Opening date for new Sutton Coldfield restaurant announced

Willow offering all-day Mediterranean dining (with plates of food and drinks pictured) is about to open its third restaurant - and the first in Birmingham - at Mulberry Walk in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield
-Credit:Daniel Wright Photography


A new all-day Mediterranean-style restaurant is set to open in Sutton Coldfield a little under two years since its last occupant left the venue. Willow, which promises to give diners a taste of the med from breakfast through to dinner, is opening in the former Prezzo site in Mulberry Walk in Mere Green.

The site has remained empty since the first half of 2023, when Prezzo closed 46 of its ‘loss-making’ venues. But Paragon Group’s third Willow eatery, following ones in Trentham Gardens near Stoke and Telford in Shropshire, is set to fill the gap, starting on Thursday, February 20.

The firm said: “Willow offers an all-day menu featuring bold, vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean coast, served in a stylish, laidback setting. The new Willow location comes in response to growing demand from customers, inspired by their experiences at the brand’s existing venues.”

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At breakfast, it will offer a full English but also some other dishes like Turkish eggs served with smoked Greek yoghurt, chorizo, brown butter, sumac and toasted sourdough. Or for the health-conscious, lighter items dished like the high protein granola and yoghurt bowl found on its Piccolo menu.

Whisking you a way for a taste of your summer holidays will be typical all-day Mediterranean dishes like king prawn paella, roasted lamb shoulder with a feta dressing and feta and spinach orzo. Or lemon and oregano chicken with garlic and saffron cream sauce and lamb kofta, crispy potato latkes and beetroot tzatziki labneh.

The sweet-toothed are also catered for with dished including warm Greek orange cake with Greek yoghurt icing, cardamom custard and basil poached oranges. The bar will offer a ‘wide variety’ of wines, beers and spirits and ‘expertly crafted cocktail’s and mixed drinks.

The interior of a Willow restaurant (the Telford restaurant pictured) aimed at giving diners a taste of 'holiday charm' from the Mediterranean - right here in Sutton Coldfield
The interior of a Willow restaurant (the Telford restaurant pictured) aimed at giving diners a taste of 'holiday charm' from the Mediterranean - right here in Sutton Coldfield -Credit:Daniel Wright Photography

The Med theme continues with drinks like Sangrias, an Aperol Selezione, the Bella Ragazza Martini incorporating; Malfy lemon gin, passionfruit liqueur, guava purée, pineapple juice and viola. Plus Bloody Mary’s, Mimosa’s and the Blueberry & Pineapple Colada.

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The venue will be filled with natural light in the day, while will also have a ‘stunning outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco dining and enjoying pre-dinner cocktails’. One for the warmer months maybe. The restaurant is also dog-friendly and even has a menu for four-legged friends. It will also host live music nights, ‘’featuring talented local artists’.

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The general manager at Willow Mere, Joe Hopkins., said: “We’re thrilled to bring Willow to Mere Green! Our unique concept features an all-day menu complemented by regular entertainment, creating the perfect dining destination for every occasion.

“We’re confident that local residents will fall in love with Willow, it’s the ideal winter escape, offering a taste of the Mediterranean right on your doorstep. We look forward to greeting both new and familiar faces as we embark on this exciting new chapter for Willow.”