’ve never been left disappointed.”

“The very best thing they do here from my point of view, the highlight of every time I come, and I have one almost every time I come - they do the best dessert souffles you will find anywhere.

“If I was one of those people on death row and had my three choices it would be a soufflé at Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham to start, a soufflé for my main and soufflé for my dessert.”

Expectations were high but Simpsons managed to exceed them. I was treated to Salmon with pickled mouli, smoked turnip juice, kalamansi gel and shiso alongside their signature bread - the black olive tapanade roll. Then I had the privilege of being the first person to try their new dessert - the Crème Caramel with blood orange sorbet and rhubarb.

Then came time to try out the famous soufflé and you can probably tell just by looking at it - it certainly did not disappoint. A particularly special dining experience made all the better by a warm and passionate team.

Luke Tippings, Chef Director for Simpsons told us: “Working at the Michelin Star level it’s all about the team - it’s not about me, I’m just the conductor of an orchestra really.

“We don’t overcomplicate the food, so when we do a dish it’s always about the consistency. It’s always served the temperature it’s supposed to be cooked at so the levels of dangers are eliminated really because we work within the means and parameters we can work in.”

Throughout its storied history, Simpsons has received numerous accolades, including a Michelin star since 1999 and a host of other awards recognized as benchmarks of quality within the industry.

Chef-patron Andreas Antona, who opened the restaurant in 1993, has also been honoured with multiple awards, including Chefs’ Chef of the Year and International Chef of the Year.

Simpsons’ journey began in the historic town of Kenilworth, where it quickly garnered attention, receiving a Michelin Bib Gourmand award just two years after opening, and a Michelin star within four years. In 2004, the restaurant moved to its current location in Birmingham’s Edgbaston, where it continued to grow in both reputation and influence.

Not only has Simpsons revolutionised Birmingham’s dining scene, but it has also gained international recognition. In 2014, the restaurant was invited to cook at the prestigious Rheingau food and drinks festival in Germany.

Back home, Simpsons has undergone several transformations, including a massive refurbishment in 2015 and the opening of the innovative Eureka Kitchen cookery school in 2017.

As Simpsons celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, the dining room was filled with friends and industry leaders, all gathered to honour the restaurant’s incredible journey.

Over the years, Simpsons has collaborated with many of Britain’s leading chefs and restaurants, further solidifying its status as a culinary powerhouse.

With its rich history, stunning setting, and exceptional cuisine, it’s no wonder that Simpsons has become a favourite destination for discerning foodies and those looking for a truly unforgettable dining experience in the heart of England