Team behind Birmingham’s former Opus restaurant start new chapter
The team behind a popular restaurant in the heart of Birmingham’s business district which closed earlier this year is launching a new venue in Edgbaston.
Opus in Cornwall Street, which had been in business for 15 years, announced in May that it was not reopening after lockdown.
But restaurateurs Ann Tonks, Irene Allan and Ben Ternent are cooking up a new culinary landmark for the city with the planned opening of a kitchen, bar and terrace at 5-6 Greenfield Crescent within Edgbaston Village on the Calthorpe Estate.
The restaurant – Chapter – is being made possible by a diverse range of funding, including shareholder investment and club membership opportunities, a number of which have already been taken up by Birmingham’s dining community.
Ann Tonks said: “We are so excited to have been presented with this opportunity by Calthorpe Estates to bring a new independent bar and restaurant to Edgbaston Village’s thriving neighbourhood.
“After the heartbreak of losing our long established restaurant earlier in the year, Calthorpe reached out to give us a new lease of life. We’re starting this new chapter from scratch and have already had a huge amount of love from our community.
“This has given us confidence that our vision is something that the city wants – the interest in our club membership has been fantastic so far.
“We can hardly wait to start welcoming guests.”
Haydn Cooper, chief executive at Calthorpe Estates, added: “We are delighted that the renowned Chapter team have chosen Edgbaston Village for a new restaurant.
“Their ethos strongly aligns with our vision, and they will be a fantastic addition to Edgbaston and Birmingham’s gastro scene. Chapter will be the centrepiece of the newly improved Greenfield Crescent.
“Works recently finished to create a stunning granite road surface and enhanced public realm featuring festoon lights, stylish planters and improved signage. It all combines to help create a vibrant heart for the village.
“Edgbaston is going from strength to strength on the back of new occupiers and the popular Edgbaston Village Artisan Market.”
Joining chef director Ben will be head chef Nathan Swift.
With the lease now agreed, Jewellery Quarter-based Suzanne Barnes of SBDP will lead on interior design.
Chapter is targeted for an early December opening and other membership and dining experience opportunities are expected to be announced in coming weeks.
