Michelin starred chef to bring new restaurant to Birmingham
A Michelin starred chef is bringing a new restaurant to Birmingham’s Mailbox.
Atul Kochhar has secured two of the prestigious stars during his time at Benares London. He is renowned for his ability to combine his Indian heritage with his love of British ingredients.
He will open his new restaurant concept – NRI by Atul Kochhar – at the shopping and lifestyle destination later this year.
Located in a high-profile position at the front of the Mailbox, the 5,000 sq ft restaurant will showcase spiced dishes that draw inspiration from the chef’s travels, including Malaysia and Japan, South Africa and beyond.
Cooked fresh on-site from one of the restaurant’s two kitchens, the menu will offer a number of hot and cold small plates, grilled dishes, sides and desserts, all served within a rustic and welcoming environment reminiscent of colonial India, complete with high ceilings, hanging lanterns and copper and dark stone. The restaurant will also be open for breakfast every day.
As well as the food, NRI by Atul Kochhar will have its own bar serving a variety of lagers, craft ales, wines and culinary inspired cocktails – including the Passion Fruit Chutney Martini with no less than seven different types of chilli.
Sitting within the restaurant will be an exclusive dining room – called The Chef’s Table by Benares – a 24-cover standalone space overlooking a private kitchen where Kochhar and his team will be working and serving Michelin-quality prix fixe menus.
The exclusive dining room will also be used for private dining events and masterclasses, hosted by Kochhar himself.
Atul Kochhar said: “I’m very excited to be opening my new concept in Birmingham, a city which I have long admired for its diversity and food culture.
“There is a complex plethora of Indian cuisine that has developed outside of India and each of my dishes tells a beautiful story – stories that I am keen to share with Birmingham.”
Simon Samuels, partner at Mailbox-owner Brockton Capital, said: “As well as luxury fashion, home and lifestyle, the Mailbox is fast becoming a foodie destination in its own right.
“Birmingham’s culinary scene has a deservedly growing reputation, and we’re delighted that Michelin starred chefs are recognising the Mailbox as the destination to showcase their food to the city.”
The announcement of NRI by Atul Kochhar follows the opening of Tom’s Kitchen, the restaurant and bar by acclaimed chef Tom Aikens, in December last year.
