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, bars, cafés and a 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.
Medicine bar became synonymous with iconic events hosting icons such as -
Grandmaster Flash, Groove Armada, BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend with John Peel, 2 Many DJs, Fabio & Grooverider and many more.
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. With the expansion into the heart of Birmingham now thriving, our bakers outgrew the cafe in Codsall. This lead to the move into the new production HQ in the iconic Chubb Building in Wolverhampton. Not only is the space perfectly suited to the unique operation but, true to Medicine’s ethos, they breathed new life into a historic building, preserving it’s beauty and heritage while transforming it into a thriving community hub.
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 alongside an extensive wine and champagne menu.
In summer 2025, Medicine opened at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens - a café set within a stunning green environment. Guests can unwind in cosy interiors and enjoy views of the gardens, alongside a full calendar of curated events.
Just a few steps from the original Medicine Bakery site in Codsall, a partnership was formed with Joules Brewery in 2023 - marking the opening of The Crown. The venue features the signature Medicine style, with olive trees and festoon lighting adorning the courtyard. The pub offers a vibrant street-food menu alongside hearty Sunday roasts and regularly hosts events such as Digbeth Dining Club, Word of Mouth and live music nights. It has also become a popular choice for private parties and events.
These 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.
“It’s hard to resist the colourful display of sugar-dusted cruffins, doughnuts and cinnamon buns, but try to leave room for brunch first.”
