Kray Treadwell plots new direction for 670 Grams

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Kray Treadwell is to drop the tasting menu at his Birmingham restaurant 670 Grams at the end of the year in favour a 'more informal' sharing-style format.

The chef, who was named the Young Michelin Chef of the Year back in 2021, says the decision is a result of him becoming 'disillusioned' with the traditional tasting menu and follows the successful introduction of a three course à la carte lunch menu on Sundays, which he says led to 'a real shift' in the restaurant.

“The restaurant came to life, there was a real vibe and more joy,” explains Treadwell.

“I realised the stuffy connotations that came with the tasting menu we were serving was having a real impact. I decided then that I wanted to introduce a more informal menu on a permanent basis.”

The new menu focuses on small plates, taking in flatbreads such as crab with fermented crispy chilli and garlic butter; beef tar tar with an oyster emulsion, pickle, mustard and burnt potato skins; cured monkfish with date and tomato; and BBQ courgette with harissa and ash.

Side options will include beef fat potatoes with smoked vinegar; while desserts will feature a miso caramel tart.

Named after the weight of his daughter when she was born four months prematurely, Treadwell opened 670 Grams in the midst of the pandemic in August 202 with the aim of offering fine dining at accessible prices. 

The restaurant currently offers a signature evening tasting menu of around seven courses for £70 per person, as well as a shorter four-course 'In & Out' menu at lunchtimes that costs £45.

Treadwell adds that the new format also allows the 670 Grams team to work more closely with smaller farmers and growers.

“We’re focusing on the food we love to cook, that people love to eat. I’m genuinely excited about this new direction for 670 Grams and we’re really looking forward to 2024.”

Treadwell announced plans in October last year to extend his Digbeth restaurant and increase the number of covers it could do, but subsequently rowed back on them citing ‘circumstances out of our control’.