The San Carlo Group has exclusively revealed to the Birmingham Mail, it is opening a second Fumo eatery in the city centre.

After launching Fumo on Waterloo Street in 2012, the group will open a new £1million Fumo on the top floor of Selfridges, replacing Searcys Balcony Bar and Brasserie.

Fumo restaurant and bar at Selfridges will open in late October, serving up Italian small plates known as cicchetti, using ingredients mainly sourced from produce markets in Milan.

The Balcony will be the site of a pop-up during National Champagne Week
The Balcony bar and brasserie at Selfridges will be transformed into a new Fumo bar and restaurant

The £1million restaurant will have a feature bar serving Laurent Perrier champagne as well as the same specialist quality cocktails, its sister bar and restaurant on Waterloo Street is renowned for.

The original Fumo on Waterloo Street is well known for its glamorous decor and lively atmosphere. It was named Les Routiers Restaurant of the Year 2015 for “exceptional food and impeccable service.”

L- R MD San Carlo Group Marcello Distefano, General Manager Selfridges Birmingham Sam Watts, Chairman San Carlo Group Carlo Distefano and Sacha Distefano
L- R MD San Carlo Group Marcello Distefano, General Manager Selfridges Birmingham Sam Watts, Chairman San Carlo Group Carlo Distefano and Sacha Distefano

The Italian family owned and run San Carlo Group was founded in Birmingham by former hairdresser Carlo Distefano.

Mr Distefano, who lives in Barnt Green, opened his first eponymously named restaurant in Temple Street back in 1992. The flagship eatery, which has welcomed hundreds of sporting stars and celebrities over the years, is now part of a global restaurant empire.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail Mr Distefano said: "This year San Carlo celebrates 25 years in Birmingham and Fumo, five, both have enjoyed great success.

"Now, we're excited to be able to grow Fumo in the city where it all began and look forward to unveiling our plans for this iconic space within Selfridges soon."

Party with festive fizz at San Carlo Fumo
The bar at San Carlo Fumo on Waterloo Street

There are currently 17 San Carlo Group restaurants in the UK as well as restaurants overseas in Qatar, Bahrain and Bangkok.

Inside Fumo, Oxford Street in Manchester
Inside Fumo, Oxford Street in Manchester

The new Fumo at Selfridges in the Bullring joins Fumo Waterloo Street Birmingham, Oxford Street in Manchester and the most recent Fumo which opened in St Martins Lane, London last September.

Fumo on St Martins Lane in London
Fumo on St Martins Lane, Covent Garden opened September 2016

Dishes on the Waterloo Street restaurant menu include tagliolini lobster, cod Vicentina - Venetian style cod, homemade gnocchi truffle (crispy gnocchi with cheese fondue with truffle), Guazzetto di cozze e vongole (mussels and clams with tomato sauce, chilli and white wine) and tuna tartare.

Fumo at Selfridges opens in the Bullring this autumn.

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