Simpsons Restaurant, 20 Highfield Road, Birmingham, B15 3DU

Distinctive Grade II listed, Georgian Villa style property, the detached building sits on grounds of 0.82 acres in an elevated position, overlooking Westbourne Cresent. The building was extended in 2016 to create a modern additional dining area, which complements the remaining Victorian interior. This overlooks an established garden to the rear.

The trading areas on the ground floor extend to circa 540 sqm (5,800 sqft) with offices and unused former bedrooms above which could be converted to en-suite letting accommodation or private dining suites or meeting rooms.

Simpsons occupies a prominent position in the leafy suburb of Edgbaston, some 2 miles west of Birmingham New Street, and the city centre. The area is most famous for its Test Match Cricket Ground, and is also home to the Priory Club, which hosts WTA Tennis, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and numerous education facilities including the University of Birmingham.

Simpsons has also helped Highfield Road become a destination for hospitality with a selection of establishments in the vicinity.

Much of Edgbaston was owned by the Calthorpe family and 1,600 acres of the area is managed by Calthorpe Estates which includes Simpsons.

Main lobbied entrance from the front car park leads into a reception area with desk and seating for 8. Leading off is a lounge with seating for 12, fireplace and bay window overlooking the front. In addition, there is a garden lounge with seating for 10 leading to a Conservatory area with seats for a further 8.

Central hall leads through to the main dining room, which is a contrast in style, featuring a curved ceiling with lightwell, bi-fold doors to the side opening onto the garden, wood and tiled floors, exposed stone and windows into the kitchen. This area comfortably seats 72 diners.

In between is the private dining room, which is located in the original building, with high ceiling, bay windows, shutters and double doors to the garden. This room can host 16 around a single table.

On the first floor is the Eureka Cookery School, a self-contained section with an additional access. Fully equipped with extraction, workstations and training kitchen, the room comfortably accommodates 10 visitors.

Central wide stairway to first floor which offers the opportunity to create a number of ensuite boutique letting rooms. Four rooms already have en-suite facilities from the past. Above on the 2nd floor are two offices, storerooms and staff toilets.

The kitchens are well placed, adjoining the main restaurant with windows to the dining room. These are professionally fitted, split into a number of sections with full extraction, tiled floors with drainage and stainless-steel walls. There is a main cooking section plus areas for cold/pastry, preparation, wash-up and walk-in cold store. Centrally placed bar service area for drinks, coffee and limited seating.

Off the main reception are the well-appointed ladies, gents and disabled toilets and cloakroom area.

Basement, sectioned cellar, fully racked providing excellent storage.

Simpsons is stands centrally in grounds of 0.82 acres. A major draw for customers is the secluded, landscaped garden to the rear which has a decked area with seating, which is partially covered by a retractable canopy, for up to 34 people. There is a lawned area, suitable for a small marquee and outside bar which is used for functions. In addition is a private area with chef’s garden and storage.

There are two car parking areas to either side providing space for 20 vehicles with plenty of on street parking nearby.

After 30 years, the highly respected Simpsons Restaurant is looking for a new owner to take over the reins. First established in 1993, and moving to this property in 2004, Simpsons has established itself as a renowned dining venue in the West Midlands and holds a Michelin star, with a standing that has spread around the world.

With its reputation firmly recognised, scope still exists to widen the trade style, create letting rooms above and make full use of the Eureka Cookery School.

All staff will transfer with the business in accordance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations.

Trading accounts will be made available subject to signing a confidentiality agreement. The trading year ends in March and historically turnover has regularly exceeded £2 million. In recent months the restaurant has operated restricted hours due to the owners wishes.

The premises currently trade Wednesday to Saturday midday to 5pm and 6pm to midnight and for Sunday lunch, midday to 2,30pm. Within these hours it is restricted to reservation only, with last bookings taken for lunch at 1.30pm and dinner at 8.30pm.

The premises are held on a 24-year lease until September 2039 from Calthorpe Estates. The current base rent payable is £99,000 per annum plus a turnover rent in addition based on 2.5% of net sales. It is a Full Repairing & Insuring lease, within the provisions of the Landlord & Tenant Act, and the next rent review due in June 2029, which is based on 64% of open market value. There is a security charge payable in addition to Calthorpe. A copy of the lease is available on request.

The current rateable value according to the VOA as of April 2023 is £80,500. The local authority is Birmingham City Council

The property has a Premises Licence granted by the relevant local authority. It is a requirement of the Licensing Act that properties serving alcohol have a designated premises supervisor who must be the holder of a Personal Licence. Prospective purchasers are advised to take appropriate specialist advice.