The dining landscape of Birmingham has long been defined by its intensity. The city now offers a new destination for those seeking an experience that is as unconventional as it is memorable. 670 Grams, located within Digbeth’s Custard Factory, presents a dining journey that is deliberately challenging and artistically driven.
Helmed by chef Kray Treadwell, a recipient of the Michelin UK young chef award, the restaurant is a collaboration with head chef Sacha Townsend. The space itself sets the tone: a dimly lit, monochromatic interior that feels more like a stylized underground lounge than a traditional eatery. The atmosphere is amplified by a soundtrack of semi-loud hip-hop, completing the establishment’s distinctive, moody character.
The menu is offered as a six or twelve-course tasting experience, a sequence of meticulously crafted, small-scale dishes. This is not a meal for someone seeking hearty, familiar plates. Instead, it is a procession of bold flavours and conceptual creations. A glossy prawn crowned with an eggless custard and a sharp hit of lime offers a surprising combination of textures and tastes. Another course features Cornish bluefin tuna accompanied by a froth described as “eel milk,” showcasing the kitchen’s penchant for the unexpected.
Dishes arrive at a steady rhythm, delivered by a capable team. Highlights include barbecued Cornish mussels in a turmeric sauce and a brief but impactful serving of Staffordshire lamb cooked with jerk-inspired spices. Every component on the plate feels deliberately considered and precisely measured.
The adventurous spirit continues through to dessert, where classic expectations are subverted. A carrot cake is presented with a frosting made from lamb fat—a daring choice that, against all odds, proves to be a successful and intriguing flavour pairing. The final course provides a more familiar, yet equally refined, nod to local heritage with a sophisticated interpretation of a classic chocolate bar.
From start to finish, the experience is defined by its uncompromising vision. It is a restaurant that confidently does its own thing, offering a challenging, artistic, and ultimately unforgettable foray into modern cooking.
