Tom Aikens to open first restaurant in Birmingham

Michelin chef Tom Aikens is the latest big name to announce plans to join Birmingham’s booming food scene.

The Great British Menu star will launch Tom’s Kitchen Birmingham, a restaurant, bar and deli, in the city’s Mailbox development in December.

Aikens, who currently runs six restaurants across London and Istanbul, said he was moving outside the capital for the first time after being inspired by the city’s acclaimed dining scene.

Birmingham gained its fifth Michelin star for Carters of Mosley last year, meaning it now holds the highest number of stars for any city outside London.

Aikens said: “Birmingham is a vibrant and bustling city with a thriving food scene. There is already a wonderful array of restaurants in the city, and I believe that Tom’s Kitchen will offer an exciting new option for diners in The Mailbox development."

Tom’s Kitchen Birmingham will offer all-day dining seven days a week, serving ‘British favourites and comfort food classics’ in a relaxed atmosphere.

The chef also announced plans to launch his first international deli at the Dubai Parks and Resorts theme park, which opens its doors on 1 October.

Aikens made his name after becoming the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin Stars for London’s Pied à Terre at just 26 years old.

He launched his fifth London restaurant on board HMS Belfast in March this year.