{"id":433732,"date":"2025-09-18T13:43:35","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T13:43:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/433732\/"},"modified":"2025-09-18T13:43:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T13:43:35","slug":"birmingham-culture-guide-the-best-museums-galleries-bookshops-food-and-drink-for-a-city-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/433732\/","title":{"rendered":"Birmingham culture guide: The best museums, galleries, bookshops, food and drink for a city break"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your support helps us to tell the story<\/p>\n

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n

Your support makes all the difference.<\/strong>Read more<\/p>\n

When I arrive in Birmingham<\/a>, the city is in mourning. It\u2019s been just a few weeks since Ozzy Osborne<\/a> \u2014 Black Sabbath frontman, heavy metal pioneer, and famed Brummie \u2014 died, and the Summer of Sabbath is in full swing. <\/p>\n

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery<\/a> has a huge, free exhibition dedicated to Ozzy\u2019s legacy; in the picturesque Victoria Square, there\u2019s an outdoor display of the band\u2019s iconic album covers. <\/p>\n

A five-minute walk away, on the bustling, bar-laden Broad Street, tourists in band tees lay bouquets on the Black Sabbath bridge. There\u2019s even a series of Black Sabbath \u2014 The Ballet<\/a> shows scheduled at the Birmingham Hippodrome later this year.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

The Black Sabbath bridge has become a place of pilgrimage (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not all about the prince of darkness, however. There\u2019s no shortage of cultural history in Birmingham. The city is the birthplace of heavy metal and the balti, an industrial powerhouse once known as the \u201cworkshop of the world,\u201d whose canal network stretch further than its more famous counterpart in Venice<\/a>. <\/p>\n

As a cash-strapped student, I spent most of my student loan at the Nightingale Club<\/a>, one of the UK\u2019s longest-surviving gay clubs<\/a>, powering through hangovers at drag bingo. <\/p>\n

Despite these gems, Birmingham\u2019s claim to second city status is often undermined; its cultural output overlooked. That looks set to change thanks to the construction of new BBC studios, a move predicted to bring \u00a3282m to the West Midlands by 2031.<\/p>\n

These headquarters will be in Digbeth, a street art hotspot. Just a stone\u2019s throw away from the Bullring shopping centre, whose curved, sci-fi architecture is unmissable, Digbeth is full of vintage shops, cool cafes and independent sellers.<\/p>\n

First, swing by Voce Books<\/a>. This indie bookshop was founded by Clive Judd and Maria Lomunno Judd back in 2022, rooted in a desire to spotlight small publishers and left-field titles. Books are organised by publisher rather than alphabetised, the shelves crammed with unconventional classics by the likes of And Other Stories, Fitzcarraldo Editions and Tilted Axis Press. <\/p>\n

Regular author events take place at the worker-owned BRIG Caf\u00e9<\/a> next door, a cosy space with squishy sofas beloved by local grassroots organisations. <\/p>\n

Next, hunt for vintage treasures at Cow<\/a> and the shops inside the Custard Factory, and snap up weird and wonderful souvenirs at Red Brick Market.<\/a> Don\u2019t forget to take a photo of the Moo Deng mural, either. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

The hotel\u2019s restaurant becomes a speakeasy after 10pm (The Grand Hotel Birmingham)<\/p>\n

Read more: <\/strong>I tried to transform my gut health at a five-day wellness retreat<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty to get stuck into for history buffs. I was a guest of the Grand Hotel Birmingham<\/a>, which dates back to 1879. Its intricately-carved ceilings and opulent ballrooms have been carefully preserved as part of a recent renovation. <\/p>\n

The hotel\u2019s French-inspired restaurant, Isaac\u2019s, becomes a late-night speakeasy after 10pm. Here, you\u2019ll find jazz performers, Art Deco surroundings and an extensive drinks menu \u2014 the delicious aviation cocktail is the closest thing you\u2019ll find to Parma Violets in liquid form. <\/p>\n

There are cosier pub vibes around the corner at the recently-refurbished Old Contemptibles, as well as at Digbeth\u2019s Old Crown: a beautiful, listed building with a reputation for a stellar Sunday roast.<\/p>\n

\"IKON<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

IKON Gallery\u2019s singing ling makes it worth a visit (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

During the day, we took a 65-minute boat tour of Birmingham’s famous canal network with one of Sherborne Wharf\u2019s heritage narrowboats<\/a>; beforehand, we made a pitstop at the contemporary IKON Gallery<\/a>, whose singing lift alone makes it worth the visit. <\/p>\n

The Jewellery Quarter is full of smaller museums \u2013\u00a0think offbeat venues dedicated to pens and even coffins \u2013 but there\u2019s not much to do in this area otherwise. <\/p>\n

Instead, take the lift to the top of the Library of Birmingham<\/a> for a panoramic view of the city and the scenic Secret Gardens. <\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

A 65-minute narrowboat tour is a great way to see the city (Jake Hall)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s even a gallery room inside the library, currently hosting an exhibition on the history of veganism. Beware: Birmingham legend Benjamin Zephaniah\u2019s catchy \u201cLove The Life\u201d song will live rent-free in your head for hours afterwards. <\/p>\n

Birmingham\u2019s once-thriving Balti Triangle has dwindled over the years due to rising rents. Only four original restaurants remain, Shababs<\/a> being the most beloved. <\/p>\n

There are still South Asian gems in Birmingham though, like Indian Cafe Racer<\/a>, whose extensive menu features everything from Indo-Chinese fusion dishes to delicious fish curries. <\/p>\n

In Chinatown, Kyoto Sushi & Grill<\/a> offers all-you-can-eat sushi just a few minutes\u2019 walk away from the Hippodrome, making it perfect for a pre-show dinner. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

The Grand Hotel\u2019s French-inspired restaurant is a great place to start the night (The Grand Hotel Birmingham)<\/p>\n

Read more: <\/strong>I\u2019ve ridden the world\u2019s railways \u2013 here\u2019s why Scotland\u2019s are the best<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Brunch fans should check out the mouthwatering pancake stacks at Cherry Reds<\/a>, or, if you do find yourself in the Jewellery Quarter, check out the specials at Urban Caf\u00e9<\/a> \u2014 I tried a delicious cheese and truffle mushroom toastie, as well as a refreshing blueberry matcha summer special. <\/p>\n

By night, the city comes alive. We headed to the recently-refurbished Nightingale Club to catch Snow White Trash \u2013 Britain\u2019s only \u201csaxy drag queen\u2019\u201d \u2013 in action, but Birmingham drag icons like Twiggy, as well as initiatives like Shout Festival<\/a>, work hard to keep Birmingham\u2019s queer scene thriving all year long. <\/p>\n

Hurst Street is also home to comedic genius at the Glee Club<\/a>; in Digbeth, non-profit art hub Centrala hosts a range of events, from cult classic film screenings to goth club nights, and the Rainbow<\/a> serves up delicious vegan food as well as a jam-packed events calendar. <\/p>\n

\"Film<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

Film buffs should check out the Mockingbird Cinema (Visit Birmingham)<\/p>\n

Film buffs should check out the Mockingbird Cinema<\/a>, an indie treasure which screens today\u2019s blockbusters alongside arthouse classics and local community events. Next door, Chance & Counters<\/a> board game cafe offers tasty food, beer and cider on-tap, as well as a mammoth library of more than 500 titles.<\/p>\n

Finally, it\u2019s well worth taking a short bus ride outside the city centre if you have the time: Harborne is a charity shop paradise.<\/a> <\/p>\n

In the south of the city, King\u2019s Heath<\/a> is home to one of Birmingham\u2019s most iconic music venues, The Hare & Hounds<\/a>. Birmingham\u2019s gifts to the music industry range from Led Zeppelin to Stefflon Don, so it\u2019s always a worth a visit. Who knows, you might glimpse a future superstar in action.<\/p>\n

How to do it<\/p>\n

Rooms at the Grand Hotel Birmingham cost from \u00a3116 per night. The hotel is just around the corner from the Colmore Row business district, with an in-house bar and restaurant. Book now<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Jake was a guest of the Grand Hotel Birmingham.<\/p>\n