Both Birmingham city centre branches of Bar and Block steakhouse are set to close on Thursday, September 3, but will immediately reopen under a new brand, The Social. Parent company Whitbread confirmed the move as part of a wider closure of its branded restaurant chains, including Beefeater, Table Table, Brewers Fayre, and Cookhouse and Pub.
Rebranding Details
Whitbread announced that the two Birmingham locations—on Waterloo Street and in Exchange Square—will be rebranded as The Social, a concept already operating within other Premier Inn hotels, such as the Aston branch. The Social is described as "the perfect place to relax over great food and refreshing drinks." The menu will include unlimited cooked and continental breakfasts, classic mains like fish and chips, curry, and smothered chicken, as well as grills, burgers, pizzas, and desserts.
Impact on Jobs and Premises
While Whitbread confirmed there would be some West Midlands job losses from the overall closures, the company did not provide exact figures as of July 27. A spokesperson stated that some branches of its branded restaurants—those connected to Premier Inn hotels—would be converted into hotel rooms, but food and drink options will continue at affected hotels. For the Birmingham Bar and Block sites, the transition to The Social means no permanent closure of the dining facilities.
Part of Accelerating Growth Plan
Whitbread said the changes are part of its 'Accelerating Growth Plan,' originally announced in April 2024. In April this year, the company extended the programme to all remaining branded restaurants, adding 3,600 new hotel extension rooms. The decision followed a consultation, with assurances that Premier Inn would 'continue to offer great breakfast and dinner at all hotels.' Other closures include Bar and Block and Cookhouse and Pub venues on September 3, Brewers Fayre branches on September 7, and Beefeater branches on September 10.
