Today, the Custard Factory may be Digbeth’s grown-up playground, full of everything from hip restaurants to activity bars, but it was once the home of the legendary egg-free custard, Bird’s. In a nod to its inventor, Alfred Bird, a new food hall, Alfred Works, has opened in Birmingham’s hippest spot.
From award-winning hospitality group, Blend Family (with food halls in Sheffield, Salford Quays and London), Alfred Works spans over 17,500 sq. ft of indoor space with 15 kitchens, a large outdoor courtyard, social gaming, family-friendly areas and a huge additional events space across the River Rea.
The events programme at Alfred Works is already underway, establishing the venue as a new cultural and community hub in Digbeth. This spans seasonal celebrations, creative workshops, live entertainment, family activities and food-focused experiences—with Chinese New Year activities kicking off the programme, you can learn more here.
What can I eat at Alfred Works?
The first three food concepts, each making its Birmingham debut, were announced in January. This included Fuego 1987, home of the viral birria ramen; Baity, known for championing authentic Palestinian flavours, inspired by family recipes passed down through generations; and House of Habesha, which offers Eritrean and Ethiopian food, renowned for rich, aromatic stews, injera flatbread and communal-style eating.
But it doesn’t stop there, as these are joined by:
- Jimmy’s Burgers: Unapologetically indulgent comfort food, from smashed patties to loaded fries.
- That Ziki: Authentic Greek gyros, with meat marinated for 24 hours and wrapped in pita breads flown in from Greece, and each dish finished with homemade sauces.
- Clapping Seoul: Korean street food served with a modern fusion twist. Crispy, saucy favourites packed with umami flavour bring Seoul’s energetic food scene for a Birmingham debut.
- That Kick: Halal Pan‑Asian dishes inspired by over seven countries. From Thailand’s iconic Pad Thai to Indonesian street‑food favourites like hand‑skewered satay, celebrate authentic flavours with a fresh, modern twist.
- FUKU: Founded in Manchester, also making its Birmingham debut, this is Asian fusion street food inspired by family recipes.
- Little Penang: Malaysian Chinese hawker food that you can easily find on the streets of Penang Island. Expect Malaysian fusion cuisine blending Southern Chinese culinary traditions, featuring signature dishes such as Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Wonton Noodle Soup, Claypot Rice, and more.
- Esmie’s Caribbean Fusion: A Brummie favourite celebrates Caribbean street food with bold, soulful dishes inspired by island flavours, spice and hospitality.
- Sapore: Italian classics meet street food flair with schiacciata sandwiches, gnocchi, pasta and risotto.
- Tai Wei: Chinese-inspired wok-cooked and steamed dishes, showcasing fast, flavour-packed cooking, rooted in culinary tradition.
Plus, for sweet treats and drinks, Milkcake Man serves signature milk cakes, matcha, mocktails and chocolate-covered strawberries, while Blend Family’s Coffee Bar makes its first standalone appearance with craft coffee and baked goods.
Matt Bigland, co-founder of Blend Family, said: “Alfred Works is about showcasing the depth of independent food talent in the UK, from cult street food names to operators bringing flavours that aren’t always seen in city centre spaces. This line-up reflects everything we stand for: global influence, independent voices and food that brings people together.”
Alongside food, Alfred Works is also be home to Blend Family’s second Blend Culinary Foundation Kitchen, continuing its mission to tackle food poverty and support access to food education. The site will also welcome the third location of The Cream Store, a leading independent retailer known for its community-led approach to fashion and lifestyle.
You can learn more about Alfred Work by heading here.
