Albatross Death Cult comes to Birmingham

A new, experimental restaurant from Alex Claridge has opened in Newhall Square, Birmingham. 

Claridge, chef-patron of the city's "rock and roll fine dining" concept, The Wilderness, has now added Albatross Death Cult to his growing portfolio. 

Residing in a Grade II-listed warehouse in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, the venue seats 14 guests around a monolithic kitchen counter, serving a singular tasting menu of 12 (or more) dishes of (mostly) seafood and coastal ingredients. 

The Albatross experience

Claridge's latest venture offers one sitting per service, inviting 14 guests to partake in a communal dining experience. The kitchen team's approach is modern and minimalist – in Claridge's words, the food is "brutalist in style". The ever-changing menu is led by Piotr Szpak, who has intermittently served as part of The Wilderness team for over six years. Szpak serves alongside Oliver Grieve, who joined The Wilderness as a UCB student, following a stint at L'Enclume. 

The drinks programme is steered by wine and sake sommelier Caminna Bonnannini, who is supported front-of-house by Kelly Barra. The list features an evolving selection of wines and sakes by the glass and bottle, plus a mixed drinks pairing, all of which are designed to complement the coastal menu.

A concise cocktail offering has been created in collaboration with drinks consultant Rueben Clark, providing classic serves with playful coastal twists. 

(Image: Tom Bird)

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