Key Points
- Comedian and presenter Joe Lycett named his favourite Birmingham restaurants, picking Greek venue Santorini on Hurst Street as the best eatery in the city.
- Lycett praised Santorini’s halloumi wrap and noted that the Hurst Street establishment stays open until 4 am every day.
- The comedian also named Zindiya Streatery & Bar, an Indian street food restaurant in Moseley, as another of his top local spots.
- Lycett joked that Santorini staff have not added his photograph to their celebrity wall of fame despite his frequent visits.
- Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and TV personality Craig Revel Horwood feature on the Hurst Street restaurant’s wall of fame.
Birmingham (Birmingham Express) October 19, 2026 — Renowned comedian and television presenter Joe Lycett has revealed his preferred dining establishments in his hometown of Birmingham, crowning Greek eatery Santorini as the top restaurant in the city.
Which Eateries Has Joe Lycett Endorsed Across Birmingham?
As reported by Robson McCallister of BirminghamLive, Joe Lycett identified Santorini, an independent Greek venue on Hurst Street in Birmingham’s Gay Village, as his standout culinary location in the city. The comedian singled out the establishment’s halloumi wrap for special mention while highlighting the convenience of its late-night service.
“Can I throw in a curveball? Santorini is the best restaurant in Birmingham. It does the best halloumi wrap and they’re open until 4am everyday.”
In addition to his comments on Santorini, reporting by Birmingham Now confirmed that Lycett has also consistently championed Zindiya Streatery & Bar, an Indian street food restaurant located in the suburb of Moseley. The presenter has regularly recommended the location to visiting celebrities and colleagues within the entertainment industry.
Why Has the Comedian Not Featured on the Wall of Fame?
Despite his frequent visits to the Hurst Street premises, Lycett disclosed that he has not been included alongside other prominent figures displayed on the venue’s celebrity photo wall. The wall currently features notable personalities including Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and television personality Craig Revel Horwood.
“There’s a whole display of all the celebrities that have been there and I’ve been there so many times and they won’t put me on the goddamn wall.”
Journalist Robson McCallister of BirminghamLive noted that Lycett made the humorous observation while discussing his local dining habits ahead of his live performances in the city centre, situated near the Theatreland and Gay Village districts.
How Does Lycett Support the West Midlands Hospitality Sector?
Coverage from regional publications indicates that Lycett’s public backing of local establishments forms part of his broader promotion of West Midlands culture. By opting for independent operations such as Santorini and Zindiya Streatery & Bar rather than major commercial chains, the entertainer frequently draws national attention to regional culinary spots.
Local media outlets have highlighted that recommendations from high-profile figures provide significant exposure for independent businesses operating in competitive city-centre and suburban high-street environments.
Background of the Development
Birmingham’s hospitality sector has developed into one of the United Kingdom’s most varied culinary hubs outside of London. Over the past decade, the city centre—particularly areas such as the Gay Village, Southside, and the Jewellery Quarter—alongside suburban districts like Moseley and Harborne, has seen a growth in independent food enterprises.
High-profile endorsements from locally born celebrities have historically played a pivotal role in maintaining consumer interest in regional hospitality.
Independent establishments such as Santorini on Hurst Street and Zindiya Streatery & Bar in Moseley rely heavily on footfall driven by local theatregoers, late-night entertainment districts, and regional publicity.
Endorsements by figures like Lycett provide these venues with national visibility that independent marketing budgets rarely cover.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Independent Business Owners and Diners
Public endorsements from prominent figures such as Joe Lycett are anticipated to deliver a direct commercial benefit to independent restaurant owners across Birmingham.
For venue operators, public statements of this nature typically lead to a short-term surge in customer bookings, increased footfall, and heightened social media engagement, particularly among visitors seeking recommendations from trusted local figures.
For consumers and diners in the West Midlands, such coverage directs attention toward independent late-night dining options and suburban culinary venues. This elevated profile can assist in safeguarding smaller local businesses against broader economic pressures facing the UK hospitality industry, encouraging sustained footfall across Birmingham’s entertainment districts.
