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How To Spend 48 Hours In The City Of Birmingham

Forget everything you know about Birmingham and discover a must-visit selection of cool and contemporary spots in the UK’s second largest city. As the hub continues to be regenerated, the midlands is ever-evolving and becoming a favourite destination for weekend city breaks. Here’s an edit of must-visit restaurants, bars and attractions to add to your radar whilst visiting.

Indulge at Opheem

Exploring Indian culinary heritage with a modern twist, Opheem is a Michelin star restaurant for good reason. Delving into techniques from all over the world to push the boundaries of Indian cooking, you can enjoy a unique tasting menu that consistently features in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 list. If you want to go the full mile, opt for wine pairings to enliven your palette even more. This is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a fine dining experience during your stay.

Take a bite at Tierra Tacos

If you’re seeking somewhere more casual to eat, stop off at Tierra Tacos in the Jewellery Quarter. From hand pressed tacos, to delicious sides and salsas, this restaurant is always buzzing with atmosphere. The small yet considered menu is designed to be shared, so it’s perfect if you’re travelling with friends and feel like trying everything on the menu, as well as their Mexican-inspired cocktails.

Grab a slice at Otto

You can’t go wrong with this pizza joint in the Jewellery Quarter. With a well-loved menu that uses fresh ingredients, these wood fire pizzas are a firm favourite for locals. All the dough is made in-house and the ingredients are carefully sourced, offering meat, vegan and vegetarian selections. Kick off with delicious flatbreads to start and be sure to try the negronis whilst you’re there.

Drink at The Church Inn

Also located in the Jewellery Quarter, The Church Inn has recently been taken over by new owners – the very same team that opened Tierra Tacos. With a classic public house feel, there’s a cosy front bar offering beers, wines and cocktails, which gets more lively on weekends. If you’re looking for another place to dine, the restaurant at the back has a relaxed, unique feel and offers modern takes on pub food classics, as well as well-loved roasts. During the summer, enjoy drinks on the rooftop terrace, which has its own bar.

Head to Hockley Social Club

A local’s favourite, Hockley Social Club is a contemporary street food venue located in a space that used to be a printing factory. Drop in for a coffee by day and check out the record store, or visit after-dark for delicious food selections, drinks, live music and comedy nights. Casual yet full of energy, there’s always something happening at this eclectic spot.

Enjoy Cocktails At Fox And Chance

Located in the heart of the city centre, this is a cocktail bar worth adding to your agenda. With friendly, relaxed service, stylish interiors and a mixed menu, it’s perfect for Friday night plans. Choose from original creations you may not have tried before or classic cocktails with a spin, all of which have been pulled together in a considered menu, alongside a handful of beers and wines.

Discover exhibitions at Ikon Gallery

To add something cultural to the mix, drop into Ikon Gallery, which is an acclaimed contemporary gallery space in the centre of the city. With ever-changing exhibitions from modern, renowned artists, it is free entry and often hosts a selection of unique events too – so check out the calendar beforehand.

See what’s on At Symphony Hall

Widely known as one of the best concert halls in the UK, Symphony Hall has a calendar full of live music offerings to enjoy. The classical selections are complemented by rock, pop, folk, country and jazz music events, and even stand-up comedy shows. It’s worth checking out the calendar and booking in advance before your visit to Birmingham.

Visit Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Right in the centre is one of the city’s most picturesque buildings, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. With the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world, as well as an eclectic mix of other exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole afternoon wandering around this space and enjoying the art.

More time on your hands?

If you’re spending more time in the midlands, visit the suburb of Stirchley, which is becoming a more and more popular area with time. With a whole host of independent cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from, it was recently named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller. Pershore Road is the place to be and we’d recommend Cork & Cage if you only have time to try one foodie place.

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