Of all the places to spend the summer in Birmingham, a top TV chef is pointing people to Handsworth
Soho Road in Handsworth (Image: Robson McCallister/BirminghamLive )
A top TV chef has shared his tips on how to spend the summer in Birmingham with readers of The Financial Times – and he’s steering them to Handsworth.
Aktar Islam is the owner of the two Michelin Star restaurant Opheem, a fine dining Indian restaurant on Summer Row in Birmingham.
The Aston-born chef was asked by the London-based finance newspaper to recommend places to visit in the second city, and he added the Soho Road to his list.
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Aktar mentioned five spots in our area that visitors should check out, including his fellow Michelin Star holders Hampton Manor in Solihull and Simpson’s restaurant in Edgbaston.
He also mentioned two spots in the trendy neighbourhood of Stirchley – the cocktail bar Couch and Thai restaurant Soi 1268.
But his final recommendation was a to take a stroll to Soho Road to grab a samosa to fuel a walk around the park.
Aktar said: “When the weather’s on side I like to go to the park and stretch my legs and let my dog Teddy run free.
“No stroll is complete without a samosa, ideally from somewhere on Soho Road.
“Sangam is a good option. Desi Sweets too.
“They’re always packed with flavour and seriously good value.”
Samosas at Sangam are just 50p each at Sangam, with 100 setting you back just £40.
While Aktar didn’t say exactly which park he takes his samosa to, Handsworth Park is a 63-acre green space with great reviews.
Rashid gave it five stars on Google Reviews, writing: “Great public park. A very large open grass area park with medium sized children’s playground, a council run leisure community centre with swimming pool and in sunset period a small boat house where you can hire paddle boats.
“Great for a family picnic day out, or for exercising and sports. Or children to be safe, have fun and grow up in the open (rather than being glued to the screens all day).”
Nagid Farhab added: “To be honest Handsworth is a very crowded area, but in the middle of it this park might be the only place where you can breathe peacefully.”