I’ve waxed lyrical a few times on the blog about Nomad in Birmingham. Well since setting up it’s permanent home in the city center there’s been a bit of a setback, and thus will soon be closing and taking on a new identity as The Wilderness.
Let’s let the owner, Alex Claridge, tell you more:
“Within weeks of successfully opening our permanent venue, the Michelin-starred NoMad hotel in New York contacted us and asked that we change our name. Not having the money, time nor appetite for solicitors, we took the difficult decision to close Nomad – come mid-May we’re done, that chapter closes. Heart-wrenching, really.”
Building work is under way to transform and expand the premises in Dudley Street, close to the markets and they are re-opening at their permanent location in Birmingham city center as The Wilderness with a newly fitted dining room, expanded kitchen team and new bar where they will continue to serve our guests the most distinctive adventure in British food and drink.
Alex is using the new name to introduce radical changes to the experience he and his team offer – concentrating even more on telling stories through the food and drinks they provide.
Drinks will be a very important part of the venue and they will open all day Wednesday to Saturday.
Robert Wood, of 40 St. Paul’s gin bar, will be heading up an experimental cocktail programme.
Alex said: “The word ‘cocktail’ is really being pushed to its limit and the ingredients we’re using are going to be totally new – new flavours, new ideas.”
It is understood that Alex Sarkovs, previously Head Barista for 6/8 Kafe, is stepping in to oversee a hot drinks programme and Alex’s right-hand man, chef Brian Smith, will remain involved as will Loubie Goldie as general manager.
Stax Creations, who have found success creating large-scale and ambitious theatrical sets for events and productions, have come on-board to oversee the transformation of the 26-cover dining room into an immersive experience.
Alex added: “We’re looking at whether we can change the weather indoors or build a stream. It’s going to look nothing like a restaurant or bar.”
Staying Cool, who run the luxury aparthotel at The Rotunda, will be the exclusive accommodation partner for visitors to The Wilderness.
In its current format, the last day for Nomad will be May 7. The Wilderness will be open to the general public from May 25, with reservations available now.
Well, to me that all sounds terribly intriguing and exciting and I can’t wait to find out more!
