Calthorpe Estate enjoys best ever Christmas as visitors flock to new bars and restaurants
A MAJOR investment to upgrade leisure and lifestyle amenities in Edgbaston Village has paid off handsomely with the area attracting more visitors this Christmas than ever before.
The Physician, a real ale pub and restaurant, which opened at the end of November, and Comida@21, that serves modern European flavoured dishes and opened two months ago, are just two of the venues which have helped to improve the appeal of the area to visitors.
The plan to enhance the bar and restaurant offering is one that has been deliberately designed by the Calthorpe Estate to raise the profile of the area.
With a diverse mix of leisure and hospitality facilities now on offer in the city centre, the Estate realised it had to up its game if the village was to compete with the nightspots so close by.
It promoted the area’s unique facilities with its distinctive period properties and upmarket feel as key factors in attracting new tenants.
Ralph Minott , Director of Development for the Estate, said interest in Edgbaston Village had been building all year.
“Looking back we see 2016 as a landmark year for achieving many aspects of our vision to create a thriving village centre to Edgbaston. We have sensitively restored period properties to give them a new life for leisure and retail opportunities,” he said.
“We have also invested in public realm to improve walking and connectivity across the Village, and make access and parking close to the bars and restaurants easy, which has received a tremendous response.
“In tandem, we have managed to attract some fantastic independent operators that are providing something different to what already exists in Birmingham and are bringing their own eclectic style.”
Several of the bars and restaurants have also secured awards for their food and hospitality.
The Edgbaston hotel was recognised for its cocktails and bar, while Michelin-star restaurant, Simpsons, achieved its highest ranking in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 along with many other award credits.
The success is having a welcome effect in attracting new tenants and new for next year will be Boston Tea Party, which opens the doors on its Harborne Road facility in the spring, while earlier this month luxury furniture retailer OKA confirmed it would be opening a new store at 20-22 Harborne Road in the New Year.
“We have a clear vision of what we feel will work. Our objective is to provide a rich mix and operators who will complement each other, for the benefit of those that live, work and visit the area,” added Mr Minott.
