City centre bar and restaurant closes after departure of star chef

Birmingham bar and restaurant Nocturnal Animals has announced its closure just days after the departure of its star chef.

Earlier this week, head chef and founder Alex Claridge announced his immediate departure from Nocturnal Animals, which opened last November.

Claridge said his decision to leave the Bennetts Hill venue with immediate effect would enable him to focus on The Wilderness in the Jewellery Quarter.

On Twitter, Nocturnal Animals said: “Since Alex Claridge’s departure,  the business owners for Nocturnal Animals have regrettably taken the decision to close the venue for the foreseeable whilst they make a plan.

“We want to thank everyone for the support shown since opening and our team for all their hard work and dedication.

“For anyone that has remaining gift vouchers for the venue these will be honoured at The Wilderness. Nocturnal Animals x.”