Alumni stars make their mark - Birmingham named ‘most exciting food destination’

Former students from University College Birmingham have helped three city venues to bag a place among the 20 most exciting restaurants in the UK as ranked by the prestigious Good Food Guide.

Birmingham was named the most exciting food destination in the country by the long-running guide, marking its 70th year of publication this week, with two restaurants led by Birmingham College of Food alumni making the top 20.

Ex-Professional Cookery Level 3 student Brad Carter, of the Michelin-starred Carters of Moseley, saw his restaurant ranked 18th, while Grace and Savour at Hampton Manor – where former Culinary Arts Management student David Taylor is head chef – took 16th place in the rankings.

Meanwhile Jewellery Quarter venue The Wilderness, which counts a string of University College Birmingham alumni among its workforce, claimed a coveted spot among the Good Food Guide's top ten.

Those working at the restaurant in Warstone Lane – just a stone's throw from the University's campus buildings – include General Manager Sonal Clare, who graduated with a degree in Hospitality and Food Management from the University in 2006.

Also on the staff are ex-Food and Beverage Service Supervision Level 3 students Vinesh Chapaneri and Amy Davidson working front-of-house, as well as Restaurant Supervisor Georgia Davies.

Georgia – who was previously named head waitress at The Ivy Birmingham aged just 19 and has also worked at the Michelin-starred Simpsons Restaurant in Edgbaston – said the Good Food Guide accolades reflected the talent in Birmingham and the wealth of opportunities around the city for young people to flourish in food and hospitality.