Growing up in Bearwood, I first became aware of Jonathans in the 1980s. It was the place to be seen and there were many reports of top groups and other celebrities, like Duran Duran, eating in the restaurant. I’m not sure how true all the rumours were, but it was certainly a very well respected restaurant. The hotel and restaurant were quirky and different, plus the food was excellent. In the early 2000s I moved into a house just round the corner and started eating out there fairly regularly. As time moved along I had my wedding evening reception there and even stayed overnight there despite only living a few minutes walk away. Years rolled by and the restaurant closed, but it found new life in the newly restored Lightwoods House as Jonathans in the Park.
Brothers Paul and John Havelin – also owners of the popular and successful Jonathans in the Park eatery, which is based in Lightwoods House in Bearwood – have brought their signature style to this new restaurant in the city’s iconic Roundhouse. Paul actually began his hospitality career in the renowned Jonathans restaurant in Oldbury (on the junction of Hagley Road and Wolverhampton Road) forty years ago, under the guidance of owners Jonathan Baker and Jonathan Bedford who trained him from being a schoolboy washer up to head chef by the age of seventeen.
Jonathans have a reputation for seeking out unusual, quirky buildings for their restaurants. is no exception. The building dates back to 1874 and was part of a massive city improvement act, the building was commissioned by the Corporation of Birmingham through an architectural competition, which was won by local architect W H Ward. Ward’s Roundhouse was used as a stables and stores for the Birmingham Corporation’s Public Works Department. In 2020 the building was subject to a full-scale renovation, which saved the historic fabric of the building; re-purposing the site for the 21st century. Jonathans spotted the potential of the building and have set up Jonathans in the Roundhouse within its walls. Inside there’s a sympathetically furnished cafe with Victorian furniture and detailing. It’s a really lovely venue.
The food is very varied: you can simply pop in for a barista coffee with a delicious slice of cake or book in for a sumptuous afternoon tea. You might prefer to come along for a relaxing three course Sunday lunch. I’ve tried all these options (and more) at the Jonathans in the Park, which is somewhere I go very regularly. For me the afternoon tea is the stand out choice as the surroundings lend themselves to this sort of culinary treat very well. There’s a good range of choices on the menu and there should be something for everyone. As I’ve come to expect from Jonathans they have selected good quality products to offer and the food is carefully prepared to high standards. It’s the perfect place to have a delicious treat or more.
Disclosure: I was invited to a press event at Jonathans in the Roundhouse for the purposes of this review.
