Birmingham's Award-Winning Itihaas Indian Restaurant Enters the Market
A celebrated fine-dining Indian restaurant in Birmingham has been put up for sale after 21 years of operation in the city centre. Itihaas, located on Fleet Street, is on the market with an asking price of £1,250,000, marking the end of an era for this acclaimed culinary establishment.
Founder's Journey from Novice to National Recognition
When Raj Rana opened Itihaas in January 2005, he had no prior experience as a restaurateur. Despite this, within just two years, the restaurant was named the Best UK Restaurant at the prestigious Cobra Good Curry Awards. Raj's innovative approach involved sourcing artefacts from Jaipur and Rajasthan to model the eatery on an Indian museum, creating an immersive dining experience that transported guests through different eras of India's history while they enjoyed authentic cuisine.
Raj Rana reflected on his decision: "After 21 incredible years, Itihaas has been one of the greatest journeys of my life. I will be sad to close this chapter at this location but at the same time excited about the new journey ahead."
Transition to New Hospitality Venture
Raj is now leaving Birmingham to channel his hospitality experience into an ambitious new hotel venture in his home county of Worcestershire. This new project will include a restaurant and wedding banqueting operation, representing a significant expansion of his hospitality portfolio.
"My team and I are preparing for the next stage of our hospitality journey as we move into a new hotel venture with a restaurant and wedding banqueting operation," Raj explained. "Running a hotel with an on-site restaurant and wedding banqueting operation is a significant undertaking, but my team and I have been preparing for this transition for some time. We are highly motivated and excited about the next chapter for the Itihaas family."
Restaurant's Impressive Legacy and Accolades
Itihaas has established itself as one of Birmingham's most recognisable dining institutions with numerous achievements:
- Named Best Newcomer in the West Midlands at the British Curry Awards in 2006
- Raj Rana received Newcomer of the Year for Ethnic Food and Drink at the Best in Britain Awards 2005
- Featured in high-profile television productions including Michael Portillo's railway documentary series
- Appeared on Brides on a Bus and filmed with renowned chef Michel Roux Jr for BBC's Service programme
- Raj was invited to a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2008
Sale Opportunity for Hospitality Operators
The sale presents what agents describe as a "rare opportunity" for experienced hospitality operators or investors to acquire a well-established brand with strong reputation and customer loyalty. The property is being offered for the virtual freehold, with leasehold options also available.
James Dodd at Christie & Co, which is managing the sale, commented: "Itihaas is one of Birmingham's most recognisable and longest standing Indian dining institutions, and it is a privilege for us to be appointed to bring such a distinguished business to market. With more than two decades of awards, heritage and loyal patronage, opportunities of this calibre rarely become available."
Dodd added that the restaurant's strong trading performance, beautifully presented interiors, and established reputation make it appealing for a wide range of operators, from experienced restaurateurs looking to build upon a well-loved brand to investors seeking a high-quality, fully-fitted hospitality venue.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Beyond the restaurant business, Raj Rana founded the charitable initiative Let's Feed Brum in 2016, which provides meals to Birmingham's homeless community. This community-focused approach has been part of the restaurant's identity throughout its operation.
As the sale process begins, further details about Raj's new hotel location in Worcestershire will be announced in due course. The transition marks both an end to a significant chapter in Birmingham's dining scene and the beginning of a new venture for the Itihaas hospitality team.
