Birmingham's first Michelin Star restaurant, Simpsons in Edgbaston, has closed after 32 years, with owner Andreas Antona citing a shift in dining habits as a key factor. Speaking on BBC Radio WM, Antona explained that earlier dinner times following the pandemic have made it harder to fill tables.
Changing Lifestyles Post-Covid
Antona noted that "six o'clock is the new eight o'clock on a Saturday night," making it difficult to secure later bookings. He added that the restaurant had not made a profit for over a year and that rising costs, including energy prices, minimum wage increases, and ingredient costs, had taken a toll.
Financial Struggles and Government Policy
Despite efforts to adapt with more affordable lunch menus, Antona said staying afloat "cost a lot of money." He called for government intervention, specifically a VAT reduction to European levels, to help the industry survive. "There's only one issue here and that can only be handled by central government," he stated.
The closure, effective May 28, marks the end of an era for Birmingham's fine dining scene. Antona described it as the "most sensible decision" in the current economic climate, having unsuccessfully tried to sell the business.
