Birmingham's Award-Winning Itihaas Restaurant Listed for Sale After 21 Years
One of Birmingham's most iconic Indian fine-dining establishments, Itihaas, has been officially brought to market after more than two decades of operation. The landmark restaurant, a staple in the city's culinary scene, is now available for purchase through specialist property adviser Christie & Co, signaling a significant transition for this celebrated venue.
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 2005 by award-winning restaurateur and executive chef Raj Rana, Itihaas quickly rose to prominence as a distinctive culinary destination. Despite having no prior hospitality experience, Rana crafted a unique concept inspired by India's rich heritage, designing the restaurant to resemble a museum with artefacts sourced from Jaipur and Rajasthan, offering diners an immersive cultural and culinary experience.
The restaurant garnered national attention early on, featuring in television productions with broadcaster Michael Portillo and chef Michel Roux Jr for the BBC. It earned critical acclaim, with Rana named Newcomer of the Year at the Best in Britain Awards in 2005. Further accolades included Best Newcomer at the British Curry Awards in 2006 and Best UK Restaurant in 2007—marking the first time in 14 years the title went to a venue outside London.
Rana's contributions to the industry were nationally recognized in 2008 when he was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Beyond the restaurant, he founded the charitable initiative Let's Feed Brum in 2016, supporting Birmingham's homeless community.
Transition to New Ventures
After 21 years, Raj Rana has confirmed he is moving on to an ambitious new hotel development in Worcestershire, which will include a restaurant and wedding and banqueting facilities. In a statement, Rana expressed mixed emotions about the sale, saying, "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."
He added, "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."
Sale Details and Market Opportunity
The Itihaas site is being offered either as a virtual freehold with an asking price of £1.25 million or as a leasehold opportunity. Agents describe the sale as a rare chance to acquire one of Birmingham's most recognisable restaurant brands, boasting strong trading performance, a loyal customer base, and over two decades of heritage.
James Dodd and Jonty Green of Christie & Co 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."
They further noted, "The restaurant's strong trading performance, beautifully presented interiors, and established reputation make it an appealing proposition for a wide range of operators, whether an experienced restaurateur looking to build upon a well-loved brand, or an investor seeking a high quality, fully-fitted hospitality venue. We expect interest from parties who appreciate both the legacy and the significant potential that Itihaas offers for the future."
