Restaurant recession?
With the closure of the upmarket Italian restaurant Don Salvo in Temple Street, there are plenty of mutterings about how hard the catering trade is being hit by the economic downturn.
But I'm not at all sure. I've spoken to many restaurant owners and chefs over recent weeks and most tell me business is still pretty good.
In fact, the owner of one award-winning city centre eaterie admitted he couldn't get a table at his own restaurant on Sunday because it was full.
Many express concern that business might begin to slow down after the Christmas and New Year rush and a few tell me that though tables are occupied, punetrs are spending less.
But, generally, they're pretty upbeat.
Fingers crossed that their optimism is well placed because Birmingham's got some cracking restaurants and it would be sad if any went to the wall.
Keep eating out, folks!
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It's really sad when businesses close and whilst I'm sure there are a lot of people not surprised about Don Salvo, it is still a shame. I eat there only once and despite the bad reviews, I don't share them. My experience was positive, we even took my 5 years old daughter and she was treated well. The food was good and service was fine. Sorry guys...I hope you manage to sort it out and then re open soon.
I agree - it's bad news when restaurants close...not least for those who've lost their jobs.
I'm always pleased when I hear restaurants welcome children. The snobbery against kids in restaurants seem a peculiarly British thing.