Sonal Clare, previously Restaurant Manager of Michelin-starred Purnell’s Restaurant, Birmingham, and GQ Sommelier of the Year 2018 has been appointed as the new General Manager and Head Sommelier of award winning The Wilderness, Birmingham.
Clare joins The Wilderness team ahead of their move later in the year to a larger site which will continue its focus on a bold and unique wine programme and innovative tasting menu.
Clare commented, “After 10 amazing years at Purnell’s and some of the most memorable moments in my life, I have been offered an amazing opportunity to work alongside the talented Alex Claridge and his team to help evolve the Wilderness with a particular focus on their wine offering. In joining,
'I hope to bring my own personality, wit and fun alongside Alex’s dynamic menu and into a really unique dining environment for Birmingham’s restaurant scene.”
Chef patron Alex Claridge added, “Sonal is a big personality on the hospitality scene in the city matched with huge talent and knowledge. Together, I think we’re perfectly matched to bring the next step of The Wilderness to life.
'There is nobody else we could have considered to fortify our brand; Sonal has his own inimitable swagger and approach to keeping the finer things in life both seriously fine and seriously fun. Welcome to Sonal, look forward to working together!”
The long-standing restaurant manager of The Wilderness, Loubie Goldie, will continue in her role for the business, with recently announced addition Marius Gedminas completing the senior team.