Vinoteca opens its first wine bar outside London in Birmingham’s new Paradise development on Monday. Close to the Town Hall in the city centre, it will be Brum’s biggest wine bar, accommodating 150 guests on two levels with 40 more on an outdoor terrace.

The first Vinoteca opened in Farringdon in 2005, and there are now five branches across London – increasingly, large venues on prominent sites that attract business all day, rather than the smaller local bars of the early years. The newest branch opened at the Borough Yards development next to Borough Market in February, while the Marylebone branch closed after 12 years in June. Co-founder Charlie Young says he and partner Brett Woonton are treating the Birmingham opening as a test-case for regional expansion, with cities such as Manchester to follow if all goes to plan. 

“To be launching our first regional site in such a vibrant and dynamic city is a real milestone for Vinoteca, and we’re incredibly excited to be part of Birmingham’s well-established and respected food and drink scene. It has been brilliant seeing the venue come to life over recent weeks, and we can’t wait to open our doors and show off the new space next month.”

Neighbours in the Paradise development include Dishoom and Albert’s Schloss.