BirminghamLive can reveal that work has begun on transforming the 5,000 sq ft venue into Birmingham’s biggest basement bar and restaurant Tattu.

The much anticipated venue will open in early 2019.

The entrance to Tattu will be found at ground floor level of The Grand on Barwick Street, where diners will go down a lift into the boiler room.

Tattu which has two other UK branches is the brainchild of brothers Adam and Drew Jones - "contemporary Chinese cuisine that fuses traditional flavours with modern cooking techniques and playful presentation"

The flagship eatery in Manchester opened to rave reviews in 2015 and is a firm favourite with the city’s celebrities. A second venue in Leeds city centre opened in 2017.

Adam Jones told BirminghamLive: "Each element, from the Modern Chinese dishes on the menu to the magical cocktails and the whole customer journey, has been carefully considered to tie in with this new design.

“We know The Grand is an important part of the city’s history and we are truly honoured to be a part of its regeneration. It is our first time working in a heritage space and therefore we knew extra attention to detail would be required."

Inside Tattu Manchester
Inside Tattu Manchester

The food menu includes beef and foie gras gyoza, Angus fillet with caramelised soy, black cod and Peking duck bon bons. On the cocktail menu choose from quaffable creations such as Koko Tattu - vodka, coconut and lemongrass, Geisha’s Kiss - rum, apple and cinnamon and Crouching Tiger - rum, mint smoke and ginger.

The Grand hotel was built in 1879 and has a rich history – hosting the likes of civil right activist Malcolm X, silent screen star Charlie Chaplin and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

It will reopen in late 2019.

Tony Green, chief executive of Hortons’ Estate, said: “Having identified Birmingham as the city for its third venture, we’re delighted Tattu chose our space on Barwick Street for the new restaurant.

Dived scallop on the menu at Tattu Restaurant on Spinningfields, Manchester

“Forming part of The Grand, it’s a unique space deserving of an equally unique bar and restaurant.

“Having visited Tattu’s Manchester venue, we were immediately blown away and could see how the concept would work in the space and what it would add to the city’s thriving dining scene. The Tattu team shared our vision and we can’t wait to see the end result when it opens.”

Dim Sum lunch at Tattu
Dim Sum lunch at Tattu

Adam Jones added: “We have worked hard to create something completely unique for Tattu Birmingham."

Other new eateries opening in Colmore Business District include Fazenda, a glamorous all you can eat Brazilian restaurant.