Beloved Jewellery Quarter bar shutters after nearly two years, citing staff costs and low footfall

A well-loved bar and restaurant in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has abruptly shut its doors, blaming dwindling customer numbers and soaring staff costs. ‘Somewhere in Brum,’ which launched in 2023 with a vegetarian-focused menu, has ceased operations less than two years after opening.

Located on Mary Ann Street, the venue initially aimed to offer a unique blend of brunches, board games, and craft beer. However, despite strong early reviews, it failed to attract enough footfall to stay afloat. Owner Gaurav Chorari confirmed the closure, citing the rising minimum wage and unsustainable staffing costs as key factors.

“We had a great time serving Birmingham with passion and love,” he said. “Unfortunately, we just weren’t busy enough to keep going. Without enough customers, staff costs became too high, and with the minimum wage constantly increasing, it became impossible to continue.”

The business had a solid reputation, boasting a 4.8-star rating on Google Reviews based on over 60 reviews. Regulars praised its atmosphere, craft beers, and innovative menu. One customer, Lewis Rider, described it as a “brilliant place” that needed more customers to generate a real buzz. Another, Srijani Das, raved about its “very authentic” food.

The bar originally made its mark as a vegetarian and vegan eatery but shifted strategy in December by introducing meat dishes in a bid to attract a broader audience. However, the move was not enough to reverse its fortunes.

Outside of the bar scene, Chorari remains active in the food business, running his street food venture, Notty Bites. He previously managed the Queen’s Arms pub. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about his future in Birmingham’s food industry.

The historic Grade II-listed building will not remain empty for long. Plans are already in place to transform the venue into a new cocktail bar, though details on the incoming business remain under wraps.

This closure reflects a broader challenge facing Birmingham’s hospitality sector, with several bars and pubs struggling to balance rising operational costs with unpredictable footfall.

As ‘Somewhere in Brum’ fades into history, the question remains—can independent venues survive the pressures of the modern economy, or will more bars follow in its footsteps?