Vinoteca blames energy prices and train strikes as it shutters Birmingham site

19-May-2023 - Last updated on 19-May-2023 at 15:43 GMT

Wine bar and restaurant group Vinoteca is to close its huge site within Birmingham’s Paradise development after less than a year, blaming rising energy prices and ongoing train strikes.

Confirming the closure, the group said the challenges of the economic landscape had proved too great for the Chamberlain Square site, which only opened in July last year having first been slated to launch back in March 2020.

As well as referencing the pandemic, energy charges and regular train strikes were listed as reasons behind the decision.

Vinoteca director Charlie Young said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to make the very difficult decision to close the doors at Vinoteca Birmingham and are heart-broken to be leaving the incredible Paradise development and a city we have grown to respect and admire.”

The 4,500sq ft venue was billed as Birmingham’s largest wine bar when it opened, with 150 covers set across a ground and mezzanine floor and 40 seats on the outdoor terrace.

It was Vinoteca’s first site outside of London.

Vinoteca director Brett Woonton said: “We would like to thank all our loyal staff and customers who contributed to Vinoteca Birmingham over the past year.”

The group’s five London sites will continue to trade.

Vinoteca Birmingham will close on Saturday 27 May.