Jonathans in the Roundhouse is opening - with traditional British food and drink along the canal

A new restaurant and tearoom is preparing to open its doors for the first time in its new canalside location.

Spearheaded by two brothers – Paul and John Havelin who have been working in the Birmingham hospitality industry for four decades - Jonathans in the Roundhouse will be serving its traditional British food and drink from tomorrow (Tuesday 14 June).

From teas and freshly ground barista coffees to boozy hot chocolates, wines, beers and spirits there will be plenty of options to quench your thirst.

Beverages will be served alongside dishes including freshly prepared sandwiches, toasties, steaks, pies, cheese boards, traditional British puddings and afternoon teas - featuring fresh ingredients from West Midlands suppliers.

Paul, who also owns the renowned Jonathans in the Park tearoom in Bearwood’s Lightwoods House, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Birmingham heritage – John and I have always lived and worked in the area – and have made a conscious effort to support local suppliers as much as possible to champion the Midlands and everything it has to offer; something which we know our parents would be really pleased about.

“Our main provider of meat, fish and dairy as well as dry goods is based in Halesowen, our coffee beans come from a producer in Solihull, and some of our sweeter options on the menu hail from a bakery in Wombourne.”

Paul and John have taken inspiration from their popular offerings at Jonathans in the Park with some of its much-loved items – such as the Victorian seasoned chips – also making an appearance on the new Roundhouse menu.

What about the interiors at Jonathans at the Roundhouse?

The Havelin brothers have also used local trade companies to redesign and fit out the interior of their new business in the city’s iconic Roundhouse.

Paul continued: “When choosing our trade specialists, we needed people who would be sympathetic to the Grade II* listed status of this city centre building and preserve its heritage in the right way.

“Employing local companies was an easy decision for us to make, as we felt confident they would work collaboratively with us to bring our vision for Jonathans in the Roundhouse to life, whilst retaining the fantastic features of such an iconic building in Birmingham.”

Any more details about Roundhouse Birmingham in the city centre?

Roundhouse Birmingham is a heritage enterprise and independent charity and has been created through a landmark partnership between the Canal & River Trust and National Trust to find a new purpose for the historic building.

The full-scale renovation of the Roundhouse began in 2019 and the project has given the building a brand-new purpose in the area, offering visitors the chance to see the city differently through a range of volunteer-powered guided city and canal tours.

Anna Jukes, operations manager at Roundhouse Birmingham, added: “Paul and John have been a fantastic addition to the Roundhouse family and immediately understood the importance of setting up a business in a location with such a long-standing heritage.

“Jonathans in the Roundhouse is going to be a very welcome addition to the Roundhouse and all its visitors.”

Anything else?

Not only is Jonathans in the Roundhouse in an ideal spot for tourists and local residents to enjoy, but the business will also support a new offering to Roundhouse Birmingham’s extensive programme of tours and activities, with some packages including a discounted treat from Jonathans to round off the tour experience.

For further information about Jonathans in the Roundhouse, visit: www.jonathansintheroundhouse.com

For more details about Roundhouse Birmingham, head to: www.roundhousebirmingham.org.uk

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