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 Chic, unique bar/restaurant |
Arcadian Centre Hurst Street Birmingham B5 4TB United Kingdom +44 121 622 5250 http://www.fiftytwodegreesnort... |
This flash venture has become very well respected on the Birmingham dining out scene. It comprises a restaurant, lounge bar and terraces and produces international cuisine with a modern British spin. The restaurant is centred around a wood-burning oven, whilst the lounge bar specializes in classic cocktails. Décor is strangely 70's, with thick beige curtains and a few uncomfortable sofas in lieu of proper seating, but the place undoubtedly has style. Depending on what takes your fancy, food ranges from reasonable to downright expensive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Shopping, dining and entertainment |
70 Hurst Street Birmingham B5 4TD United Kingdom +44 121 622 5348 |
This is more than a shopping centre, it's also something of an entertainment complex. A multiplex cinema, various restaurants and an increasing number of bars and pubs are found here. Most shops deal in fashionably retro clothing and there are a couple of expensive hairdressers too. This is a rewarding place to go for a drink if you are on your way to the Hippodrome, or even if you are just out for an evening stroll around the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel  |
 Photo: Daniel |
 Photo: Martin Watson |
 Photo: YSL |
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Safe bet for quality dining |
4 Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2JB United Kingdom +44 121 633 4466 http://www.bankrestaurants.com... |
Bank has remained one of the most popular and highly-regarded restaurants in the city, attracting a mix of customers as well-polished as the cutlery. It is a large eating and meeting, wheeling and dealing sort of place, accommodating 250 diners in some style. The food is mostly excellent and includes homely staples like bangers and mash alongside more contemporary fare like Thai-style seared tuna. This is also one of the few places in Birmingham where you can get fresh oysters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Broad Street bar |
196 Broad Street Birmingham, Leicestershire B15 1AY United Kingdom +44 121 616 1888 |
If you're a bar situated on Broad Street you have to offer something a little different to the dozens of other options around in order to attract new trade. What Brannigans offers may not seem much, but its live bands, discos and Mexican and American food seem to draw in plenty of punters. The late opening times and many drinks promotions may also have something to do with its continued popularity. There is a door policy of over 21s only and no trainers are allowed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wez Bowler |
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Popular pub in main entertainment district |
44 Broad Street Birmingham B1 2HP United Kingdom +44 121 633 3383 |
A typically popular Broad Street bar, the Brasshouse is open late at weekends when DJs spin the latest grooves for the generally young and energetic clientèle. As a pub it works too, thanks to a wide range of beers (including some award-winning ales) and food that encompasses a variety of cuisines. The interior can seem a little soulless in the daytime, but few worry later when the bass starts pumping. No jeans, trainers or leather jackets on Friday and Saturday nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: pumpkinsouper |
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Typically French dining and drinking |
Broad Street 10 The Waters Edge Birmingham B1 2HL United Kingdom +44 121 643 6556 |
One of the engaging chain of bistro-style French dining spots, Café Rouge opened here in 1995. It's popular with the more moneyed set, which is good since it takes a fairly fat wallet to eat here, and offers a sort of decadent charm to relax in. It looks like all the chain's other restaurants, with plenty of dark wood, old posters and lone wine drinkers reading newspapers whilst drawing on imported cigarettes. The menu changes regularly, but examples of dishes include entrecôte au poivre at £11.45 and salade cèsar at £6.95. Wine starts at £9.70 a bottle for house red and white. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: stuart parker |
 Photo: Mike |
 Photo: Denise Atkins |
 Photo: Liz Walker |
 Photo: Jason Carter |
 Photo: Wendi Goen |
 Photo: jamesrock57 |
 Photo: Arvid Wilson |
 Well-regarded Cantonese cuisine |
17 Thorp Street Birmingham B5 4AT United Kingdom +44 121 666 6622 http://www.chungying.co.uk |
One of the more critically established Chinese restaurants in Brum, and deservedly so. The décor reflects a desire to be seen as elegant and exclusive, with golden statues, imposing columns and soft lighting conjuring a mood of relaxed ostentation. A range of over 378 Cantonese dishes is offered from three menus - à la carte, banquet and a special menu for "the Chinese public". Baked crab with ginger and spring onion and sizzling beef with black bean sauce are just two examples to tempt the palate. And as the restaurant seats over 300, it shouldn't be too hard getting a table. The opening of a sister restaurant, the Chung Ying Cantonese, testifies to the popularity both of this venue and the cuisine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A Cultured Environment |
Gibb Street Digbeth Birmingham B9 4AA United Kingdom +44 121 604 7777 http://www.custardfactory.com/ |
The Custard Factory is a premier arts centre. Its name comes from the Bird's Custard Factory that was located here up until 1994. The venue was created with young people in mind - there are studios for jazz, drama, music and dance alongside workshops for crafts, film makers and designers. Shops, cafes and restaurants have opened in recent years catering for the young and trendy types that are attracted to the complex, and it is likely more will open in the future. The Custard Factory is set in an area that is neither affluent nor well kempt, but it is hoped that interest and investment will be further encouraged to move outwards into Digbeth because of this venture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Bolin |
 Photo: Peter Lewis |
 Photo: aga doyle |
 Photo: Dzama |
 Photo: Max Knight |
 Photo: Tamsin Slater |
 Photo: seancuttlefish |
 Photo: col walker |
 Photo: Bunny Bissoux |
 Photo: Paul Quance |
 Photo: TML stars |
 Photo: Shaun Temple |
 Photo: reidTO |
 Photo: Paul Chaplin |
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Birmingham United Kingdom |
The Sanctuary nightclub is down here as is the coach station (you may think this is not much to recommend the place and you'd be right). Recently, however, much cash has been invested in this area and one result has been the Custard Factory - this is a venue for younger people to eat, drink and watch/perform drama, music and dance pieces. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eightball |
 Photo: annahardy |
 Photo: Steve Sawford |
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Smart city centre pub |
Broad Street Birmingham B1 2DY United Kingdom +44 121 643 0444 |
Edwards is a big flashy joint popular with the pre-clubbing Friday night hordes promenading along Broad Street, and also a favourite with lunchtime strollers. Close to the ICC and attendant amenities, it's accordingly often frequented by business types. Décor tends towards the modern trend for appearing old-fashioned despite the furnishings being largely put together from flat-pack boxes. Still, it's clean and tidy and a comfortable place to lounge. Bar food is also offered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Birmingham United Kingdom |
Not far from the city centre, this is the place to learn about Birmingham's jewellery industry at the Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Hill |
 Photo: Kevin Boyd |
 Photo: liz_com1981 |
 Jools Holland venture |
1 Saint Paul's Square Birmingham B3 1QU United Kingdom +44 121 200 3030 http://www.thejamhouse.com |
Now well-established in St. Paul's Square, The Jam House is backed by ex-Squeeze keyboarder and TV presenter Jools Holland. The club is spread over three airy floors, the top one being an open-plan restaurant serving modern world cuisine. The menu is set, although it changes regularly, and two courses will cost GBP21; three courses cost GBP25. Music, however, is the driving force with live fare nightly, and even a traditional Louisiana gospel brunch on Sundays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Converted banking hall |
79 Broad Street Birmingham B15 1AQ United Kingdom +44 121 643 4464 |
The name of this fancy restaurant is not just meant to conjure up images of artistic Paris and student riots, it is also a clever pun on the fact that it was once a bank. Although the cash desks have now disappeared, the décor would certainly appeal to any visiting bank manager since it remains fairly conservative. But the place is very smart and serves up very good modern British and continental cuisine, such as braised pigs' cheeks with foie gras, fried egg and parsley mash. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of the best in Brum |
89–91 Livery Street Birmingham B3 1RJ United Kingdom +44 121 236 7500 |
This is arguably the best seafood restaurant in Birmingham. Don't worry about the goldfish behind the bar, they're not on the menu. What is, however, is an astonishing array of excellent quality fish dishes at very reasonable rates. The menu is renewed regularly, but mussels and cognac consommé, Indonesian clam curry and Moroccan grey mullet give a taste of the range offered. That said, this is not exclusively a seafood place, the vegetarian options sound equally attractive: aubergine and sweet potato in balsamic dressing for one. So far from the coast, it's good to know you can still get superb fish in Birmingham. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Birmingham's first balti restaurant |
136-140 Stoney Lane Sparkbrook Birmingham B12 8AQ United Kingdom +44 121 449 5695 |
The Royal Alfaisel is one of the many restaurants that claims to be the first balti house in Britain. Established in 1982, it remains one of the city's finest restaurants and yet has few airs or graces. Food is still ridiculously cheap and it's always freshly prepared with starters being exceptional value. Most main courses will be around the £5 mark, and there's also a balti buffet with a choice of 25 dishes for £5.95. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A prince amongst baltis |
417 – 419 Stratford Road Birmingham B11 4JZ United Kingdom +44 (0)121 766 7849 |
Recommended because of its popularity amongst locals, the Royal Naim does consistently good business in an area where balti restaurants are plentiful. Considering this popularity and the quality of food, it's a wonder they don't charge more — especially since it's unlicensed so there's no profit to be made from over—priced wines and beers. Spicy succulence is what you'll find in every dish (and there are plenty to choose from), but you'll never go far wrong with anything from the Chef's Recommendations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rest & Repose? Not Likely |
78 Digbeth High Street Birmingham B5 6DY United Kingdom +44 121 246 1010 |
The Sanctuary, established in 1998, is one of Birmingham's premier nightclubs. Previously known as the Institute, the venue is also one of the largest in the city. The club boasts a top DJ line-up, attracting clubbers from all over the country. Music is a variety of hard house, indie and big beat and there's a special night for students during term time on a Tuesday and a 70's night has recently started up. It's most famous club night, Godskitchen, has however now moved to the Code superclub nearby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Birmingham's most famous Indian restaurant |
214 Broad Street Birmingham B15 1AY United Kingdom +44 121 633 0366 http://www.shimlapinks.com |
Shimla Pinks is a must for any serious lover of Indian food. It's the best-known Indian restaurant in the city, attracts a wealth of celebrity diners with its sublime cuisine and boasts highly innovative décor. Situated on Broad Street, one of the prime eating and drinking areas in Birmingham, its consistent popularity is testament to the quality of food. Sundays and Mondays are buffet nights, when you can eat as much as is feasibly possible, but otherwise whatever you order will be worth it. The dishes are eclectic and authentic - e.g. kundan kaluja (£8.95) is a mild curry of lamb with a ginger and garlic yogurt and onion gravy. Although obviously pricier than some out of town Indians, you won't resent the extra expense. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Japanese fine dining |
The Water's Edge, Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2HL United Kingdom +44 121 643 1856 http://www.shogunteppanyaki.com/ |
Brindleyplace harbors a number of high class restaurants and this is the equal of most - in terms of cuisine, anyway. The best-known Japanese restaurant in the city, it takes its name from the fearless warrior breed and the teppan-yaki style of cooking: meaning griddled at your table. If that is too in your face, other Japanese delicacies such as sushimi, sukiyaki and teriyaki can be brought out. A favorite starter is gyoya - Japanese dumplings - at around the GBP4 mark, while sushi costs around GBP13. Meals are not cheap, but the quality can not be faulted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Trendy noodle bar |
Hurst Street Chinatown Birmingham B5 4TD United Kingdom +44 121 693 5084 http://www.sobar.co.uk/ |
A flashy, stylish bar/restaurant for the new millennium, Soba® brings utilitarian chic to the Arcadian Centre. It calls itself a Noodle Bar, a phenomenon springing up more widely these days, and serves deliciously spicy, genuinely fast food to business people and the fashionably lazy alike. It has a bright, clean, modish interior and you can choose to eat at tables or the (very well-stocked) bar. Either way, you can see your meal being cooked and it arrives with frightening haste. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tasteful little venue |
50- 54 St. Paul's Square Birmingham B3 1QS United Kingdom +44 121 605 1001 |
Another stylish establishment, St. Paul's is a fairly quiet bar although it is easier to get a booking with the restaurant. The wine list is extensive, and the food a well-judged mix of English and continental. The menu is fairly limited but is seasonal and the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. Starters, such as Double Baked Salmon Soufflé (GBP4); main courses include Sirloin Steak and game chips or duck breast on spring onion mash. For the sweet tooth, there is a daily dessert board. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sublime Japanese cuisine |
The Arcadian Centre Ladywell Walk Birmingham B5 4ST United Kingdom +44 121 622 5183 |
Not to be confused with Shogun Teppan-Yaki, this Japanese joint is located in the Arcadian Centre - an area populated mostly by young types and full of excellent drinking and dining possibilities. Specially trained chefs prepare your meal before your eyes here, using ancient culinary techniques. Aromatic and sizzlingly fresh, dishes include fillet of monkfish (£13.25), spicy lamb stir fry (£13.50) and eight-piece sushi (£14.50). It may not be the cheapest place to eat, but it really is one of the best. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exotic and modern |
7 Oozells Square Brindley Place Birmingham B1 2HS United Kingdom +44 121 643 3993 http://www.thaiedge.co.uk/ |
There are precious few Thai restaurants in Birmingham and this is one of only two in the city centre. Immediately on entering you are greeted with traditional Thai warmth and the understated luxury of the décor is a promising sign of what is to come. The menu has a tantalisingly huge choice of dishes: perhaps the best way to start is by ordering the hot platter. Main meals include squid with chilli and basil and roast duck red curry. It is no exaggeration to say this restaurant can hold its own with the finest in the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A little luxury |
9 Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2HS United Kingdom +44 121 633 7333 http://www.lepetitblanc.co.uk/ |
Adding a little panache to the already smart Brindleyplace development, this Raymond Blanc venture is the most stylish bar/brasserie in town. It is shiny and excellently turned out in silver, blue and polished wood, and has a menu that should satisfy the needs of most gourmands. What's more, a fixed three course meal is not too expensive,. When dining à la carte one can choose English or regional French fare, including sublimely tender grilled calves' livers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: joe |