One of the most popular haunts for Birmingham's business professionals has been bought by the owner of top Indian restaurant Asha's.

Metro Bar and Grill, in Cornwall Street, is a regular venue for property, banking and legal professionals and has been acquired by Brandasia Group for an undisclosed sum.

Brandasia also operates nearby Asha's but said it would retain the Metro Bar concept and intended to grow on the business further with the introduction of a new menu and specialist cocktail bar.

Brandasia director Pawan Kenth said: "The opportunity to acquire one of Birmingham's more celebrated eateries, which has a legendary status in the local community, was simply too good to miss.

"It ties in with our strategy to build a significant quality food and drink business in the city centre and complements our Asha's restaurant in Newhall Street. We hope to add to the existing outlets with future acquisitions in the near future."

Co-director Jaimon George added: "There are no radical plans to change Metro, a celebrated haunt of dealmakers, who are all back in Metro doing deals, in a thriving Birmingham city centre economy.

"Metro is located in the heart of the professional quarter and has gone from strength to strength since opening back in 1997."

Metro employs 15 staff who will all be retained. Law firms Higgs acted for Brandasia and Metro was advised by Tyndallwoods.