Wahaca Restaurant Considers Birmingham Comeback Nearly a Decade After Failed Plans
A prominent Mexican restaurant chain, co-founded by a celebrated MasterChef champion, is once again setting its sights on Birmingham, nearly nine years after its initial plans for the city collapsed. Wahaca, established by 2005 MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers, had previously secured planning permission for a basement venue on Temple Street back in 2017, but the project never materialized.
Initial Plans Derailed by Landlord Disagreements
The restaurant's earlier attempt to establish a presence in Birmingham was halted after it failed to reach a satisfactory agreement with the property landlord. This setback left the planned basement spot on Temple Street vacant, with Wahaca pulling out of the deal entirely. The brand's withdrawal was part of a broader pattern at the time, as another establishment, Jackson and Rye—a New York-style speakeasy—also abandoned its plans for the same street due to similar landlord issues.
Jackson and Rye has since ceased operations, closing its original Soho location in 2019 and no longer maintaining any restaurants. In contrast, Wahaca has continued to thrive, currently operating 14 locations across the UK, including in cities like Edinburgh, Brighton, and Cardiff, with its first restaurant opening in London's Covent Garden in 2007.
New Agency Appointment Sparks Renewed Interest
Recent reports indicate that Birmingham is back on Wahaca's radar as part of a strategic expansion effort. The hospitality publication Restaurant Online revealed that Wahaca has appointed a new agency, P-Three, to identify and secure new sites for growth across the UK. P-Three is tasked with targeting locations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 square feet, with Birmingham listed among the key cities of interest.
Other target cities include Manchester, Glasgow, and Cambridge, with potential expansion in London also under consideration. P-Three has a proven track record in the industry, having previously collaborated with well-known brands such as F1 Arcade, Mowgli, Rosa's Thai, and Nando's, all of which already have a presence in Birmingham city centre.
Community and Business Implications
The potential return of Wahaca to Birmingham could significantly boost the local dining scene, adding a popular and award-winning option to the city's culinary landscape. Residents and visitors alike have long awaited diverse dining experiences, and Wahaca's focus on Mexican cuisine, backed by Thomasina Miers' MasterChef pedigree, offers a unique appeal.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in Birmingham's hospitality sector, particularly regarding landlord negotiations and site acquisitions. As the city continues to attract national and international brands, such moves could foster economic growth and enhance Birmingham's reputation as a vibrant destination for food and culture.
With Wahaca's renewed interest, the question remains: will this second attempt succeed where the first fell short? Only time will tell if agreements can be reached to bring this MasterChef-linked restaurant to Birmingham after nearly a decade of anticipation.
