Heading to Birmingham soon? Your taste-buds are in for a treat. The city is a rich melting pot of chocolate, spice and all things nice. The following are just a few of the most mouth-watering places worth tracking down while you’re in town…
Birmingham is famous for its Balti cuisine. Its curry houses – many of which can be found in the city’s famous Balti Triangle of Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane and Stratford Road attract more than 20,000 visitors each week. With over 50 restaurants packed into the area, you’re seriously spoilt for choice, but the award-winning Al Frash is one of the best. Dishes here are cooked to order and are always accompanied by massive sides of naan bread. Best of all, you won’t pay more than a tenner for an authentic, unpretentious taste of India.
Al Frash, 186 Ladypool Rd, Birmingham B12 8JS, +44 121 753 3120
Not only is it one of the most striking structures in the city, Ikon also happens to be one of Europe’s leading modern art galleries. Located within Brindleyplace, a former Victorian school building, the gallery features collections from around the world including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting and sculptures. Next door, Café Opus is the perfect lunch spot – grab an outside table when the sun is shining and tuck into naughty Mega Shakes and locally sourced dishes from the ‘most sustainable restaurant in Birmingham’.
Café Opus, 1 Oozells St, Birmingham B1 2HS. +44 121 248 0708
KingshEATh Streetfood Market pitches up every second Saturday of the month on Kings Heath Village Square. Around 20 vendors from Birmingham serve up a street food feast alongside a soundtrack of live music performances. Cider and craft beer stalls add to the festival atmosphere.
Kings Heath Village Square, Corner of Vicarage Road and High Street, B14 7RA, B14 7 Birmingham
Fact: Birmingham has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other UK city outside of London. Simpsons is one of the Midlands’ most highly regarded venues; having held a Michelin star since 2000. The restaurant has a simple aim – to provide the best quality in food and service within informal surroundings. Indulge in something special at lunch, dine a la carte for dinner or experience the eight-course tasting menu – you won’t be disappointed.
Simpsons, 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, B15 3DU, Birminghm +44 121 454 3434
Of course, no foodie’s guide to Birmingham would be complete without mentioning chocolate. The city’s chocolate heritage stretches all the way back to 1824, when John Cadbury opened a humble grocer’s shop at 93 Bull Street, selling cocoa and drinking chocolate to locals. And the rest, they say is history. If you’re travelling with kids, Cadbury World, the theme park dedicated to the sweetest chapter in Birmingham’s history makes for a fantastic day out.
Cadbury World, Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR, +448448807667
Flights to Birmingham
- Jessica Fogarty
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