Hundreds of Birmingham’s foodies turned out for the VIP launch of one of the city’s newest restaurants.

Guests at the opening of Turtle Bay, a new Caribbean restaurant and bar on corner of John Bright Street, were served delicious Caribbean dishes inspired by beach shacks and street hawkers from across the Caribbean Islands including Jerk chicken, Blue Mountain Curry Goat before enjoying Caribbean cocktails including rum punch and Wray n’ Ting.

Chris Halford, restaurant manager, said he was overwhelmed with the number of local dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Leddy, which turned out at the VIP launch. He said: “The preview event has well and truly put Turtle Bay on the map and we can’t wait to bring this new experience to the region’s food lovers.”

Turtle Bay is a 5,000 sq ft, 130-cover restaurant. The restaurant and bar experience promises to whisk people away to an island paradise, where they can relax and share Caribbean food with friends and family in an informal environment, with warm and friendly service. Guests have the option to chill-in or take out, and the venue will open late at weekends until 1.30am.