New burger restaurant opens in Solihull as locals say high street 'gets better and better'

Another new food spot has opened in the old Pizza Express unit on Solihull's busy Stratford Road. The new burger restaurant is the sixth new restaurant to open on Shirley high street within the last 18 months, following the arrival of Heavenly Desserts, Fatto A Napoli pizzeria, Limoncello Ristorante, the Crafty Cat pub and Cleopatra's Middle Eastern Kitchen.

Pizza Express closed its Shirley site in 2020 when the chain axed 73 of its restaurants, including five in the West Midlands. Casual dining restaurant Gourmet 4 replaced it for a brief stint in 2021, but closed the following year, leaving the prominent corner unit empty once again.

Heavenly Desserts took over part of the unit back in July, showcasing a plush new interior and a sweet treat menu containing the brand's signature cheesecakes, cookie doughs and croffles. Haroon Liaquat, who owns the franchise, said he saw 'huge potential' for the Stratford Road branch, given the 'huge increase in new restaurants popping up' in Shirley, as well as a 'younger demographic' moving into the area.

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Now, Burger & Sauce has filled the remaining half of the Parkgate plot, next to The Pumphouse Wetherspoon pub. The fast food chain is known for its handmade burgers that are all topped with the brand's secret-recipe signature sauces, which include a Homemade Classic, Hot Signature or Smokin' Hot BBQ.

It also serves limited edition burgers, rice bowls, nachos, wraps, wings, fries and loaded sides, desserts and fruity drinks. Announcing the launch of its newest dine-in restaurant and takeaway earlier this month, the brand posted on Instagram: "We're thrilled to announce the grand opening of our newest store in Shirley!

"With a focus on handmade burgers, fresh ingredients and unique sauces, we are here to redefine your burger experience. This marks our 16th store in the UK."

The burger shop has already received rave reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, with Steven O'Malley writing: "Shirley is getting better and better for easy food options. Tasty food and friendly, professional service. The shop itself is just a big cavernous unit, but to be honest I didn't come here for the ambience. Will be back!"

Miranda Biddell said: "Staff are so friendly and food is amazing, have been back three times in the past week!" And another diner commented: "Finally, we needed some proper food this side of Birmingham."