Opus restaurant in Birmingham has received national acclaim for its work nurturing new kitchen talent and using the best seasonal produce.
The popular Cornwall Street restaurant, a key member of the Colmore Business District, has been praised for its responsible business practices by a charity run by the Prince of Wales.
Opus was singled out from hundreds of entrants for its commitment to sourcing in-season produce, developing young chefs and its wider fundraising work in the city. The restaurant has been awarded a “National Big Tick” from Business in the Community, of which Prince Charles is president.
Ann Tonks, managing director of Opus, said: “We launched seven years ago with the aim of running a business with strong core principles which guided everything we did. We wanted an exciting, vibrant menu which changed daily, depending on what was in season and available at the market that morning, an ethos we still stick to today.
“We have proven that it is possible to operate ethically and sustainably in a financial climate which is extremely challenging not only for the restaurant sector but the larger economy as well.
“We saw a hit to our trade following the banking crisis in 2008, but have refused to compromise our responsibility credentials. We have continued to invest into our employees and community, priding ourselves on training our staff to the highest industry standards and putting our chefs forward for the Academy of Culinary Arts awards.
“We also commit to raising at least one per cent of our turnover for local charities – a target we exceeded vastly last year, with funds generated for arts organisations like Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and The Marie Curie Foundation. The entire team is incredibly proud to receive formal recognition of the passion, soul and energy which goes into serving Birmingham’s business community great meals.”
Opus is now being considered for the Santander Responsible Small Company category of the awards.
