Top Indian chef confirms new restaurant for city’s Mailbox
ACCLAIMED Indian chef Atul Kochhar has confirmed he will be opening a new restaurant in Birmingham’s Mailbox later this year.
NRI by Atul Kochhar will “showcase highquality but affordable spiced dishes that draw inspiration from the chef ’s travels around the globe”.
The chef, who has appeared on the likes of the BBC’s
said: “I’m very excited to be opening my new concept in Birmingham, a city which I have long admired for its diversity and food culture.
“There is a complex plethora of Indian cuisine that has developed outside of India and each of my dishes tells a beautiful story – stories that I am keen to share with Birmingham.”
The first revealed back in January that the Michelin-starred chef would be opening in the Mailbox.
The decor of the restaurant will be inspired by colonial India, complete with high ceilings, hanging lanterns and lots of copper and dark stone. But the food will be the star attraction.
Renowned for his ability to combine his Indian heritage with his love of British ingredients, Mr Kochhar is only the second Indian chef to receive a Michelin star – awarded to his London restaurant Benares in 2007 – regarded as one of the world’s best Indian restaurants. His new eatery will have two kitchens and a bar serving lagers, craft ales, wines and culinary inspired cocktails.
The dining room will also be used for private events and masterclasses, hosted by Mr Kochhar himself.
Mr Kochhar added: “The Mailbox is a modern, sophisticated development in the heart of Birmingham, and one that boasts premium quality space, occupiers and customer base.
“It’s the perfect location for my new restaurant and we can’t wait to open later this year.”
Simon Samuels, partner at Mailbox owner Brockton Capital, said: “Birmingham’s culinary scene has a deservedly growing reputation and we’re delighted that Michelinstarred chefs are recognising the Mailbox as the destination to showcase their food to the city.”
The announcement of NRI by Atul Kochhar follows the opening of Tom’s Kitchen, the restaurant and bar by acclaimed chef Tom Aikens, in December 2016.