Our tips for a great
getaway in... Birmingham England
Bold, brash and brimming with energy, Birmingham’s a great destination for a lively city break. If you haven’t been for a while, you’ll notice that the old place has had quite a facelift in recent years. The thriving Bullring and Mailbox complexes have reinvigorated the city centre. And while the old canal basins are a throwback to Birmingham’s industrial past, they’re now home to a cavalcade of trendy waterside restaurants. Throw a healthy measure of bars, pubs and clubs into the mix and it becomes clear that there’s no shortage of fun to be had in England’s second city.
bestlive music venue: The Jam House Hit The Jam House for everything from rip-roaring jazz piano to roof-raising big band action. Scientific studies have shown that it’s impossible not to start dancing within three minutes of arrival, and you’ll slowly find yourself progressing from a dad-style shuffle to a frenzied jive. The venue’s reputedly owned by TV’s favourite toe-tapper Jools Holland, although you shouldn’t expect to spot him in the crowd. Not least because the dance floor gets really busy and he’s quite a small chap. Where >The Jam House, 3-5 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham, Tel: +44 (0)121 200 3030. view map Website > www.thejamhouse.com
bestshopping tip: Harborne Shoppers flock to Birmingham for the bright lights and big brands of The Bullring Centre. But if generic chain retailers literally aren’t your bag, the city still has plenty to offer. Check out the vintage stores and charity shops of Harborne, where you’ll find everything from fancy dress to a fancy dress. You can break for a drink and a bite to eat at one of the many pubs on the “Harborne Run”. Where >High Street, Harborne, Birmingham. view map
bestarchitecture: The Rotunda In a city that’s seen more redevelopment than the average Lego set, The Rotunda is one of only a few surviving structures from Birmingham’s brave 1960s period. When the Council suggested flattening The Rotunda in 1993, locals demonstrated their famously dry sense of humour, successfully petitioning English Heritage to grant the building Grade II listed status. Where >The Rotunda, 150 New Street, Birmingham. view map
bestcuisine: The Balti Triangle Bursting with flavour, the Balti Triangle is the name given to the area loosely bounded by Stratford Road, Alcester Road and Wake Green Road. This simmering suburb is home to over 50 authentic Balti restaurants and curry houses. Locals can be quite vociferous in support of their own particular favourite. Popular choices include Jyoti and Diwan; both serve superb food in a bubbling atmosphere. Where > Jyoti, 569-571 Stratford Road, Birmingham, Tel: +44 (0)121 766 7199; Diwan, 3b Alcester Road, Birmingham, Tel: +44 (0)121 449 4920. view map
bestpub: The Rainbow A visit to The Rainbow is rather like having a surprise party thrown in your honour. It’s uninspiring from the front. The bar area is a little brighter, thanks to the dubious disco lighting, but you’re still not convinced. Step out into the covered backyard area, however, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a barnstorming Birmingham knees-up, complete with a booming sound system and a sizzling Jamaican barbecue. Where >The Rainbow, 160 High Street, Deritend, Birmingham, Tel: +44 (0)121 772 8174. view map
bestpicnic spot: Lickey Hills Country Park The sprawling green hinterland that is the Lickey Hills Country Park
nestles to the southwest of Birmingham and provides a refreshing balance to the bustling centre. Kids will love exploring the woods and walkways, before diving into the adventure playground. The north end of the park offers spectacular views of the city, making it the perfect picnic spot. Where >Lickey Hills Country Park, Warren Lane, Rednal, Tel: +44 (0)121 447 7106. view map Website > www.birmingham.gov.uk
Compiled by Michael Scott
besttrivia
No Venetian has ever trotted out a tired cliché about their city having “less miles of canal than Birmingham”!
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