The West Midlands is famed for its Michelin-star restaurants. These six spots have shown they are cut above the rest of the eateries in Birmingham, with Solihull’s Grace & Savour joining their ranks only this year. But none are quite like Simpsons in Edgbaston, which has held a Michelin star since 1999!
That’s 24 years of meeting the highest standard for top-quality food. Simpsons, which is owned by Andreas and Alison Antona, with head chef Luke Tipping at the helm since its early days, first opened in Kenilworth in 1993. It moved to the Grade II listed building in Edgbaston in 2004, where it has remained ever since.
To celebrate its 30-year anniversary this September, the restaurant is heading back to when it all began. Luke has been reading through some old Simpsons menus and is bringing back some old favourites for a 90s-inspired retro menu. Updating dishes from the restaurant’s history with modern flourishes, all featuring on a three-course tasting menu (£75 per person).
Returning dishes include, the Timbale of Cured Salmon, Lobster, Crab starter and the Duo of Lamb main course served with apricots, cracked aromatic wheat, almonds, piquillo peppers, capers, yoghurt and Ras El Hanout sauce. For dessert, try the Crème Caramel with red wine pear and chocolate sorbet, which helped Luke win Midland Chef of the Year in 1999.
Luke says, “Making it to 30 years is an incredible achievement for any restaurant and there is no doubt that its opening made a big impact on Birmingham’s dining scene. Over the years, Simpsons has been a training ground for some of the region’s best chefs. I’m proud to be part of a legacy which continues today with our young chefs who continue to demonstrate award-winning talent and a passion for creating the best experience for our guests.”
It’s not the only way the Michelin restaurant is celebrating. On Wednesday, September 6, Simpsons will team up with burger master, Meat Shack, for a special gourmet burger creation. Consisting of a Beef Patty, Slow Cooked Ox Cheek, Roscoff Onion, Pickled Walnut Ketchup, Bacon Bits and Gouda, served alongside Truffle Fries, you’ve never had a burger like this. Priced at £80 per person, the menu also includes Moët & Chandon, caviar and more.
Simpsons will continue the celebrations with a Friends of Simpsons dinner with Great British Menu winner Tom Shepherd on Tuesday, October 3. To learn more about Simpsons’ celebrations or to book a table head here.