A 100-year-old landmark Birmingham hotel abandoned for the past decade will reopen tomorrow as a Nigerian restaurant called Empress. The former Dogpool Hotel in Stirchley has been revived by husband-and-wife team Olusegun Akande and Oyetola Isla, who aim to showcase the richness of their national cuisine.
Olusegun says: “We saw potential in this historic site not just as a building, but as a space to revive with life, flavour, and purpose. Our goal was to create a place where Birmingham can experience the best of modern African hospitality in one location. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our restaurant come to life in this building.
“The Dogpool Hotel meant a lot to many locals, and we’re proud to give it a fresh chapter filled with positivity, creativity, and culture. It’s a story of transformation, turning what was once overlooked into something vibrant and unifying.”
His wife Oyetola says: “This project is about more than food – it’s about renewal. My philosophy is that every dish should evoke a sense of home, pride, and discovery, inviting people to experience the richness of Nigerian cuisine in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.”
Signature dishes include Smokey Jollof Rice, Deluxe Fried Rice, Abula, Assorted Meat Peppersoup, Empress Coconut Rice, VIP Seafood Okro Soup and Lamb Chops.
Alongside the restaurant, a shop on the site called Samis Express stocks African and Caribbean groceries including imported spices and freshly baked goods. Meanwhile, Samis Food Truck will offer Nigerian street classics such as flame-grilled suya, shawarma and Afro-fusion burgers both on-site and at festivals across the city.
