Birmingham has long been the UK city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside London. But how much longer can the Second City hold on to this claim? Sure, restaurants come and go, but in recent years, we’ve already lost Carters and Purnell’s, and could Simpsons be next?
Having opened in 1993 (although it only relocated from Kenilworth to Edgbaston in 2004), Simpsons has long maintained its high quality thanks to chef-patron, Andreas Antona. Once dubbed ‘the godfather of modern Birmingham food’, he’s responsible for launching the careers of Glynn Purnell, Andy Waters and Simpsons’ head chef, Luke Tipping.
But Andreas, who also owns The Cross in Kenilworth, has decided to call it a day and retire. This doesn’t necessarily signal the end of Simpsons, but it does mean the mansion restaurant is looking for a new owner – and it’s currently on the market for £850,000.
Andreas Antona, Chef-Patron of Simpsons, commented: “Last year, I marked fifty years as a chef and restaurateur, having started out at Ealing College in 1974. I feel lucky to have witnessed the boom and development of our industry into the wonderful profession it is now.
“Following a lot of soul searching, I’ve realised there is never a good time to retire, but when something from within is telling you to reevaluate and enjoy life, family, friends, travel and golf – you need to listen. It is following this realisation that I have decided to sell Simpsons, the restaurant where my life as a chef patron began.”
For now, it’s carry-on as normal at Simpsons, though it will be difficult to replace the man who steered the ship for over 30 years. Located inside a Grade II-listed Georgian villa, diners at Simpsons will find a menu that balances classical techniques with modern British flavours, seasonal ingredients and worldly influences.
On top of an established and loyal customer base, the building itself is unique in that it has the potential to host five boutique bedrooms, while also boasting a beautiful garden and terrace. Simpsons also operates the Eureka cookery school in a dedicated training kitchen for budding chefs and foodies.
To learn more about purchasing Simpsons head here.