My favourite restaurants: Stu Deeley

Born and bred Brummie Stu Deeley, shot to cheffing fame after taking home gold in Masterchef: The Professionals in 2019. Having honed his culinary skills for years prior, Stu bagged a spot on the show and has since garnered national recognition for his classic approach to cooking. His food remains unfaltered by trends and guided by the seasons, with the aim of creating food that people genuinely want to eat.

As a child, Stu was inspired by household names like Gordon Ramsay, and took his first steps into the kitchen at a cafe around the corner from his high school. He quickly became intoxicated by the fast-paced regimen of a professional kitchen and decided to study catering at college. Fast-forward and Stu has an impressive CV, including roles at one-star Simpsons in Edgbaston, and ‘rock and roll’ fine dining restaurant The Wilderness.

Stu set the industry ablaze when he opened his own restaurant Smoke in 2021, occupying a former smokehouse opposite the renowned Grace & Savour. Under his vision, the restaurant utilised smoke across every element of the menu to produce bold, warming dishes rooted in seasonality. Following a successful run, the chef has since gone on to launch The Warwick at Mallory Court, a move that marks something of a homecoming for the chef, having worked at Mallory Court multiple times in his early career. Here, he works closely with the estate’s gardener to grow seasonal produce and herbs for his technical menus.

With years of wisdom and experience under his belt, Stu is committed to developing the next generation of chefs. Collaborating with the catering department at Halesowen College - the same one he studied at - Stu regularly teaches cooking classes and offers work placements to students.

His kitchen portfolio might be one for the books, but Stu hasn’t strayed far from home. He now lives just three streets away from where he grew up, with his wife and three children, and is proud of his Brummie roots. If you’re looking for some Birmingham-based restaurant recommendations, Stu’s your guy.

Simpsons, Edgbaston

Stu Deeley says: 'I will forever be grateful to Simpsons and the time I spent working there - not only for the experience but also for helping me meet Tash (my wife). It’s the kind of restaurant that can perfectly execute a 120-cover dinner service to a Michelin-star standard. That’s enough of a wow factor on its own. But it’s more than that - it’s an oasis in the middle of Birmingham’s otherwise quite industrial surroundings. With a stunning garden and terrace, and the culinary expertise of Luke Tipping and Andreas Antona, what more could you want?'
Where: 20 Highfield Road, B15 3DU
Book now: Simpsons

Tropea, Harborne

Stu Deeley says: 'Tropea is my go-to spot for special occasions, serving the best Italian-inspired dishes in Brum. The food is always delicious, the hospitality is consistently excellent, and Ben (the co-owner) wears shirts that are as colourful and exciting as the dishes themselves. Just make sure to book in advance - it’s no secret that this place is amazing.'
Where: 27 Lordswood Road, B17 9RP
Book now: Tropea

Saint Paul's Market, Jewellery Quarter

Stu Deeley says: 'This is a relatively new addition to the city, brought to life by Joe Schuppler, Buddha Belly, and the lads from Baltic Market in Liverpool. It’s a 500-seat renovated warehouse, packed with some of Brum’s best street food traders - from hardened pros like the Original Patty Men to Chancers from Stirchley High Street - all serving up delicious food under one roof.'
Where: 4 Mary Ann Street, B3 1RL

Cuubo, Harborne

Stu Deeley says: 'This is the perfect example of how hard work can pay off. Dan (the owner of Cuubo), much like myself, served his time at Simpsons - growing through the ranks under the tutelage of Luke Tipping, until he reached a point where he wanted to go it alone. With cahoonas the size of melons, Dan opened on Harborne High Street and - I want to say - five or six years later, he’s going from strength to strength. He’s not only cooking really interesting food that’s unique to him, but he’s also created a proper neighbourhood restaurant vibe that sees people return time and time again.'
Where: 49 High Street, B17 9NT
Book now: Cuubo

Shababs Balti Restaurant, Balti Triangle

Stu Deeley says: 'Shababs is located in a part of town that doesn’t exactly scream 'top eats' in Brum. But as soon as you walk into Shababs - the home of Balti - and see the same Balti dishes from your childhood and naan breads the size of a small car, you know you’re in the right place. The chicken tikka keema Balti is amazing, and it’s also a perfect late-night spot if, like me, you find yourself eating in the middle of the night.'
Where: 163-165 Ladypool Road, B12 8LQ
Book now: Shababs Balti Restaurant

Want to read more about the best restaurants in Birmingham? Check out our top picks for a Sunday roast in the UK's second city and find out Birmingham's best places to dine out on a budget.