Simpsons Restaurant to close after 32 years

One of Birmingham's best known restaurants is to shut after 32 years in business, with the owner blaming the economy and rising pressures facing the hospitality industry.

The closure of Michelin-starred Simpsons Restaurant was confirmed in a statement sent by email and posted on social media on Thursday.

Andreas Antona said he had put the restaurant on the market more than a year ago following ongoing health issues, but three attempted sales had fallen through.

"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," he said.

The restaurateur described the current climate as the toughest he had experienced in more than 50 years in hospitality.

"Our many calls for reasonable government support have fallen on deaf ears," he said.

The restaurant in Edgbaston was known as one of the city's most celebrated dining venues.

Antona thanked staff past and present for maintaining standards "during the toughest of economic times".

"If it wasn't for the hard work of the team, digging deep into my own pockets and the loyalty and support of our guests, this moment would have arrived much sooner," he added.

He also said the restaurant played a major role in training "so many talented local chefs and front of house personnel".

Simpsons has held a Michelin star since 1999, and in the same year Antona was named Chefs' Chef of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Antona said his "heartfelt thanks" went to everyone involved in the restaurant's history, adding that sister venue The Cross would remain open.

Hundreds expressed sadness over the news, recalling "memorable" meals and special occasions at the venue, and thanking staff for years of exceptional food and service.

Laura O'Reilly, from Bromsgrove, said she was "absolutely gutted" to hear her favourite restaurant was closing, which she described as the "Mecca of Birmingham's food scene".

"We've always celebrated big milestone events there," she said. "It's a really, really special place for my family."

The construction firm owner described Simpsons' food as "second-to-none" and the service as "impeccable", and remembered her 30th birthday celebration in the private dining room.

"We were so spoilt," she added. "Those are memories that will just stay with me forever. It was perfection from the minute we arrived to the minute we left."

Mat Holden-Jones described it as "truly a sad day", praising the "amazing food, wines and service".

"I think if we could have gone every week, we would have," he added.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.