A celebrated Birmingham restaurant that helped put Harborne on the culinary map has shut its doors for good. Harborne Kitchen, which had been a fixture on the High Street for nine years, has announced its permanent closure following its Christmas break.
The Sudden Announcement to Diners
The news was not initially posted on the restaurant's website or social media channels. Instead, customers discovered the closure when calling to make reservations. A recorded message informed callers: "Hello this is Harborne Kitchen, I'm afraid I have some bad news. The restaurant is closed permanently."
The message advised anyone with a voucher or a deposit for a future booking to contact the restaurant's accounts email address. It also explicitly asked patrons not to call or visit the premises, confirming that the building would be empty.
A Pillar of the Local Dining Scene
Harborne Kitchen first opened its doors in November 2016 and quickly established itself as a destination for modern British cuisine. Its reputation was cemented in 2021 when it earned a coveted spot in the Michelin Guide.
Michelin inspectors praised it as a "contemporary neighbourhood operation" that was a "pleasure to dine in," highlighting its attentive service. While it began as a fine-dining establishment with set menus, it later won fans with its popular à la carte offerings, attracting diners seeking a high-quality but less formal experience.
A Year of Change Culminates in Closure
The past year saw significant shifts for the restaurant. In June, long-time head chef Tom Wells departed to take the helm at Hogarths Hotel in Solihull. His former sous chef, Patrick White, stepped up to lead the kitchen.
Despite this change, the restaurant continued to receive glowing five-star reviews online, with many customers calling it their favourite in the city. The restaurant closed for its scheduled Christmas holiday and was expected to reopen on Saturday, January 17, but will now remain closed indefinitely.
The closure marks the end of an era for Harborne's food scene. BirminghamLive attempted to contact the restaurant for further comment on the reasons behind the decision.
