Digbeth in Birmingham is already cool. It’s so cool, in fact, that it made it on Time Out’s list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2025. As Brum’s creative quarter (and Irish quarter), it’s got indie shops, arty cafes and late-night spots aplenty. One of its central landmarks is the historic Custard Factory, a warehouse originally built to to produce Bird’s Custard in 1906. Now, Digbeth could get even cooler as that landmark is being transformed into a vast new food hall named Alfred Works (named after custard powder inventor Alfred Bird).
Some locals may remember that Boxpark was supposed to open in Custard Works after plans were approved last year, but in September it was revealed it would no longer be going ahead. Award-winning food hall operator Blend Family is taking charge of the space instead.
Blend Family plans to launch a 17,500 sq ft venue with 15 kitchens, an outdoor courtyard, social gaming, a kids play area with a sand pit and a further 10,000 sq ft of indoor/outdoor events space. It already operates sites in Sheffield, Salford Quays, and is currently working on another brand new hall in London, next to Tower Bridge. The Digbeth food hall will be its biggest yet.
So far, we know that Birmingham’s new venue will house the second outpost of Blend Family’s Culinary Foundation Kitchen, which aims to tackle food poverty, and the third branch of The Cream Store, an independent clothing brand.
Matt Bigland, Blend Family’s CEO, said: ‘Alfred Works is built for Birmingham. By the people, for the people. It’s a space where kids can play, friends can gather, and stories can be shared over a pint or a plate. We’re building more than a food hall. We’re building a home.’
An exact opening date for the new food hall hasn’t been announced yet, but watch this space.
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