The prestigious Harden's restaurant guide has unveiled its annual list of the top 100 places to eat in the UK, delivering a major shake-up for Birmingham's culinary scene. The fine-dining establishment Albatross Death Cult in the Jewellery Quarter has soared past the city's former highest-ranked restaurant, the two-Michelin-starred Opheem, to claim the title of Birmingham's best.
A Dramatic Rise in the Rankings
This year marks the 35th edition of the Harden's guide, which is compiled from a staggering 30,000 reports submitted by 2,500 diners. In the 2024 rankings, Opheem held an impressive sixth position nationally, making it Birmingham's top representative. However, the 2025 list sees a significant shift. Albatross Death Cult has catapulted to 12th place in the UK, while Opheem has moved to 20th.
The guide's contributors were effusive in their praise for the Jewellery Quarter venue, describing the experience as 'just amazing in every way'. They highlighted the 'fresh, exciting, original, generally delicious and accurately and beautifully prepared' dozen or so courses served at the intimate restaurant.
An Intimate and Unique Dining Experience
Albatross Death Cult is the creation of acclaimed chef Alex Claridge, known for the Wilderness restaurant. It offers a highly exclusive setting, accommodating just 14 guests at a time in its canalside dining room. The guide hailed it as an 'original concept' that delivers a 'unique and rewarding experience' for both local diners and those travelling from further afield.
The menu has a pronounced Japanese influence, with a strong focus on seafood and fish. This distinctive approach has clearly resonated with critics and diners alike, propelling it to the forefront of the city's competitive restaurant landscape.
Birmingham's Representation in the National List
The news is not uniformly positive for the wider Birmingham area. While Albatross Death Cult shines, its sister restaurant The Wilderness, which ranked 90th last year, has dropped out of the top 100 entirely. Another local favourite, Grace and Savour in Hampton in Arden, remains on the list but has fallen from 30th to 63rd position. No other Birmingham restaurants secured a place in the coveted top 100 this year.
Nationally, Moor Hall in Aughton, West Lancashire was voted the UK's best restaurant for 2025. The list also indicates a strong culinary scene beyond the capital, with only four of the top ten spots being taken by London establishments.
The rise of Albatross Death Cult underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of Birmingham's food scene, proving that innovative, intimate dining concepts can compete with and surpass even the most decorated culinary giants.
