Birmingham's iconic 'Big Wok' forced to permanently close

Birmingham Chinatown’s iconic Big Wok restaurant has been forced to close following “the rising costs of living and running a business” according to owners.

Management of the eatery, located in the city centre’s Wrottesley Street, announced on the business’ Facebook page that it has been unable to keep up with rising costs to run the small but hugely popular Cantonese buffet restaurant.

Big Wok restaurant in Birmingham has been closed

Self-described as a “bustling, no-frills, all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet restaurant with a teppanyaki and sushi bar”, the establishment aimed to keep prices low for customers at the all-you-can-eat diner.

In a statement, representatives of Big Wok sated:

“As of today (Monday 16th April), Big Wok will be closing its doors for good.

“As many of our longstanding customers will know, we have been open for 16 years. Throughout this time, we have tried our utmost to keep Big Wok’s prices affordable for everyone despite the rising costs of living and running a business.

“While we have remained busy at the restaurant, you’ll see from the images of our bills that we have not been able to keep up with the rising costs and our business is just not viable in the current climate. As a result, we have sadly had to make the decision to close.

“We’ve enjoyed serving you for over 16 years and we want to thank you for all your support over the years.”

As of today (Monday 16th April), Big Wok will be closing its doors for good. As many of our longstanding customers…

Posted by BIG WOK Birmingham on Monday, 16 April 2018

An electricity invoice displayed an outstanding amount of over £6,414, while an outstanding Birmingham City Council tax bill came to a whopping £68,034

Attached to the facebook post, the business owners included photographs of their latest bills.

An electricity invoice displayed an outstanding amount of over £6,414, while an outstanding Birmingham City Council tax bill came to a whopping £68,034.

Big Wok restaurant was famous for its 'Grand Buffet' — Big Wok restaurant was famous for its ‘Grand Buffet’

Favourites served by the restaurant, where the slogan read ‘Big Wok Big Value’, included an array of meaty and herbal hot pots, seafood and dumpling soups, various specialty pork and beef dishes, traditional rice and noodle based, and griddle-cooked offerings; and an ample variety of beverages.

Alongside hearty full priced dishes, a ‘Grand Buffet’ was also regularly served during selected daytime and evening hours, as well as an ‘after work’ special.

Along with a host of fried foods, vegetables, sushi, rice, chips and sauces, Big Wok was widely known for its collection of scrumptious desserts including sweets, cakes, ice-creams and jellies. Their final menu can be seen here.

In August 2015, Big Wok relaunched with a new rebranded design and interior. But only three years later, the struggling business is closing its doors after 16 years of trading.

It is not known if the restaurant will re-open at a new venue, or what might open in its place at its current location.