The closure of Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Simpsons last week came as a shock to Brummies who were devastated to see the first dining venue of its kind in the city close. However, it is not just fans of the Edgbaston restaurant's elite menus that benefitted from its 32-year existence.
StreetSmart Pays Tribute
This week, StreetSmart paid tribute to the restaurant, revealing that Simpsons had helped to raise more than £30,000 to support homeless charities across the West Midlands. Throughout November and December, restaurants that support StreetSmart give diners the opportunity to bump up their bill by £1, with all of the extra cash going to organisations that offer help to those in need.
Among the charities that have benefitted from StreetSmart cash over the years is St Basil's, which works to prevent youth homelessness in Birmingham. Sponsors pay the running and operational costs of StreetSmart, so every one of the £30,000 that Simpsons helped to raise would have gone directly to the charities.
Paying tribute to the restaurant, StreetSmart wrote: "So sad to hear the news that Simpsons will be closing its doors. Simpsons has supported StreetSmart in Birmingham from the very beginning, helping to raise thousands of pounds for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. They were one of the first restaurants to join us when StreetSmart expanded beyond London and have raised more than £30,000 to help tackle homelessness across the West Midlands. A huge thank you to Andreas, Luke, Dace and the entire team for your generosity, partnership and commitment over the years. Wishing you all the very best for the future."
A Legacy Beyond the Kitchen
Simpsons closed its doors on Thursday, May 28 after 32 years. As well as being the first Birmingham restaurant to be awarded a Michelin Star, Simpsons was responsible for training a number of the city's most well-known chefs. It includes Glynn Purnell, Adam Bennett, Andy Waters, Matt Cheal, Leo Kattou, and Claire Hutchings.
