Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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United Kingdom : Birmingham - September 2008

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Even as the early autumn weather sets in, you’ll find plenty to do in England’s second city. Big, brash, and much better looking than it once was, Birmingham has an abundance of bars and restaurants and more shops than you can shake a stick at. Michael Scott checks in

Getting around

Birmingham International

Bus: Buses from the airport to the city centre leave every 30 minutes and a single fare costs €1,95/£1.50.
Train: Trains run from Birmingham International to New Street Station; the journey will take around 10-20 minutes and a return ticket will cost €7/£5.30 before 9.30am and €4,50/£3.40 after 9.30am.
Taxi: A taxi from the airport into the city centre will cost around €22/£17 and take about 40 minutes.
Tourist information: The main tourist office is at The Rotunda, 150 New Street (tel. , beinbirmingham. com).

BROAD STREET

The city’s main drag is jammed with revellers on a Saturday night. If you’re looking for a quiet time, you’d better look elsewhere!

Sleep soundly – The Jurys Inn Birmingham is right in the thick of the action. It offers airy, comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

Culture vultures – The Birmingham Repertory Theatre (Centenary Square, Broad Street, birmingham-rep.co.uk) is highly regarded. Alternatively, check out the Ikon Gallery (1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace) for contemporary art and photography – and grab some tapas in the bar when you’re done.

Must eat – Try Shogun Teppan-yaki (The Water’s Edge, Brindleyplace, tel. ) or Thai Edge (7 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, tel. ) for an authentic taste of the Orient.

Must drink – Risa (252-259 Broad Street) is popular for both early evening drinks and late night shenanigans.

Dance the night away – For big dance tunes, head to Dragon Eye (193-194 Broad Street). If your tastes are more mainstream, Broad Street has plenty of cavernous, commercial venues such as The Works (182 Broad Street).

Shop til you drop – Be sure to browse the designer shops at The Mailbox (61-63 Wharfside Street) for some new togs before you hit the town.

SNOW HILL

As well as Birmingham’s business quarter, Snow Hill is also home to some swanky bars and restaurants.

Sleep soundly – Treat yourself to a stay at the Hotel du Vin. The rooms are delightful and the food’s great too.

Must eat – Purnell’s (55 Cornwall Street, tel. ) has been making waves in the city since it opened a year ago. The Vaults (Newhall Place, Newhall Hill, tel. ) is another relative newcomer, uniquely situated in a Grade II-listed Victorian cellar. San Carlo (4 Temple Street, tel. ), on the other hand, is an established local favourite.

Must drink – There’s no shortage of drinking and dancing to be had at Mechu (59 Summer Row). Meanwhile, Bluu (14 Fleet Street) does some mean cocktails. Try the Gin Bramble – Bombay Sapphire with lemon, sugar and Crème de Mure.

THE ARCADIAN

If the hustle and bustle of Broad Street leaves you cold, try the area around the Arcadian Centre.

Sleep soundly – Check into the imposing glass-and-steel Radisson SAS Hotel for spectacular views of the city.

Must drink – Choose from a handful of fashionable bars at the Arcadian Centre. Poppy Red (Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street) is always a good call. Across the square, Sobar is another safe bet.

Dance the night away – Carry on the party at Bambu (1 Wrottesley Street), which bangs out floor-filling house for a dressed-up crowd – but don’t expect much change from your trips to the bar

JEWELLERY QUARTER

The winding streets of the Jewellery Quarter are the perfect place to pick up bespoke gifts.

Must eat – Like all good Italians, San Paolo Trattoria (24 Ludgate Hill, tel. ) keeps things simple. If you’re in the mood for Indian, Lasan (3- 4 Dakota Buildings, St Paul’s Square, tel. ) puts a fresh spin on some old favourites.

Must drink – Relax with a beer at The Rectory (50-54 St Paul’s Square), or pop into The Rope Walk (15 St Paul’s Square). Both have a lovely atmosphere and a wide range of drinks.

Shop til you drop – True to its name, there are a bewildering number of jewellers to explore in the area. Among the best are GL Bicknell’s (12-13 Vyse Street) and JE Marlow & Sons (46 Warstone Lane). Both are certified diamond specialists and will custom-make pieces to order.

Compiled by Michael Scott