Taste of the Med opens in Birmingham next weekend

New addition to canalside range of eateries.

Located just beyond Birmingham’s very own love-lock bridge, Noel’s Bar and Restaurant has taken up residence at 22 Waterfront, adjacent to The Cube. With the final finishing touches taking place this week, the team is almost ready to open the doors to its 90-cover restaurant complete with private dining room.

Embodying everything that is great about Mediterranean cuisine, Noel’s brings together the finest, freshest ingredients with the familiarity of home-cooked food that will transport diners from the back streets of Brum to the beaches of the Med. The open kitchen and real charcoal grill provide not only a feast for the eyes, but a menu bursting full of authentic flavours. Noel’s prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, handpicked cuts of meat, sourced from Aubrey Allen and artisan pasta made fresh each morning.

One half of the brains behind Noel’s Bar and Restaurant is a familiar name on Birmingham’s hospitality scene, Gjerji Devollaj (also known as Jimmy to many). Speaking about his new venture, he comments: “We can’t wait to introduce Birmingham to Noel’s Bar and Restaurant and show the city everything we have to offer; Noel’s Bar and Restaurant is set to be something really special. Our waterfront bar and restaurant will show the best of the Mediterranean food, carefully crafted cocktails paired with extraordinary interior design.

“We wanted to take traditional food to the next level… serving it up alongside the best wines, spirits and cocktails, in the most beautiful environment. We want to replicate that style, sophistication and quality of the Mediterranean, right here in Birmingham. The city has a thriving food and drink scene, and we’re proud to be part of that.”

Gjerjii Devollaj has teamed up with Sabi Ukaj to create the concept behind Noel’s Bar and Restaurant. Sabi adds: “Growing up in the Mediterranean, I was brought up with authentic flavours and traditional food which has heavily influenced the menu at Noel’s. I have travelled all over Europe discovering many different cuisines and exploring different tastes and flavours.

“The menu at Noel’s Bar and Restaurant celebrates genuine Mediterranean food but taking it to the next level.”

The 2,200 sq ft unit is overlooked by the Mailbox and The Cube, providing a stunning dining experience in the heart of the city. Gjerjii and Sabi worked with Tibbatts Abel, who are behind Brummie restaurants Opheem, Rofuto, St Paul’s House, and Tamatanga. Inside, the sophisticated interior focuses on the clever use of lights, with the restaurant’s six incredible 5 ft diameter hanging lights set to steal the show.

The floor-to-ceiling windows lend themselves perfectly to mirroring the reflection of the canal that runs alongside the restaurant, making it the perfect waterfront location to bring those vacation vibes right here to Birmingham.

Complete with a 22ft long Italian Picasso marble bar, Noel’s is setting the bar high when it comes to drinks, as well as food. The team have mixed up an extensive cocktail menu to rival the city’s very best, crafting an impressive menu that will, no doubt, cause a stir when the bar opens for business next Saturday.

Noel’s bar and restaurant is opening to the public on Saturday 1st June. To find out more about Noel’s Bar and Restaurant, which will open at 22 Waterfront, Birmingham later this spring, visit the website and sign up for updates: www.noelsbar.co.uk. You’ll also find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.