The first wave of traders set to fill a massive new food hall in the heart of Birmingham has been announced, with all three chosen vendors bringing their cuisine to the city for the very first time.
A New Culinary Destination for Digbeth
Alfred Works, a 17,500 square foot dining destination featuring 15 individual kitchens, is scheduled to open in 2026. It will be located within the historic Custard Factory complex in the creative district of Digbeth, though some reports also reference the Jewellery Quarter. The venue, created by the Blend Family group, will include a large outdoor courtyard and dedicated zones for families and social gaming.
Meet the Pioneering Food Vendors
The initial trio of food 'concepts' confirmed for the hall represents a deliberate move to introduce novel flavours to Birmingham's city centre scene.
Fuego 1987 will be making its Midlands debut, specialising in the viral fusion dish Birria Ramen alongside its famous stacked tacos. The brand is known for its slow-cooked beef broth infused with Mexican spices.
Baity will offer authentic Palestinian street food, with a menu built on traditional family recipes. Expect hand-rolled falafel, slow-cooked meats, fluffy flatbreads and fresh salads, all rooted in a culture of hospitality.
House of Habesha will celebrate Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine, serving rich, aromatic stews and the signature spongy injera flatbread. The operators note this is a flavour profile rarely seen in mainstream central Birmingham dining.
Building a Community Around Global Flavours
Blend Family, which operates similar successful halls in London, Salford Quays and Sheffield, has stated that more independent vendors will be announced in the coming weeks.
Matt Bigland, co-founder of Blend Family, explained the vision: "We want Alfred Works to introduce the Birmingham community to food they might not have had before, food partners with stories, heritage and serious flavour." He added that this first announcement is "all about newness: new cuisines, new voices and food partners making their Birmingham debut."
The launch of Alfred Works in 2026 is set to significantly expand Digbeth's reputation as a destination for innovative dining, bringing a curated collection of world foods under one vast roof.
