The Mustard Club feels, to me, quintessentially Birmingham—which is perhaps one of the highest compliments I can give, considering what a force-of-nature food city Birmingham has become. Tucked into the heart of Pepper Place where Blue Root once stood, it strikes a balance between neighborhood hangout and thoughtful, ingredient-driven meals, all perfectly suited for a quick bite or a meal with friends.

The restaurant quietly opened earlier this month, and on my first visit, I ordered the ham and comté pressed sandwich. With caramelized onions and coarse-grain mustard, it was the kind of dish I could return to again and again. I also tried the whipped feta with flatbread, layered with spiced dates, honey, pistachios, and lemon. The flavors were bright and textured, instantly transporting me back to travels through Istanbul—deceptively simple, yet perfectly balanced.

Behind the scenes are husband-and-wife team Chris Newsome and Anna Newsome, known to many in Birmingham for their previous restaurant, Ollie Irene. With The Mustard Club, they’re building something new—very much grounded in their hospitality experience, but designed for everyday life. I spoke with Anna Newsome about the vision behind the space, how it’s evolving, and what they hope guests take away from each visit.

Q: What can guests expect from the menu at The Mustard Club? How does it reflect your experience from Ollie Irene?

A: At The Mustard Club, we’re focused on thoughtful sandwiches, salads, and snacks made with real, high-quality ingredients. Everything is prepared with care, from house-roasted porchetta to a layered mortadella and stracciatella sandwich, along with familiar favorites like pimento cheese and pub fries. Some dishes draw inspiration from European classics, while others are rooted in comfort and familiarity. Our goal is simple: fresh, flavorful food that people can enjoy regularly.

We spent a decade building our previous restaurant, creating a menu and community we were proud of while also putting down roots in Birmingham. That experience shaped how we approach this next chapter. We’re excited to carry that momentum forward here and continue growing, especially within the creative and entrepreneurial energy of Pepper Place.

Q: Birmingham’s food scene has become increasingly adventurous. How has the local community influenced your concept and menu?

A: We’ve always aimed to create neighborhood spaces that feel natural and useful to the people around them. At Pepper Place, we envision The Mustard Club as a true gathering spot—a place where someone can stop in for coffee, meet with colleagues, grab a quick bite, or linger over a long lunch.

Birmingham diners are curious and supportive, and that has absolutely influenced how we think about food and experience. At the same time, we want this to be a place that feels approachable. It’s about quality without pretense—a space that works just as well for a quick visit as it does for settling in. Ultimately, we want it to become part of people’s daily rhythm.

Q: When guests visit for the first time, what do you hope they take away from the experience?

A: More than anything, we want people to feel comfortable and genuinely welcomed. The food is made with intention, using fresh ingredients, and we approach hospitality with that same level of care.

We’re still in the early stages, which makes this an exciting time. What The Mustard Club becomes will continue to evolve as we learn more about our space and the people who spend time here. We hope guests will come in, enjoy what we’re building, and return often as it grows. This is just the beginning, and we want the community to be part of that process.

You can visit The Mustard Club at Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham. Their current hours are 11-4, Monday through Friday.

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