Michelin-rated Birmingham restaurant suddenly closes citing ‘economic pressures’

Michelin-rated Birmingham restaurant Harborne Kitchen has closed its doors for good, just days after it was due to reopen.

Described as ‘relaxed fine dining’, Harborne Kitchen was due to reopen this weekend (January 17) after their post-Christmas break.

However, instead, their doors are now shut permanently.

Anybody who tries to contact the restaurant is met with an answerphone message, which says: “Hello this is Harborne Kitchen, I’m afraid I have some bad news.

“The restaurant is closed permanently. If you have a voucher or have made a deposit for a future reservation, please contact accounts@harbornekitchen.com

“Please do not call or drop by the restaurant as there will be nobody in the building.

“Thank you very much for your patronage and goodbye.”

Statement issued to customers

Harborne Kitchen, which opened in 2016, have also posted a statement on their website.

“Unfortunately due to economic pressures we have made the very sad decision to close,” it reads.

“We appreciate there are people with unused vouchers, and have paid deposits. We are confident that in due course these will be refunded, however, this will take time whilst the liquidator performs their duties.

“Please email accounts@harbornekitchen.com with your details. We are unable to respond, but all details will be passed onto the liquidator.

“Please accept our heartfelt apologies and thank you to all everyone who dined with us over the years, you made Harborne Kitchen a very special place.”

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A long-standing presence on Harborne High Street

Harborne Kitchen opened in 2016, under Jamie Desogus, on Harborne High Street in Birmingham. It previously held two AA rosettes and featured in the Michelin Guide.

Describing the restaurant, Michelin said: “Deservedly loved by local diners, this contemporary neighbourhood restaurant is a pleasure to dine in.

“The attentive team run the place with such passion and the cooking shows the kitchen's ambition across a choice of menus.

“A tiled bull on the wall is a nod to the building's past as a butcher's shop, with an open kitchen now providing the room's focal point.

“Desserts are a real highlight, such as a clever, rich creation centred around 20-year-old Pedro Ximénez sherry.”

Recent senior leadership changes

Last year saw some changes among Harborne’s senior leadership.

In June 2025, head chef Tom Wells departed, after six years at the helm.

He has since gone on to become executive head chef at Hogarths Hotel and Restaurant.

Patrick White was hired as new head chef, replacing Tom.

Meanwhile, general manager Jacob Dolman, a nominee alongside his front of house team in The Staff Canteen Awards 2024, left Harborne Kitchen in December. Like Tom, he also spent six years working there.

Towards the end of November, Harborne Kitchen announced they were welcoming applications for Jacob’s replacement.

The sudden closure adds Harborne Kitchen to a growing list of established hospitality businesses citing economic pressure as a factor in their decision to cease trading.