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Chef-restaurateur Andreas Antona has put his landmark Birmingham restaurant Simpsons on the market to mark his retirement after half a century in the industry.
Simpsons, set in a Georgian house in leafy Edgbaston, is for sale at £850,000. Andreas, now 67, founded the restaurant 31 years ago, setting a new standard for dining in the Midlands and earning accolades as “the godfather of modern Birmingham food”. The kitchen brigade is now run by chef-director Luke Tipping, part of the team from the beginning.
Andreas said: “Last year, I marked 50 years as a chef and restaurateur, having started out at Ealing College in 1974. I feel lucky to have witnessed the boom and development of our industry into the wonderful profession it is now.
“Following a lot of soul searching, I’ve realised there is never a good time to retire, but when something from within is telling you to reevaluate and enjoy life, family, friends, travel and golf – you need to listen. It is following this realisation that I have decided to sell Simpsons, the restaurant where my life as a chef patron began.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not one for standing still, and I will continue, albeit on a part-time basis, with my other interests such as The Cross [in Kenilworth] and SOKO Patisserie for the near future. I’d also like to invest more time in projects close to my heart.
“Simpsons has a big place in my heart and a sale of this importance will take time. We have a fantastic team in place and I want to be sure that the buyer shares our passion to continue and build on Simpsons’ longstanding success.”