An acai smoothie bowl shop that opened in Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre in September 2024 has permanently closed its doors after just 14 months of trading. Oakberry, which specialised in premium bowls priced at £10.50, has cleared out from its unit on the lower ground floor near Hollister.
End of an Era for Acai Specialist
The Brazilian-inspired brand, which operated approximately 800 outlets across 35 countries when it launched in Birmingham, has completely removed all its equipment, branding, and signage from the Bullring premises. Although initially listed as 'temporarily closed' online following its cessation of service in November, the shopping centre has now confirmed that Oakberry is not expected to return.
A spokesperson for the Bullring stated definitively that the shop would not be reopening, marking the end of its brief tenure in one of Birmingham's premier retail destinations. Despite its departure, Oakberry leaves behind a legacy of positive customer feedback, having achieved an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google reviews from local shoppers.
Customer Praise and Mixed Beginnings
During its operation, Oakberry received considerable online acclaim for what customers described as 'amazing bowls' featuring the Amazonian superfood acai berry alongside complementary additions like peanut butter and chia pudding. Patrons frequently highlighted the exceptional quality of customer service provided by staff members, contributing to the brand's strong reputation despite some mixed reviews upon its initial opening.
BirminghamLive has reached out to Oakberry representatives to inquire about any future plans the brand might have for the Birmingham area, though no response has been received at the time of writing.
New Culinary Arrival at Bullring
As one food vendor departs, another prepares to make its debut within the same shopping complex. SushiDog, a popular London-based establishment specialising in sushi rolls presented burrito-style with convenient grab-and-go options, is scheduled to open on the upper floor of the West Mall opposite Sephora this weekend.
The new eatery will commence trading on Saturday, January 31st, offering free meals to customers who visit on opening day alongside planned discounts throughout the launch weekend. Unlike Oakberry, which operated without dedicated seating, SushiDog will provide a small number of chairs for customers in the space previously occupied by Muffin Break.
Bullring's Future Expansion Plans
The Bullring has confirmed to BirminghamLive that it has ambitious plans for 2026, describing a 'flurry' of new openings scheduled for the coming year. While specific details about these new additions remain undisclosed, the shopping centre's management indicates that further announcements will follow as developments progress.
This closure and subsequent opening reflect the dynamic nature of retail and dining offerings within major shopping centres, where consumer preferences and market demands continually shape the commercial landscape. Birmingham residents and visitors can anticipate further changes as the Bullring evolves to meet contemporary shopping and dining expectations.
