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Restaurant Touring Company (RTC), founded by Harborne residents Del Gardner and Sarah Wagstaff are launching its first ever Neighbourhood Food Tour in Harborne on Sunday 12th July 2026.
Restaurant Touring Company (RTC), founded by Harborne residents Del Gardner and Sarah Wagstaff are launching its first ever Neighbourhood Food Tour in Harborne on Sunday 12th July 2026.
Restaurant Touring Company (RTC), founded by Harborne residents Del Gardner and Sarah Wagstaff are launching its first ever Neighbourhood Food Tour in Harborne on Sunday 12th July 2026.
As independent restaurants across the UK continue to face unprecedented economic pressures, a new Birmingham-based venture is calling on local people to rally behind their neighbourhood food scene before it is too late.
Restaurant Touring Company (RTC), founded by Harborne residents Del Gardner and Sarah Wagstaff are launching its first ever Neighbourhood Food Tour in Harborne on Sunday 12th July 2026 with a simple but powerful message: "If we don't use it, we will lose it."
Living in Harborne and witnessing first-hand the challenges facing independent restaurants, cafés, bars and hospitality businesses, Del and Sarah became increasingly concerned about the decline of local food destinations that help define the character and identity of our communities.
"We walk past these venues every day and proudly tell friends and family from outside the area that Harborne is a fantastic foodie destination," says Del Gardner. "But the reality is that unless we actively support these businesses, many simply won't survive. Restaurants are closing at an alarming rate across the country, and our local independents need our support now more than ever."
Inspired by a shared passion for food, travel and discovering authentic local experiences, Del and Sarah created Restaurant Touring Company to encourage people to reconnect with the restaurants, chefs and business owners on their own doorstep.
The concept is simple. Guests visit a selection of carefully chosen independent venues during a guided walking tour, enjoying signature dishes, meeting restaurant owners and chefs, hearing the stories behind the businesses and discovering the passion, hard work and resilience that goes into keeping independent hospitality alive.
More than just a food tour, RTC's Neighbourhood Tours are designed to strengthen connections between local communities and local businesses.
"People often don't realise the challenges these businesses face," explains Sarah. "Behind every independent restaurant is a story. There are families, chefs, entrepreneurs and teams who have invested everything into creating something special for their community. We want people to meet them, hear those stories and experience what makes their local food scene unique."
The inaugural Harborne Neighbourhood Tour will showcase some of the area's most exciting independent food destinations and aims to shine a spotlight on the talent and diversity that exists within the local hospitality sector.
The initiative has drawn inspiration from one of Britain's most famous public calls to action. Just as Lord Kitchener's iconic wartime recruitment poster urged citizens to do their part, Restaurant Touring Company is launching its own campaign for local hospitality: "YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS NEED YOU!"
Restaurant Touring Company hopes that the Harborne tour will be the first of many across Birmingham's vibrant neighbourhoods, celebrating local food culture while helping direct customers back through the doors of independent establishments.
The first Harborne Neighbourhood Food Tour takes place on Sunday 12th July 2026 from midday and includes great independent venues such as:
Cuubo - A small, chef-led fine-dining restaurant in Harborne known for modern British cooking with strong Italian influences, run by chef Dan Sweet.
Urban Tea House - A casual, independent Korean-Japanese restaurant and bubble tea cafe that combines Asian comfort foods with modern cafe-style drinks.
El Buen Gusto - An independent Spanish restaurant specialising in authentic tapas, paella, Spanish wines, and sangria, offering traditional Iberian flavours in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Mela Indian Kitchen - A long-established Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant offering traditional recipes with modern touches. Known for its warm hospitality, experienced chefs, and focus on fresh ingredients, it provides a relaxed neighbourhood dining experience centred on authentic South Asian flavours.
Buonissimo - An independent authentic Italian Restaurant with dishes made from high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. Known for its handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and elegant atmosphere.
Henry Wong - A refined Cantonese restaurant that blends traditional Chinese cooking with a more modern, polished dining style. It’s especially well regarded for its dim sum and seafood dishes, alongside a broader menu of Cantonese classics.
Tickets are £69 for more information, visit Restaurant Touring Company.
Future tours are monthly and will rotate around Harborne, Moseley and Stirchley
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Guests can enjoy three courses from either the à la carte or set lunch menu, with all dishes designed to take you to Italy and back in 60 minutes. The set menu is priced at £19 for antipasti and main, with dolci available for an extra £5
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