Birmingham restaurant group set for further expansion

Torquil and Juree Chidwick

A Birmingham restaurant group is expanding its operations with the opening of its first city centre eatery.

Sabai Sabai, which serves Thai cuisine, has taken a let on 8 Waterloo Street – a move that will put it in direct competition with the likes of Michelin-starred Adam’s, Pieminister and the popular Pure Bar.

Work on fitting out the new 2,550 sq ft restaurant is underway and is expected to be completed in September.

It is expected to serve its first customers sometime in the autumn.

The area around Waterloo Street is fast becoming one of the city centre’s most popular restaurant quarters.

In addition to the venues already named, the area also features the likes of Nosh and Quaff, Bodega, Buffalo and Rye and Viva Brazil, while Gaucho and Gusto have both recently opened nearby and plans have just been submitted to convert the former Austin Reed shop and adjoining Louis Vuitton outlet in Temple Row into celebrity haunt, The Ivy.

Sabai Sabai owner Torquil Chidwick said: “We’re so excited to be opening a fourth venue in the city centre later this year.”

The group, which already has restaurants in Moseley, Harborne and Stratford-upon-Avon, has agreed a 15-year lease on the prominent Grade II listed property.

Commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) brokered the deal on behalf of landlord Rustic Pine Developments.

Richard Jones, head of retail and leisure for LSH in the Midlands, said: “This will be a fabulous addition to Birmingham, giving visitors and the people who live and work here another excellent restaurant to dine at.

“This will only add to the diverse food offer available within the city centre and enhance the city’s reputation as a top destination to visit.”

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