A Birmingham Mailbox restaurant that offered a nature-inspired escape from the city has closed its doors. Restaurant at the Woods opened in the city centre in August 2023, following the success of Cafe at the Woods in Solihull.
Owners Announce Closure
Owners Luke Weaver and Curtis George, who were 'thrilled' to bring their 'unique offer' to the Mailbox, announced the closure in a statement to customers. They said it had become 'impossible' to continue trading.
In their statement, they wrote: 'After three incredible years, Restaurant at the Woods will be closing its doors. This is not a decision we wanted to make. Like many independent restaurants, rising costs, inflation, and the growing pressures facing hospitality have made it impossible for us to continue in the current market. We are heartbroken, but immensely proud of everything we've built in our home at the Mailbox. Thank you to every guest, team member, supplier, and friend who helped our little forest grow. For now, the forest rests.'
Hope for the Future
The owners added that they hoped to reopen in the future. 'This isn't goodbye forever - we hope that one day, in a kinder and more manageable climate, Restaurant at the Woods will return. Until then, Cafe at the Woods in Solihull remains open, and we'd love to welcome you there. Thank you for three unforgettable years.'
Broader Hospitality Concerns
The closure follows a stark warning from Michelin Star chef Andreas Antona, owner of Simpsons, who was forced to close his top Edgbaston restaurant last month. He warned of an 'avalanche' of closures in the city without a VAT cut to hospitality, predicting that many other businesses would follow suit.
