Celebrated chef, Aktar Islam, is branching out on his own and opening his first solo restaurant in Birmingham.

The former chef director of Birmingham’s Lasan Group, has said 70-cover Opheem will celebrate the culinary heritage of India and is set to open in May. Speaking to The Caterer, Islam said:

“Opheem will take diners on an intoxicating culinary journey. We are going back to the future to explore the diverse culinary heritage of India and explore the foundations of this grand cuisine.

“I am thrilled to be launching at such an exciting time in Birmingham’s culinary development. Some of the country’s finest chefs work in the city and I am hugely grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the chef community and the dining public.

"The team and I will be working hard to ensure Opheem adds to Birmingham’s sterling reputation for great food.”

The restaurant will also feature a 14-cover private dining room and a bar where snacks and small plates will be served. Islam won “Best Local Restaurant” on The F Word, fronted by celebrity chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay in 2002.

Appearing on Great British Menu in 2011 Islam cooked the fish course at the final banquet alongside Tom Kerridge, Paul Ainsworth and Chris Fearon. He went on to help oversee the Lasan restaurant group’s expansion to several sites in Birmingham, including Fiesta Del Asado, Izza Pizza in Selfridges, Raja Monkey Indian Street Cafe, and Nosh & Quaff.