Alfred Works: Inside Birmingham’s Newest Food Hall at the Custard Factory

Named after Alfred Bird – the Digbeth inventor of custard powder – Alfred Works is Birmingham’s newest food hall, occupying a 17,500 square foot space within the iconic Custard Factory complex. With 15 independent kitchens, an outdoor courtyard, and social gaming zones, it represents the latest evolution of Birmingham’s thriving street food culture.

A Historic Setting

The Custard Factory has been at the heart of Digbeth’s creative renaissance for over two decades, housing artists’ studios, independent shops, and cultural venues in the beautifully converted Victorian industrial buildings. Alfred Works adds a major food destination to the mix, drawing on the site’s heritage as the birthplace of one of Britain’s most iconic food products.

The food hall’s design embraces the building’s industrial character, with exposed brickwork, steel beams, and high ceilings creating an atmospheric space that feels authentically Digbeth. Open seven days a week from 8am to 10:30pm, it serves everything from morning coffee to late-night dining.

The Food Partners

Alfred Works is operated by the Blend Family hospitality group, which has curated an impressive first wave of food partners. Fuego 1987, famous for its viral Birria Ramen, makes its Birmingham debut alongside Baity, serving Palestinian cuisine, and House of Habesha, bringing Eritrean and Ethiopian flavours.

All three partners are making their first appearances in Birmingham, chosen specifically to bring new culinary experiences to the city rather than duplicating what’s already available. Additional kitchens will open in phases, with the full complement of 15 vendors expected to be operational by summer 2026.

More Than Just Food

The venue goes beyond dining with dedicated social gaming zones, a family-friendly area, and a large events space that extends across the River Rea. The outdoor courtyard provides alfresco dining when the weather permits, adding to the relaxed, communal atmosphere that food halls do best.

Perhaps most significantly, Alfred Works includes the Blend Culinary Foundation Kitchen – its second location – which tackles food poverty and provides food education programmes for the local community. This social enterprise element reflects a growing trend of hospitality venues combining commercial success with community purpose.

Getting There

Alfred Works is located within the Custard Factory on Gibb Street, Digbeth, a short walk from Birmingham city centre and well served by bus routes. With the Digbeth area continuing to attract investment and creative businesses, the food hall adds another compelling reason to explore one of Birmingham’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.