Former Hampton Manor head chef Rob Palmer opens his ambitious first restaurant in Solihull on the outskirts of Birmingham next Friday, 18 March. Toffs by Rob Palmer will have an open kitchen and just 26 covers, including six at a bench overlooking the chefs at work.

Rob grew up nearby in Castle Bromwich and has spent his entire career in the area since serving his apprenticeship at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. He moved on to the Forest Hotel in Dorridge before joining Hampton Manor, where he worked his way up to head chef in 2014.

Rob’s father was nicknamed Toffs as a boy, after the Palmer’s Toffees brand – and Rob says the name suits a restaurant in Solihull town centre, which has always been regarded as a posh address by Brummies.

The focus will be on modern and seasonal British cuisine, with four- or five-course lunches served Thursday-Saturday and dinners of up to nine courses Tuesday-Saturday.