New Chapter for Opus team
Owners of much-missed restaurant in next venture
THE team behind Birmingham’s renowned Opus restaurant, which was forced to close amid lockdown, is back with a new venture in Edgbaston.
Ann Tonks and Irene Allan are opening a new 65-cover restaurant with Opus chef director Ben Ternent heading up the kitchen.
‘Chapter’ – described as “a stylish restaurant and destination bar” – will open in early December in two converted offices in Greenfield Crescent, which forms part of Calthorpe Estates’ burgeoning Edgbaston village near Five Ways.
As well as the main dining area, it will comprise a front bar, as well as outdoor terraces at the front and back.
Opus, in Cornwall Street, near Colmore Row, closed in May due to the impact of three lockdowns which saw trade whither.
But Chapter will remain true to the Opus ethos, “focusing on quality, combining produce and products from a family of independent suppliers teamed with top class service”.
Ms Tonks said: “We are so excited to have been presented with this opportunity by Calthorpe Estates to bring a new independent bar and restaurant to Edgbaston Village’s thriving neighbourhood.
“After the heartbreak of losing our long-established restaurant earlier in the year, Calthorpe reached out to give us a new lease of life.
“We’re starting this ‘new chapter’ from scratch and have already had a huge amount of love from our community.
“This has given us confidence that our vision is something that the city wants – the interest in our club membership has been fantastic so far. We can hardly wait to start welcoming guests.”
She added: “The big difference with Chapter is that we will be able to be a busy all-day and weekend venue, opening from morning to evening offering brunches, lunch and dinner.
“We will, of course, still welcome business customers as we did on
The big difference with Chapter is that we will be able to be a busy all-day and weekend venue Co-owner Ann Tonks
Cornwall Street, but Chapter will very much have a relaxed neighbourhood vibe. This will be helped by the front bar area, where you can pop in for a coffee or after-work
drinks. I’m also really excited by our new outdoor space – we have 18 covers at the front and a 30-cover terrace at the back which should be a lovely spot for a bite to eat in nice weather.”
Ms Tonks added: “Chapter will be open in time for the extension of the Midlands Metro Tram route along Hagley Road, which means the city centre will be no more than five minutes away on public transport.
“So I am happy to still be able to feel part of the city centre.
“But it is also fantastic to be part of the Edgbaston community alongside
wonderful local independents. It is a thriving neighbourhood right now.
“Calthorpe Estates are trying to create the high street heart of Edgbaston, which we’ve always lacked before.”
Haydn Cooper, chief executive at Calthorpe Estates, added: “We are delighted that the renowned Chapter team have chosen Edgbaston Village for a new restaurant.
“Their ethos strongly aligns with our vision, and they will be a fantastic addition to Edgbaston and Birmingham’s gastro scene.
“Chapter will be the centrepiece of the newly improved Greenfield Crescent.
“Edgbaston is going from strength to strength on the back of new occupiers and the popular Edgbaston Village Artisan Market.”
Neighbouring businesses in Edgbaston Village include Loki Wine and KIN Homeware which is relocating from its Moseley branch.
KIN owner Neil Houston told the Post: “It’s nice to be in a more suburban area with a community feel and other independents around us.”
Chapter’s interior will be designed by Jewellery Quarter-based SBDP.