New Restaurants and Shops Opening in Birmingham – April 2026

April brings a notable addition to Birmingham's dining scene, with London chophouse chain Blacklock opening its first Midlands restaurant. The Bullring is also set to welcome activewear brand Lululemon, while several recent openings from earlier this year are now well worth a visit.

Blacklock Opens at St Philip's House

Blacklock will open on Monday, 20 April at St Philip's House, a striking Victorian former vicarage overlooking Cathedral Square. The 100-seat restaurant and bar will bring the chain's signature chophouse experience to the city, featuring meat from long-term partner Philip Warren, cooked simply over charcoal.

The menu centres on chops and steaks dry-aged for up to 55 days, alongside lesser-known cuts at a lower price point. Highlights include the "All In", a sharing feast of beef, pork and lamb chops on charred flatbreads, and an award-winning Sunday roast.

The drinks list features Blacklock Brews, produced in collaboration with Birmingham Brewing Company. The team is also developing a series of dishes exclusive to the Birmingham site.

Lululemon Arrives at the Bullring

Canadian activewear brand Lululemon is expected to open its first Birmingham store at the Bullring this spring, occupying a 5,700 sq ft unit. Hoarding at the site suggests the opening is imminent.

The store will carry the full range of womenswear, menswear and accessories. Its arrival follows a string of recent openings at the shopping centre, including Victoria's Secret in March and SushiDog in January.

Worth Knowing About

Several other new venues that opened earlier in the year are now well established. Alfred Works, a 15-kitchen food hall at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, opened in February. Its vendors include House of Habesha, Fuego 1987 and Baity.

Vieni, a Sicilian-inspired restaurant, has settled into the Jewellery Quarter's Goodsyard, while Rudy's Pizza Napoletana launched a 132-seat venue in Sutton Coldfield last month. In the Colmore Row area, Trillium from chef Glynn Purnell and Phil Innes of Loki Wine has been serving bold small plates since December.

A Strong Start to the Year

With Blacklock and Lululemon both arriving this month, April adds further momentum to what has already been a busy start to 2026 for Birmingham's food and retail scene. Whether it is a prime steak or a new pair of running leggings, there is no shortage of reasons to head into the city centre.