A brand new pizzeria and bar is set to open in the heart of Edgbaston this autumn.
Due to launch in November, Smoke + Ash is a vision quickly becoming reality for owners Paul and Clare Collins who are thrilled to join the ever-growing Edgbaston hospitality scene.
Serving up Neapolitan style pizzas, quality wines and seasonal twists on classic cocktails in a classy but comfortable setting, Smoke + Ash is set to provide a relaxed day-to-evening venue to meet friends and family in one of Birmingham’s most popular suburbs.
Smoke + Ash is the brainchild of owners Paul and Clare who are moving away from corporate life to pursue their ambition of running a restaurant focused on top quality ingredients and drinks range.
The inspiring duo – who met while studying at university here in Birmingham some 20 years ago – believes the pandemic helped them reassess their career path and utilise both their corporate experience and love of all things pizza-related to launch this exciting project.
Paul, who previously worked in finance, says: “We’ve worked in a variety of different industries and roles and learnt the value of creating and being part of a great team. We’re keen to bring this dynamic to our own business.”
“During the first lockdown we realised that there was no decent pizza available to us for delivery where we live in Birmingham. This got us thinking about the merits of being able to offer great quality pizza and we started to look for venues in key locations across Birmingham.
“After spending several years living in Bristol we knew what a great independent pizzeria could look like and this inspired us to add to the small but growing scene in Birmingham. We’re beyond excited to join the Edgbaston hospitality scene.”
Smoke + Ash will focus on great quality ingredients and, excitingly for a pizzeria, an equally good quality drinks offering including innovative cocktails.
The name stems from the couple’s interest in cooking and production styles and their influence on flavour, as well as the obvious hub of the business at the pizza oven.
Clare, who spent two decades years in drink-related businesses, says value and guest experience are at the heart of this new restaurant.
“The first thing we want to be able to offer our guests is great customer service – and create an environment where people feel comfortable and relaxed,” she explains.
“We’ll be reviewing our pricing regularly with a focus on delivering value across all of our products. The cost of living crisis is a serious concern and we aim to support our guests as much as we possibly can. We’ll also be working with a variety of Birmingham and Midlands-based suppliers, both to reduce food miles and support local businesses.”
Ahead of opening the doors in November, Paul confirms community will play a huge part of the new venture and hiring has now commenced.
“We want to support local charities and particularly children in Birmingham living with the very real trauma of food poverty. We aim to help build upon the good work other independents have been doing in Stirchley and Digbeth – the recent Commonwealth Games showed just how good this city can be when we work together and utilise that unique ‘Brummie’ way of doing things,” he says.
“We also want to provide employment and career development opportunities for our team and help re-build a positive reputation for the hospitality industry which has had so many recent setbacks. We’re actively working with local universities and colleges to offer work experience and flexible part time work. If you’ve got a can-do attitude and want to learn about pizza and drinks we want to hear from you.”
Smoke + Ash is due to open at Greenfield Crescent in early November and joins popular venues including Loki and Chapter.
You can follow developments via the Instagram page.