One of the UK’s most respected restaurants has announced its shock closure after more than three decades in business. Birmingham’s longest-established Michelin-starred restaurant, Simpsons, confirmed on Thursday that it would shut its doors following failed attempts to sell the iconic Edgbaston venue.
Owner Andreas Antona said he had been “left with no choice” but to close the restaurant after three aborted sales attempts. The restaurant, which held a Michelin star since 1999, had been on the market for around 18 months after Antona decided to step back due to health concerns. In a statement announcing the closure, Mr Antona said: “It is with regret that I must announce the closure of Simpsons following 32 years in business. I didn’t want it to end like this but with the economy as it stands, and so much time and money invested to keep us going, it is the most sensible decision.” The renowned restaurateur said he had initially believed the landmark Birmingham restaurant would easily find a buyer.
He added: “I put Simpsons on the market a year and a half ago, after ongoing health issues led me to re-evaluate where and how I needed to focus my time and energy.
“At the time, I had every confidence that such a longstanding and respected Birmingham restaurant would find a suitable buyer to take it into an exciting new era.
“However, three aborted sales attempts later and I am left with no choice but to close the doors.”
He said: “In my 50 plus years in hospitality I have never known a more challenging economic climate for restaurants.”
The closure has sent shockwaves through Birmingham’s food scene, with chefs and diners describing it as “a truly sad day for Birmingham hospitality” and a “huge loss to the Birmingham hospitality scene”.
Chef Matthew Cheal, who worked at Simpsons for 17 years, paid tribute to the restaurant on Instagram.
He wrote: “After 17 years working at Simpsons alongside Andreas, Luke and the team, I can honestly say it was far more than just a restaurant – it was a family, a place of passion, standards, creativity and unforgettable memories.
“Andreas and Luke created something very special and its impact on the industry and everyone who walked through the doors will never be forgotten.”
Simpsons first opened in 1993 before moving to its Georgian townhouse in Edgbaston in 2004.
The restaurant became one of Birmingham’s most celebrated dining destinations and was once named among the “top 25 sexiest restaurants in the UK” by The Times.
It added: “The tastefully refined interior of this fine-dining stalwart, set in a grade II listed Georgian townhouse in a leafy suburban street, provides a chic Nordic style setting for an intimate meal for two.”