10 New Openings this June

Are you hungry for halloumi? Craving cod daal? Or just a bit peckish for pizza? Then we got you!

The Birmingham food scene is already popping off with some right gems but this month, Brum got a little bit tastier. Whether you’re looking for some casual dining for street food or crafted cocktails in elegant surroundings, June’s hottest new openings have what you need. So, go forth, get merry and eat like a Queen! 

CRAFTY CAT

Get ready for an elevated pub experience in the heart of Shirley, Solihull. Crafty Cat is the purrfect place to indulge in good food, quality drinks, and a feline-inspired atmosphere. The small and cosy restaurant features an edgy urban décor with colourful graffiti covering the walls giving the space a playful and cool vibe.

Purrfecting the Art of Burger Flipping, Beer Pouring, Tequila Sipping and Cocktail Shaking, this edgy modern mini-pub in Shirley is the cat’s meow, featuring cool décor and a paw-somely diverse menu. 

Take a culinary journey with the creative burgers, flavourful empanadas, and crispy katsu curry. And let’s not forget the fried wings and decadent loaded nachos.

Crafty is home to a solid selection of draught, bottled and canned beers, including their very own Crafty Cat lager – a refreshing brew that will leave you feline fine.

BOX 

Brindleyplace has hit a home run with the opening of BOX this month. This game changing sports bar will have you singing on stage with a live band one minute and trying your hand at shuffle board the next. From 36 HD screens, to its long list of cocktails, they have everything you need for a great time. And don’t get me started on the food, Bab! The BOX Burgers, the pizza with n’duja and honey and the  tater tots have me wanting to eat there for breakie, lunch and tea. The Champions Platter is a must for watching the game with your mates - Honey and Sriracha chicken wings, mini chicken shawarma kebabs, crispy fried popcorn chicken, mini cheeseburgers, mozzarella fries, classic nachos, chipotle ketchup, jalapeño mayo. Food heaven!

This huge venue  has a swanky upstairs bar and private dining area and don’t forget to jump in the photobooth at the top of the stairs. BOX is perfect for a lunch time game and a slice of pizza or an evening out for a large stein of Budvar and some live music. They have an impressive island bar where you can watch the mixologists do their thing whilst you enjoy the lively atmosphere and it’s a welcome addition to the Birmingham scene.

SABAI SABAI

Bringing a bit of Thai to the Midlands, Sabai Sabai are racking up the awards for their extensive menu. From platters that you won’t want to share, to salads, curries, noodles and everything in between. But save room for dessert because their Thai pandan leaf pancakes and banana fritters will transport you straight to Thailand with their authentic taste. 

Starting off as a small family run business in Moseley, their popularity grew and they now have five sites, with Solihull being the latest to open its doors. But the food isn’t the only thing to look forward to. The beautiful, hand painted murals and luxurious velvet fabrics, will have you sitting in opulence. Expect top notch service and a need to keep returning to work your way through the dishes. 

BUNDOBUST

They brew their own beer and serve delicious munch, it’s got to be a brand new Bundobust! It began with a Twitter love affair, now this unlikely duo is making waves in the casual dining arena, and they really know their stuff. They will feel right at home near the Birmingham balti triangle and so many great local breweries. 

Bringing street food inside to their vibrant venue, you can find bhajis, dhal, paneer and the likes on this fully veggie and vegan tasty list - I promise you won’t miss the meat. Sharing is encouraged, so grab yourself a selection of their dishes and wash it down with a home brew. You can expect a rotating selection of their beers and collaborations each time you visit and I’m a particular fan of their merch so go enjoy it all whilst wearing their Bundo Bab tee. Okra fries for the win. 

CLEOPATRA’S - SHIRLEY

If you haven’t heard of Cleopatra’s, are you even in Brum?! These street food OGs took the food scene by storm and have since had residencies at Herbert’s Yard and Solihull’s Taste Collective. They have just opened their first restaurant in Shirley adding a casual and relaxed dining experience to the area with a menu featuring grill, falafel and plenty of specials. 

Taking Middle Eastern flavours to the next level, you can tell they have poured their passion into this bricks and mortar site. You’ll find seating inside to enjoy their mouthwatering kebabs and mezze or you can enjoy your shawarma in the sun with their outdoor space and don’t forget a side of the best grilled halloumi around. 

LUCKY 7

Hailing from cocktail bar legends that brought us Atelier and 18/81, the Jewelry Quarter has got its own Japanese import. Lucky7 is a modern day Izakaya, which means ‘stay, drink, play’ and beautifully sums up this little bar where East meets West. 

With only 16 covers, this concept has been expertly created to give Birmingham something a bit different. You can look forward to crafted cocktails and beer, snacks and vibes. So, get yourself a bangin’ yuzu margarita, some snacks and settle into this intimate spot for the eve.

RIBEYE STEAKHOUSE

Their second site in the second city, you’ll find premium halal dining and a dry bar at Ribeye Steakhouse in Brindleyplace. Their latest restaurant promises a theatrical grill and the finest cuts of beef, including a 9oz fillet for £90. If steak isn’t your thing, they have chicken supreme de volaille for all you cheese lovers and the tastiest lamb shank with butternut squash puree. 

They also have a kids menu including the usual suspects to keep the little ones happy - a main, dessert and a drink. With quality ingredients served by the finest chefs, it’d be a mis-steak not to eat here…. (sorry, I couldn't help myself).  A pink Cloud cocktail and a wagyu for me please. 

ZAAZU

Zaazu gives an edge to traditional Indian food with fine dining that you can eat with your eyes first. From watching his Mum cook, to spending most of his time working in family kitchens, the love and passion Kenu and the team have for food comes through each dish. And they’re not just a delicious menu. Zaazu has an elegant cocktail bar where you can relax with pre-dinner drinks or continue your night in one of their glamorous booths, attended to by their talented mixologists who will make you a classic or a Zenna bar special.

I’d recommend their kerala style lobster curry and a peshwari naan - possibly the best I’ve ever had, washed down with a negroni. They also have weekly bottomless brunch and an impressive Elvis tribute night that will mean you just can’t help falling in love with them.

NOIRE

Borrowing the unique vibes of Japanese bars and coffee shops, with a chilled out atmosphere and old school music playing on vinyl, Noire, a new cocktail bar on Suffolk Street Queensway, is adding artistry, charm and late night allure to the Birmingham scene. 

They are serving up a laid back, immersive experience for its guests, with crafted cocktails and a curated menu. Think soft lighting, sleek interiors, premium spirits and fresh ingredients to take you from an early evening chill through to a party destination as night arrives. So sit back with a kawaii milk in your hand and embrace the night. 

RAJA MONKEY

A friendly, vibrant cafe-restaurant bringing you closer to India with their menu full of curry pots, clay oven dishes and plates you’ll want to share with friends. Their Indian classics are being brought to Harborne for their second site after a roaring success in Hall Green. 

You’ll be greeted by a fun, relaxed atmosphere transporting you to the streets of Dehli with its authentic foods, such as the grilled paneer, roasted cod daal or the gunpowder potatoes. And no Indian meal is complete without masala fries or naan on the side. Get yourself down there for some good value, delicious scoff. I hear the monkey bar dessert is worth the trip alone.