Birmingham holidays

Birmingham's food and drink scene: A guide for your holidays

Local dishes in Birmingham

• Balti: A Birmingham staple, this curry is cooked and served in a distinctive steel pan. Dive into this local favourite in the Balti Triangle, an area known for its array of authentic Balti restaurants.

  • Recommended Restaurant: Al Frash, renowned for its authentic flavours and welcoming atmosphere.

Street food

Birmingham's street food scene is a vibrant mix of global cuisines and local specialties.

• Digbeth Dining Club: A must-visit for food lovers, offering an ever-changing lineup of the best street food vendors.

• Balti Triangle: Explore traditional favorites like Chicken Tikka Balti and Vegetable Balti in this iconic area.

Typical drinks

From cosy pubs to trendy bars, Birmingham offers a drink for every palate.

• Craft Beer: Visit local breweries like Purecraft Bar & Kitchen for a taste of Birmingham's best brews.

• Cocktails: The Alchemist in Colmore Row for innovative and visually stunning cocktails.

• Coffee: Faculty Coffee for expertly brewed artisanal coffee in a minimalist setting.

Food markets

Discover Birmingham's rich culinary heritage and fresh produce at these vibrant markets.

• Moseley Farmers Market: A foodie paradise with a wide range of local and international foods.

  • Highlights include artisanal cheeses, homemade jams, and street food stalls.

• Birmingham Wholesale Market: The perfect spot for fresh, locally sourced produce and international specialties.

Hidden gems

Birmingham's food scene is full of surprises. Here are some lesser-known delights:

• The Wilderness in the Jewellery Quarter for an innovative dining experience with British ingredients.

• Pasta di Piazza for authentic Italian cuisine in a cosy setting.

• 1000 Trades for a seasonal menu that highlights local produce and craft beers.

Exploring Birmingham's food scene beyond street food

While street food offers a quick taste of the city's culinary diversity, Birmingham's restaurants, pubs, and cafes provide depth and breadth to the experience.

Notable mentions

• Lasan: Award-winning Indian cuisine that combines traditional methods with contemporary presentation.

• The Button Factory: A modern British menu in a beautifully restored factory setting.

• Opheem: Pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine with progressive and innovative dishes.

Whether you're in Birmingham for a quick visit or an extended holiday, the city's food and drink scene promises an exciting and delicious adventure. From the historic pubs and vibrant street food markets to the award-winning restaurants and cosy cafes, there's something to satisfy every taste and budget.

Local sports events in Birmingham

How to live it like a local: Birmingham takes pride in its vibrant sports scene. To truly experience it like a local, consider attending the city's numerous sporting events ranging from football matches to cricket games. Engage with local fans at pubs before heading to the match to soak in the pre-game atmosphere.

Stadiums or arenas: Birmingham boasts several iconic stadiums and arenas, including Edgbaston Cricket Ground, famous for international cricket matches, and Villa Park, home to Aston Villa Football Club. These venues offer the perfect setting to experience the excitement of live sports.

Where to go to watch a match: The city is dotted with sports bars and pubs where locals gather to watch live sporting events. The Lord Clifden and The Roost are popular spots among football fans, offering a lively atmosphere to enjoy the game.

Sports facilities for travellers in Birmingham

Swimming pools: Birmingham offers several public swimming pools, such as the Moseley Road Baths, where visitors can enjoy a swim or participate in aqua fitness classes.

Yoga: For those looking to maintain their yoga practice, the city has numerous studios like the Yoga Sweat, offering classes for all levels.

Fitness, dancing, tennis: Facilities like The Gym Birmingham City Centre provide access to fitness equipment, dance classes, and tennis courts. For tennis enthusiasts, Edgbaston Priory Club is a must-visit, offering excellent courts and facilities.

Cycling

Bike rental: Birmingham's Big Birmingham Bikes scheme allows travellers to rent bikes for free, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels.

Popular cycling routes: The canal towpaths offer scenic routes for cyclists, connecting major parts of the city in a peaceful setting away from traffic.

Hiking

Popular hiking routes: For hiking enthusiasts, the Lickey Hills Country Park offers a variety of trails with stunning views over the city and beyond.

Water sports

Birmingham's reservoirs and canals provide ample opportunities for water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, with several clubs and rental shops offering equipment and lessons.

Golf courses

Birmingham is home to several prestigious golf courses, such as The Belfry, host to the Ryder Cup, offering world-class golfing facilities for players of all levels.

By engaging in these activities and visiting these venues, travellers can enjoy a comprehensive sporting experience in Birmingham, from high-energy live matches to leisurely outdoor activities.

Seasonal events in Birmingham

Birmingham's calendar is packed with a variety of seasonal events to enjoy:

• New Year: The city welcomes the new year with vibrant fireworks and celebrations across various venues.

• Christmas shopping: Major shopping districts like the Bullring and Grand Central come alive with festive decorations and late-night shopping events.

• Christmas markets: The Frankfurt Christmas Market, known as one of the largest German markets outside Germany and Austria, offers a festive blend of food, drink, and seasonal gifts.

• Easter: Birmingham hosts family-friendly events, including Easter egg hunts and craft markets.

• Gay events: Birmingham Pride, a highlight of the city’s LGBTQ+ calendar since 1983, offers a weekend of parades and festivities in the Gay Village.

• Carnival: The city celebrates its multicultural heritage with annual Caribbean carnival events featuring parades, music, and dance.

Festivals in Birmingham

Birmingham boasts a diverse range of festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and comedy to culture and cars. Some major annual events include:

• Crufts: The world-renowned dog show takes place at the NEC every March, drawing canine enthusiasts from all over.

• Birmingham Indian Film Festival: Celebrating the rich culture of the Indian subcontinent every June.

• Foodies Festival: The UK's biggest food festival happens in June, offering a feast for all senses.

• TILT Festival: A September festival showcasing incredible acrobatics and physical theatre.

• Birmingham Comedy Festival: October brings ten days filled with laughter featuring some of the biggest names in British comedy.

• Classic Motor Show: November sees the UK's largest classic motor show at the NEC, a must-visit for car enthusiasts.

This is just a snapshot of what Birmingham has to offer. The city's full calendar features events spanning various interests and cultures, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Birmingham's events and festivals provide countless opportunities to engage with the city's vibrant community and rich cultural tapestry.

Things to do in Birmingham

Being a large city, there’s a wealth of things to do, but here are a few highlights:

• Explore the iconic Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, showcasing an extensive collection of art and artefacts.

• Delve into Birmingham's industrial heritage at the Black Country Living Museum, where you can step back in time and experience life in an early 20th-century mining town.

• Tantalise your tastebuds at Cadbury World, where chocolate lovers can indulge in interactive exhibits and tasty treats.

• Immerse yourself in nature at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, featuring stunning floral displays and peaceful green spaces.

• Enjoy a night of entertainment at the Birmingham Hippodrome, where world-class performances and shows await.

• Explore Birmingham Cathedral's stunning architecture.

• Immerse yourself in innovative exhibitions at the Library of Birmingham.

• Shop at the Bullring and Grand Central.

• Experience the famous curry houses and try a Balti.

• Stroll along scenic canals or relax in beautiful parks.

Activities for families in Birmingham

Birmingham offers up a host of things to enjoy with your family:

• Explore the Thinktank Science Museum for interactive exhibits.

• Enjoy family-friendly performances at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Nature & Outdoors in Birmingham

Aside from the famous Botanical gardens there are other options for for exploring Birmingham's outdoors:

• Visit Cannon Hill Park for lakeside walks.

• Explore Lickey Hills Country Park for scenic trails