Birmingham bar and restaurant closes following departure of Alex Claridge

Birmingham bar and restaurant Nocturnal Animals has closed after less than a week following the departure of chef Alex Claridge.

The venue posted on Twitter: "Since Alex Claridge's departure the business owners for Nocturnal Animals have regrettably taken the decision to close the venue for the foreseeable whilst they make a plan.

"We want to thank everyone for the support shown since opening and our team for all their hard work and dedication. For anyone that has remaining gift vouchers for the venue these will be honoured at the Wilderness."

The Wilderness is Claridge's three-AA-rosette restaurant in the city, which previously occupied the Nocturnal Animals site at Bennetts Hill before relocating to Warstone Lane.

Chef Claridge told local media he didn't wish to continue splitting his time across the two venues when he announced his departure last week.

The 100-cover, 80s pop culture-inspired fine dining restaurant and cocktail bar opened in December 2018, serving Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

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