Places We Said Goodbye To in 2022

As we look back on 2022, it's clear that it was a tough year for the West Midlands' hospitality industry. But if there's one thing that can be said about our region, it's that we know how to make the best out of a bad situation.

And what better way to celebrate the end of this difficult time than by saying goodbye to some of the most beloved businesses from across our region?

In the past few 12 months, we've been saying farewell to pubs and bars, restaurants, and even an art gallery or two. Many of these closures were due to the rising cost-of-living crisis, which has forced businesses throughout our region to close their doors for good.

With that in mind, here are some of the most noteworthy closures from across the region this year:

Peel’s

Peel's restaurant, which has been serving up fine dining and fine service for 24 years, will close its doors for the last time on New Year's Eve.

The restaurant owners said they were "heartbroken" to be shutting up shop after so many years of providing a place for locals to enjoy delicious food and drink, but said that their decision was made with a heavy heart after the opening of Grace & Savour, their new restaurant in the same building.

Cielo

One of the most popular restaurants at Brindleyplace has confirmed that it’s closed for good.

The doors at Cielo were shut for a number of months, leaving many wondering if it was reopening. But a spokesperson at Brindleyplace confirmed that the award-winning eatery was now closed. It is no longer featured on their website and it is no longer possible to make bookings - although its Facebook page states that it is ‘temporarily closed’ the Cielo website now states that it is closed.

Pulperia

Brindleyplace restaurant Pulperia announced that they were closing their doors. The Argentinian-inspired steak venue, ran by Michelin star chef Aktar Islam, said that the cost of living crisis had impacted his business. He went on to say that he is looking forward to "getting back out there and serving up delicious food again."

Jacques

For the past 30 years, Jacques Restaurant has been a staple in the Knowle community. With their new venture, Jacques Restaurant will be closing its doors at the end of 2022 to make way for Cheal's Fine Dining.

Jacques Restaurant has teamed up with the outstanding team at Cheal's of Henley to offer a new fine-dining experience in the heart of Knowle. Fine foods & elevated service will be at the heart of their new restaurant.

They look forward to seeing you at Jacques throughout the festive period.

Fillet of Soul

Birmingham's Fillet of Soul chip shop is no more.

After just six months in business, the Bennetts Hill chippy closed its doors for good on Friday, March 8. A photo of a sign in the window of the takeaway declaring it was permanently closed has emerged on social media.

The sign said that sales levels had not been sufficient to continue operating, but added: "Thank you for your support and we hope to see you soon."