‘Left with no choice’ - Michelin-starred Simpsons closes after three decades
Michelin-starred Birmingham restaurant Simpsons has announced its closure after 32 years in business.
Owner Andreas Antona confirmed the news in a message shared on social media, saying he “didn’t want it to end like this” but had been “left with no choice” after three aborted sales attempts.
The closure marks the end of one of the Midlands’ most influential modern restaurants, with Simpsons having helped shape Birmingham’s fine dining identity across more than three decades.
In a statement, Andreas said: “It is with regret that I must announce the closure of Simpsons following 32 years in business.
“I didn’t want it to end like this but with the economy as it stands, and so much time and money invested to keep us going, it is the most sensible decision.”
Simpsons closes after unsuccesful sale attempts
The announcement follows Andreas’ decision in January 2025 to retire from restaurants after more than 50 years in hospitality and put Simpsons on the market.
At the time, The Staff Canteen reported that Andreas had made the decision following ongoing health issues and a desire to spend more time with his family, while also looking for a buyer who could take Simpsons into its next chapter.
In his latest statement, Andreas said he had put the restaurant on the market “a year and a half ago” after health issues led him to re-evaluate where and how he needed to focus his time and energy.
He said: “At the time, I had every confidence that such a longstanding and respected Birmingham restaurant would find a suitable buyer to take it into an exciting new era. However, three aborted sales attempts later and I am left with no choice but to close the doors.”
A major name in Birmingham hospitality
Simpsons was founded by Andreas in Kenilworth in 1993, before moving to its Grade II-listed Georgian villa in Edgbaston in 2004.
The restaurant has held a Michelin star since 1999 and became one of the most important chef-led restaurants in the Midlands, known for contemporary British cooking, classical foundations and a strong commitment to seasonal produce.
Over the years, Simpsons also became a major training ground for chefs and front of house professionals, with a number of respected industry figures passing through the kitchen. The most recent senior figures in the team have been Luke Tipping (chef director) and Steve Locklin (general manager).
Andreas said: “Simpsons has been a huge part of my life for the past 32 years and I want to thank Luke, Steve and the team for maintaining the high standards that our guests expect during the toughest of economic times. I will always be grateful for your hard work and commitment.
“I also want to extend my thanks to Simpsons alumni who played an important role in the restaurant’s history. I am proud that Simpsons helped kickstart the successful careers for so many talented local chefs and front of house personnel.”
‘The toughest of economic times’
The closure comes amid continued pressure on the UK restaurant sector, with operators facing rising wage costs, higher food prices, energy pressures, reduced consumer confidence and increasing difficulty maintaining profitability.
Andreas said the business had continued for as long as it had because of the commitment of the team, personal investment and guest loyalty.
He said: “If it wasn’t for the hard work of the team, digging deep into my own pockets and the loyalty and support of our guests, this moment would have arrived much sooner.
“In my 50 plus years in hospitality I have never known a more challenging economic climate for restaurants. Our many calls for reasonable government support have fallen on deaf ears.”
He added: “The joy and satisfaction of creating and running such a special restaurant for so long and meeting so many wonderful people along the way has made my time at Simpsons memorable.
“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Simpsons’ sister restaurant The Cross at Kenilworth, which also holds a Michelin star, remains open as usual.
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‘Left with no choice’ - Michelin-starred Simpsons closes after three decades
