Medicine was born out of a discovery of abandoned space, of new possibilities and an inquisitive quality for creating something vital and diverse. An artisan bakery and kitchen, café and gallery, which is rooted in its heritage in both Birmingham and Wolverhampton, Medicine represents a new format of social space. It finds its niche through a carefully curated menu of ethical products, whilst offering a daily fix of cultural inspiration in an environment which promotes a debate about art and culture.
Medicine was born out of a discovery of abandoned space, of new possibilities and an inquisitive quality for creating something vital and diverse. An artisan bakery and kitchen, café and gallery, which is rooted in its heritage in both Birmingham and Wolverhampton, Medicine represents a new format of social space. It finds its niche through a carefully curated menu of ethical products, whilst offering a daily fix of cultural inspiration in an environment which promotes a debate about art and culture.
The evolution of the brand can be traced back to its first incarnation on the nighttime scene of Digbeth. The Medicine Bar was pivotal in curating a diverse programme of artistic, guerilla and sonic events featuring a vibrant mix of musical genres.
Along with hosting other successful music and artistic projects, events and venues in the West Midlands and around the UK, founder Simon Jones developed a progressive and passionate approach to creating new experiences and bringing communities together.
It is this passion that will be at the heart of the new Medicine.
Baking innovation
With the closure of the Medicine Bar in 2011, Simon and his wife Francesca discovered a new trade as bakers, turning to a more rural environment to open their first bakery, deli and café in the village of Codsall in Wolverhampton. It is here they have honed their skill in creating authentic and unusual artisan bread and cakes, sourcing local, ethical ingredients and drawing on a mix of influences from France and New York.
The Codsall home of Medicine now features a core team of artisan bakers and thrives on a close-knit community spirit, with visitors who are actively seeking out a truly independent and friendly venue.
In 2017, the search to once again create unique and meaningful experiences for the region’s diverse communities was reignited with the discovery of a vacant 2,200 sq ft first floor Victorian space on Birmingham’s prominent New Street, previously home to the Royal Society of Birmingham Artists.
This space represented an opportunity to restore a beautiful building to its former glory, yet with a new purpose. Reintroducing art and culture back into the product mix, the new Birmingham home of Medicine will continue the brand’s unique culinary offering whilst programming regular events, talks and exhibitions to bring people together and create a conversation for the city.
In 2021, Medicine expanded to the prestigious Mailbox Birmingham. The sleek, modern design, combined with Medicine’s renowned culinary offerings, ensures an elevated experience that complements it’s surroundings.
Medicine launched its partnership with Selfridges Birmingham in 2023, marking another exciting chapter in its growth. Situated within this iconic building, Medicine’s café and bakery retail space seamlessly blends into Selfridges’ ethos of luxury, creativity, and innovation. The café, along with its outdoor terrace, offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy Medicine’s signature baked goods and café menu.
Both of the newest locations reflect Medicine’s commitment to creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that balance heritage and contemporary design, providing a seamless blend of food, art, and culture in some of Birmingham’s most premium, iconic locations.
We are always looking forward, whether that be with the products we craft and bake, or the programme of events we are presenting. Just like a recipe, we are excited by the fusion and alchemy of different elements, to make something unique, to fill a space which is currently lying empty. Authenticity is paramount in creating a unique experience for every visitor. Creating personal connections with our customers helps us to develop our offering and promote conversation about our city.
We are always looking forward, whether that be with the products we craft and bake, or the programme of events we are presenting. Just like a recipe, we are excited by the fusion and alchemy of different elements, to make something unique, to fill a space which is currently lying empty. Authenticity is paramount in creating a unique experience for every visitor. Creating personal connections with our customers helps us to develop our offering and promote conversation about our city.
A SNAPSHOT OF OUR HISTORY
