The historic Dogpool Hotel site in Stirchley has been reborn as Empress. A bold new Nigerian fine dining restaurant that adds a taste of regal Africa to the melting pot of flavours already found in Birmingham—you’ll find American, Indian, South African, Vietnamese and more cuisines on Pershore Road alone!
Having opened its doors on Saturday, November 22, the transformation of the long-vacant Stirchley pub marks a new chapter for a local landmark that’s been closed for almost a decade. Empress is described as “blending Birmingham’s industrious spirit with the rich flavours and warmth of Nigerian hospitality.”
Empress co-founder Olusegun Akande spotted this abandoned historical building earlier this year, “We saw potential in this historic site not just as a building, but as a space to revive with life, flavour, and purpose. Our goal was to create a place where Birmingham can experience the best of modern African hospitality in one location.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our restaurant come to life in this building. The Dogpool Hotel meant a lot to many locals, and we’re proud to give it a fresh chapter filled with positivity, creativity, and culture. It’s a story of transformation, turning what was once overlooked into something vibrant and unifying.”
What’s on the menu at Empress?
Expect Nigerian cuisine but not as you’ve seen before—elegant and contemporary, yet rooted in tradition. Signature dishes include Smokey Jollof Rice, Deluxe Fried Rice, Abula, Assorted Meat Pepper soup, Empress Royale Platter, VIP Seafood Okro, paired with craft cocktails inspired by African ingredients and palm-wine blends.
Efo Riro is also on the menu; a rich Yoruba soup made by simmering peppers, tomatoes, and onions in palm oil with locust beans and spices, then mixing in green leafy vegetables, traditionally Efo Shoko or Efo Tete (similar to spinach or kale) and assorted meats or fish. This beloved Nigerian classic is hearty, spicy, and comforting,
“This project is about more than food — it’s about renewal,” said co-founder Oyetola Akande, “My philosophy is that every dish should evoke a sense of home, pride, and discovery, inviting both Africans and the wider community to experience the richness of Nigerian cuisine in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.”
What else can I expect from Empress?
The restaurant’s interior design echoes its Empress name and evokes regal modern Africa: rich green and gold tones, soft lighting, florals and queenly art. Alongside the 70-seater restaurant, Samis Express will offer a curated selection of African and Caribbean groceries—from imported spices and speciality ingredients to freshly baked goods and home essentials.
Meanwhile, Samis Food Truck brings a street-style edge to the development, and the menu is very much a love letter to Nigerian street classics, serving flame-grilled Suya, Shawarma, and Afro-fusion burgers. Together, the trio form a culinary ecosystem of fine dining, community retail, and street food.