Nomad Birmingham forced to close and reboot following US legal challenge

Nomad Birmingham started as a pop-up but last summer moved into permanent premises in the city centre.

Following the possibility of legal action from a New York restaurant by the name of NoMad, owners have decided to shut down and restart as The Wilderness.

Owner and chef Alex Claridge said:

"Within weeks of successfully opening our permanent venue, the Michelin-starred NoMad hotel in New York contacted us and asked that we change our name.

"Not having the money, time nor appetite for solicitors, we took the difficult decision to close Nomad – come mid-May we're done, that chapter closes. Heart-wrenching, really."

But in a canny move, Alex is turning the set-back into a new beginning:

"We're re-opening at our permanent location in Birmingham city centre as The Wilderness with a newly fitted dining room, expanded kitchen team and new bar where we will continue to serve our guests the most distinctive adventure in British food and drink."

The forced reboot has also sparked a flurry of new announcements from the restaurant team, who it seems have grander plans than ever.

Building work is under way to transform and expand the premises in Dudley Street, close to the markets.

In his characteristic teaser style, Alex said:

"We can't give you many details about The Wilderness yet but what we have we will share.

"Drinks will be a very important part of the venue as it matters that you can visit us for just a drink and still understand what we're about.

"There won't be a taster menu in any traditional sense, we will open all day Wednesday to Saturday and it's the first of a trio of venues."

Robert Wood, of 40 St. Paul's gin bar, will be heading up an experimental cocktail programme.

Alex added:

"The word ‘cocktail' is really being pushed to its limit and the ingredients we're using are going to be totally new – new flavours, new ideas."

It is understood that Alex Sarkovs, previously Head Barista for 6/8 Kafe, is stepping in to oversee a hot drinks programme

"No, not just coffee - it's more than that", added Alex.

Alex's right-hand man, chef Brian Smith, will remain involved as will Loubie Goldie as general manager.

But he was keen to stress they have been out recruiting too:

_"We have two incredibly talented and forward-thinking chefs joining us – Oliver France and Todd Turner. _

_"Both have left rosetted and Michelin-starred backgrounds before joining us to help launch The Wilderness. _

"Our commitment is to build the best possible team that we can to create, in turn, the most unusual and incredible experience in Birmingham."

Stax Creations, who have found success creating large-scale and ambitious theatrical sets for events and productions, have come on-board to oversee the transformation of the 26-cover dining room into an immersive experience.

And finally, Alex had this to say:

"We're looking at whether we can change the weather indoors or build a stream. It's going to look nothing like a restaurant or bar."

Staying Cool, who run the luxury aparthotel at The Rotunda, will be exclusive accommodation partner for visitors to The Wilderness.

In its current format, the last day for Nomad will be May 7.

The Wilderness will be open to the general public from May 25, with reservations available now.