Grand Central has seen a lot of change over the past nine years but some shops have stood the test of time (Image: Emily Chaplin/BirminghamLive)

The Grand Central Birmingham stores still there since it opened including a 'place to observe life'

Grand Central has seen plenty of names come and go over the years, but more than 20 shops and restaurants have been there since the beginning

by · Birmingham Live

It's been all change at Grand Central since its opening in 2015, with several shops and restaurants coming and going much like the thousands of rail passengers that pass under its glass arches every day.

John Lewis, Karen's Diner, Carluccio's, Handmade Burger Co, Yakinori and fashion boutique Jeff Bains are among the names to have left the shopping centre over the years, while sandwich shop Shokupan and Sandbox VR joined the Grand Central line-up last year.

There are more changes on the horizon, too, with US burger chain Shake Shack scheduled to open in the old @Pizza spot in the coming months. Meanwhile, the old John Lewis department store is set to be redeveloped into offices and a 40,000 sq ft hospitality space, comprising a restaurant, bar and food market.

Read more:New restaurant taking shape in Birmingham Grand Central and says 'opening soon'

Other brands have stood the test of time, some of which have been at Grand Central since it first opened. See below for a list of existing shops and restaurants that opened back when the shopping centre did nine years ago.

  • Caffè Concerto
  • Costa Coffee
  • Frizzenti
  • Fat Face
  • Foyles
  • Giraffe
  • Hobbs
  • Holland & Barrett
  • Jo Malone
  • Joe & The Juice
  • Joules
  • Kiehl's
  • L'Occitane
  • MAC
  • Monsoon/Accessorize
Nando's was one of the first restaurants to open at Grand Central (Image: Emily Chaplin/BirminghamLive)
  • Nando's
  • NatWest
  • Neal's Yard Remedies
  • Paperchase
  • Pho
  • Tesco
  • The Perfume Shop
  • The White Company
  • Tiger
  • Tortilla
  • Whittard
  • Yo! Sushi

Of Caffè Concerto, Tripadvisor comments from customers include this from Andrew S, who wrote last month: "This was a great place to sit and observe life go by while enjoy quality coffee."

While Faith S wrote in July: "Absolutely glorious cakes and pastries and delicious savoury rolls."

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