Birmingham city centre bar & restaurant sold to local operator

Originally an office and banking hall for Alliance Assurance until the 1990s, the property was converted by the previous owner into a burger and lobster restaurant, Nosh & Quaff, following a comprehensive refurbishment programme. The restaurant was then later rebranded as Jailbird, a New York grill inspired restaurant. 

The Grade II listed building sits in an enviable position on the corner of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street, close to the city’s financial and business district and fronting Victoria Square. Events in the square include the annual German Christmas Market, Colmore Food Festival as well as being the hub for the majority of celebrations in the city, recently hosting two days of sporting activity ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, making this an ideal location. 

The site has been purchased by Wayne Tracey, who most notably operates Snobs Bar & Nightclub, a staple of the Birmingham nightlife spanning decades. He is also due to commence trading at the former Bureau Bar on Colmore Row later this year. Despite the notable popularity of the Snobs operating model, he plans to embark on a new venture, focusing on a premium bar and late night operation to complement the surrounding venues nearby. 

Mr Tracey plans to rebrand and reopen the site and comments, “We are looking forward to opening Theatrix this August Bank Holiday in arguably one of Birmingham’s best locations, Colmore Row. Housed in a stunning Grade II listed building, we are working hard to restore the original details of the venue with a unique twist and ensure that Theatrix will be exactly what the location is crying out for.

“Expect a relaxed atmosphere by day, to wind down with a few drinks amongst friends, and see the venue come to life at night with spectacular entertainment and live instrumentals from talented musicians.”

Joshua Sullivan – Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co handled the sale and comments, “The disposal of the former Jailbird unit garnered significant interest both from Birmingham and London based operators. Following a comprehensive marketing campaign, we managed to secure an attractive proposition for the client from a successful multiple operator based in Birmingham. 

“The sale emphasises the continued interest in Colmore Row and the City Centre from operators for licensed and leisure premises, despite the current political uncertainty and challenges faced by the high street. Birmingham appears to be bucking the trend with the addition of new operators entering the city centre marketspace such as Flight Club, Rudy’s, and Franco Manco, and this supports a positive outlook for the leisure sector compared with the casual dining scene."