Qavali is undoubtedly one of the most interesting restaurants in Birmingham. Travelling the breadth of the Ottoman Empire, the Indo-Persian restaurant serves culinary specialities from across Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Persia, and India. It’s a fine dining experience like no other in Birmingham thanks to its exciting dishes and decor inspired by a diverse region. We couldn’t think of a better team to take over The Edgbaston Hotel.
That’s right! Qavali has announced it will soon relaunch The Edgbaston Hotel. The hotel shockingly closed over a year ago and has remained empty ever since. Not too dissimilar from the original hotel, it is described as a “boutique hotel, fine dining restaurant and cocktail lounge.” But we expect the team to add a distinct Qavali flair that will transform it into somewhere unlike anywhere else.
Renamed Baloci, it is described as “paying homage to the bold and brave Baluchi culture and heritage.” The Baloch people are native to the Balochistan region which encompasses the countries of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Images of Baloci show off a design style indebted to colours of red and gold, with an art deco style and an Indo-Persian twist. The Zoroaster Bar will serve as the main cocktail lounge for Baloci, while the Red Bar and Restaurant will focus on fine dining. Guests will also be able to stay the night in one of 20 bedroom boutique hotel rooms.
It’s also been revealed that Baloci will offer afternoon tea. If anything like the Qavali afternoon tea experience, expect a spread of finger sandwiches, scones, classic Indo-Persian sweets, savouries, and champagne. In fact, we imagine much of the restaurant will follow a similar menu to the Brindley Place restaurant.
We have little worries Baloci won’t succeed when it comes to the food. Where it needs to impress the most is when it comes to the cocktails. The Edgbaston was renowned as one of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham. We’ll have to wait until November to find out if it can rekindle the magic, however.
To follow updates on Baloci head here.