Dine Out Magazine – The Story

A new experimental restaurant from Alex Claridge has opened in Newhall Square, Birmingham.

Claridge, chef-patron of the city’s rock and roll fine dining concept, The Wilderness, has now added Albatross Death Cult to his growing portfolio.

Housed in a Grade II listed warehouse in Birmingham’s Jewelery Quarter, the venue seats 14 guests around a monolithic kitchen worktop, serving a unique tasting menu of 12 (or more) courses of (mostly) fruit sea ​​and coastal ingredients.

The Albatross Experience

Claridge’s latest venture offers one sitting per service, inviting 14 guests to share in a shared dining experience. The kitchen team’s approach is modern and minimalist – in Claridge’s words, the food is “brutal in style”. The ever-changing menu is helmed by Piotr Szpak, who has served on and off as part of The Wilderness team for over six years. Szpak serves alongside Oliver Grieve, who joined The Wilderness as a UCB student after a stint at L’Enclume.

The beverage program is led by wine and sake sommelier Caminna Bonnannini, who is supported front of house by Kelly Barra. The list includes an ever-evolving selection of wines and sakes by the glass and bottle, plus a mix of drinks, all designed to complement the coastal menu.

A concise cocktail offering was created in collaboration with beverage consultant Rueben Clark, serving up classics with playful coastal twists.

(Image: Tom Bird)

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