Where:
Birmingham, West Midlands
What it has to offer:
Birmingham is a vibrant city that effortlessly blends rich history with modernity, making it an enticing destination for visitors. With its bustling streets, diverse culture, and friendly locals, there are countless reasons why people should visit this dynamic metropolis.
Firstly, Birmingham boasts an impressive array of architectural wonders, from the iconic Victorian buildings to the contemporary marvels like the Library of Birmingham. The city's cultural scene is also thriving, with world-class museums, galleries, and theatres offering a mix of art, history, and entertainment.
Where to stay:
Just outside of Birmingham, in Solihull, you’ll find the family-run Hampton Manor. This tastefully renovated and uber-stylish hotel has 24 rooms, each individually designed taking inspiration from William Morris.
You’re not far from fantastic food either as the manor boasts its own Michelin Starred restaurant, Peele’s. Its 15-course tasting menu, served from an open kitchen, celebrates a revolution in growing that chef David Taylor believes is the key to unlocking flavour.
Frederick Street Townhouse is a charming boutique hotel that offers a unique and stylish stay in the heart of the city. This historic Georgian townhouse has been lovingly restored to provide a blend of modern comforts and period charm. With beautifully designed rooms, a cosy lounge bar, and a delightful courtyard, guests can relax and unwind in a chic and intimate setting.
Located in the historic Jewellery Quarter, Saint Paul's House is a contemporary boutique hotel that combines modern design with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This stylish hotel offers comfortable rooms, a trendy restaurant serving delicious cuisine, and a chic rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, Saint Paul's House provides a stylish and convenient base to explore Birmingham's cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife, and renowned shopping destinations.
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Where to eat:
Food enthusiasts will delight in the city's diverse culinary offerings, with a wide range of international cuisines and a burgeoning street food scene.
For a finer dining experience, why not book a table at the Michelin-starred Carters of Moseley. The restaurant showcases innovative and seasonally driven cuisine. Led by chef Brad Carter, this culinary gem offers a truly exceptional dining experience.
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative flavour combinations, each dish is a work of art. The intimate setting and impeccable service create an unforgettable atmosphere, making Carters of Moseley a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a remarkable gastronomic adventure.
Opheem is an award-winning fine dining restaurant that showcases the culinary expertise of chef Aktar Islam. With a fusion of Indian and British flavours, Opheem presents innovative and beautifully presented dishes that push boundaries. The elegant setting, attentive service, and exceptional flavours make it a remarkable dining experience for discerning food lovers.
A more relaxed dining experience can be enjoyed at The High Field, a charming gastropub and dining destination known for its relaxed ambiance and delicious food. With a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, The High Field offers a diverse menu of British classics and contemporary dishes. The stylish interiors and inviting outdoor spaces make it a popular spot for socializing, dining, and enjoying a refreshing drink.
Where to drink:
For world class tipples and a trip back in time look no further than Fox and Chance right in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. The menu is a celebration of all things Birmingham and includes delights such as Pear Shaped which mixes vodka, pear, apple, Tio Pepe and soda.
You can take a seat at the bar or recline on one of the venue’s comfy sofas for an experience that is sophisticated but laid-back in equal measure.
Just outside of the city in Stirchley, you will find the neighbourhood bar making waves in the industry, Couch. Expect cosy vibes, expertly crafted drinks and immaculate service from the team. Their current menu in an amalgamation of previous menus and includes highlights such as Lost in Translation which mixes Toki whisky, plum cherry blossom and toasted barley.
The bar is walk-in only with seats available at the bar so you can get to know the team and more about your drinks.
For those more concerned of their carbon footprint, Kilo Ziro is Birmingham’s first ‘zero waste’ bar. Serving an array of drinks using ‘the aged, the discarded and the unloved’ like their Rescued Damson in Distress which gives new life to overripe damsons by mixing them with homemade basil gin and milk.
All cocktails are modestly priced at £10 but you can also enjoy their range of local beers & ciders as well as their wine and fizz refill taps.
Sights to visit:
Birmingham is a shopaholic's paradise, with a plethora of retail options ranging from bustling markets to high-end boutiques in the renowned Bullring shopping centre. With over 160 stores, including luxury brands and high-street favourites, the Bullring caters to every shopper's taste. Its iconic architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent dining options make it a must-visit spot for fashion, food, and fun.
Back to Backs National Trust site is a remarkable preserved courtyard of traditional back-to-back houses, providing a glimpse into the lives of working-class families from the 19th and 20th centuries. This immersive experience allows visitors to step back in time and explore the furnished houses, uncovering the stories and hardships of the past.
Horticulturalists can enjoy The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a picturesque oasis in the city offering a serene escape from the bustling city. With stunning plant collections, tranquil gardens, glasshouses, and a peaceful Japanese garden, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and enjoy a relaxing stroll amidst colourful blooms and verdant landscapes.
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Events not to miss:
Drinks lovers unite as Birmingham Cocktail Weekend celebrates the city's vibrant cocktail scene. Over a weekend, participating bars and venues offer exclusive discounts and unique cocktail experiences, allowing cocktail enthusiasts to sample a wide range of creative and expertly crafted drinks while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Birmingham's thriving nightlife. This year’s celebration will take place from 7-9 July across the city, get your tickets here.
The city has an array of music festivals, including several dedicated to Jazz. The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival has more than 150 performances alongside workshops, talks, exhibitions and masterclasses, and almost all of it is free to attend. You can enjoy the delights from 15–24 July this year.
There is so much on offer in this vibrant city, why not check out their official Visit Birmingham page which is updated regularly with exciting events for you to enjoy.
