Primitivo Bar & Eatery returns after 'terrifying' delays

One of Birmingham’s best loved bars is making its much-anticipated return to the city after a 21-month forced hiatus.

Primitivo Bar & Eatery, based on Barwick Street in the heart of Colmore Business District, reopens to the public on Friday 12 May.

The bar and eatery, which was forced to close as part of The Grand Hotel redevelopment works, returns to the city’s thriving hospitality scene with a brand new interior, but promises to still offer its Continental-style dining and relaxed atmosphere.

Primitivo owner, Prit Sagoo, said:

“We’re back – finally! – and whilst we’ve had a full renovation, I was determined to return as the Primitivo that Birmingham knows and loves."

'Out of our control'

Prit admits that times have been tough:

“I won’t deny it – the past two years have been difficult for us; the prospect of closing for six months was terrifying in itself.

The situation was completely out of our control, as were the delays, and little did we know that it would actually take more than 20 months but I am so excited that on lunchtime on 12 May I get to re-open the doors and welcome the city’s business community back into the bar."

Back in business

"Three of our longest serving employees return, including our manager, and we’re still working with the loyal suppliers that we’ve built relationships with over the past two decades.

"Our drinks menu still features the best local brands; Berkman Wines, Chase, Molston Coors and Purity Brewing Company, as well as of course Laurent Perrier, and our chef has created the perfect complementary menu.”

The team are delighted to finally be back in business, just in time for the venue’s 21st anniversary later in the year.

'Completely overwhelmed'

Prit says they owe a lot to the support and loyalty of their customers.

“I have been completely overwhelmed by the support and loyalty shown by our regular customers, suppliers and staff; they have all helped get us through this and they are the reason that we’re able to come back with such force after a series of obstacles and delays.

"I want to personally thank the teams at Rowley Hughes Thompson, Higgs & Sons, Pennycuick Collins, and CWC for keeping us going and remaining so loyal to us.”

Originally due to expand into the adjacent unit, Primitivo Bar & Eatery returns to its original Barwick Street location but still has eyes on future expansion.

The bar and restaurant, which is a popular hangout for the city’s business community, opens at 12pm on Friday 12 May. It returns to its Monday-Friday opening hours (closed for private bookings at weekend.)

To find out more about the opening, visit primitivo-birmingham.co.uk.