An Insider’s Guide To Birmingham
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Eat Vietnam
For Vietnamese Dishes
This is one of the most incredible places to eat in the city. It’s a cosy and cool restaurant in Stirchley where the owner Ming cooks traditional Vietnamese dishes that are fresh and full of flavour. Try the goi chay – it’ll be one of the best salads you’ll ever eat.
Visit EatVietnam.co.uk
Tropea
For Italian Food
This is my favourite date-night spot, just southwest of the city centre. It’s fuss-free but serves phenomenal Italian food in an intimate dining room. Like all of Birmingham’s independent restaurants, you can see the care and dedication that goes into it, particularly from the owners Ben and Kasia. The perfect spot for antipasti, fresh pasta and a glass of wine.
Visit Tropea.uk
Isaac’s
For NYC Vibes
Whenever I’m in central Birmingham, I always get a table at Isaac’s – where New York meets Birmingham. It’s all about indulgent and delicious comfort food like seafood platters, New York-style meatballs with ‘grandma’s tomato sauce’, and mac ‘n’ cheese with slow cooked beef brisket. The décor is chic and there’s a live pianist on Thursday nights.
Visit IsaacsRestaurant.co.uk
Opheem
For A Curry
Brum is known for its curry houses, so there’s no way I can’t mention an Indian restaurant on this list. There are endless places to choose from (it’s hard to go wrong), but one of the best meals I’ve had was at the Michelin-starred Opheem. The fine dining restaurant serves five- or ten-course tasting menus, so make sure you have an empty stomach to enjoy every last bite.
Visit Opheem.com
Trentina
For A Long Lunch
Trentina is another great Italian. Perfect for a long lunch, it’s in the Jewellery Quarter, so it’s my go-to when I want to show the city off to friends who come to visit. The sgroppino (a type of limoncello slushie) is delicious.
Follow @Trentinajq on Instagram.
Madeleine Bar at The Grand Hotel
For Cocktails
Cocktails at the Madeleine bar at The Grand Hotel Birmingham is the most wonderful experience and the perfect excuse to dress up. As you walk in, you’re met with rich marble surfaces, plush furnishings and cocktails that go down easily. The bar staff are lovely and create bespoke creations based on what you fancy. It’s my go-to spot for drinks with the girls.
Hockley Social Club
For A Casual Drink
Hockley Social Club is great with a group of friends, not just in the evening but also in the daytime as it’s child friendly. There are food stalls from some of the best pop-up restaurants in Brum, often accompanied by a DJ or live music. Plus, it hosts regular events like pub quizzes or comedy shows. It’s in the Jewellery Quarter and feels really community minded.
Visit HockleySocialClub.com
Attic Brew Co.
For A Casual Drink
Attic Brew Co. is in Stirchley, a neighbourhood just south of the city that’s home to some really nice bars with a laid-back, casual vibe. This is the place for a beer with friends, while the nearby Couch is a good option for cocktails.
Visit AtticBrewCo.com
WHERE TO STAY
The Grand Hotel Birmingham
For A Luxury Staycation
This hotel first opened in 1879 but recently re-opened after being carefully restored with beautiful interiors. The jewellery I design is influenced by the art deco period and the grandeur of that style is echoed in the hotel. The staff are warm and welcoming, and the place is filled with cool artwork by local artists. Plus, the hotel has partnered with Opheem, so you can stay in one of its chic rooms and enjoy afternoon tea before heading over for dinner.
Saint Paul’s House
For A Boutique Stay
Saint Paul’s House is in my favourite spot in the Jewellery Quarter. It’s in Saint Paul’s Square next to lots of great bars and restaurants. Rooms are cosy and homely, and it’s just a short walk from Saint’s Kitchen where you’ll find the most delicious breakfast bagels.
Visit SaintPaulsHouse.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Harvest
For Skincare
This independent lifestyle store in Kings Heath has the most incredible range of natural skincare and home fragrance. They also offer workshops and retreats, making it a lovely community hub.
Visit HarvestSkincare.co
Cash & Cash Co
For Homeware
This is another gem in the Jewellery Quarter. It’s a modern take on a general store that combines a café and shop. I like to stop for coffee or lunch, before picking up homeware or browsing its fresh and locally made produce.
Visit CashAndCashCo.com
Cow Vintage
For Thrifting
This is an iconic store I’ve been visiting since I was a teen. It has an incredible selection of vintage clothing and they re-work old pieces, too. A must-visit for thrifting enthusiasts.
Visit WeAreCow.com
Selfridges
For Luxury Goods
No shopping trip is complete without a visit to Selfridges. We have a brand pop-up here and our collection has also been in Harvey Nichols for over seven years. A lot of people don’t know that Birmingham still produces more than 40% of the UK’s jewellery; the city has an incredibly rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship. I started V by Laura Vann ten years ago, after joining my dad’s jewellery business, which started life in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Visit Selfridges.com
Edgbaston Market
For Local Produce
This is the city’s largest artisan market, full of local makers and bakers. It’s a real joy to stroll around here on a Saturday morning to soak up the atmosphere and creativity of the independent vendors.
Visit EdgbastonVillage.co.uk
WHERE TO VISIT
Jewellery Quarter
For Shopping
The Jewellery Quarter is a must-visit. I go every week for window shopping – looking at all the vintage jewels never get old. I’d recommend a pitstop at Damascena for a Syrian chai latte and booking a nail appointment at Nails Bab. The talented owner, Rosie, has an incredible eye and has worked with the likes of Arianna Grande and Halsey.
Symphony Hall
For Live Music
This concert venue is the centrepiece of Birmingham’s Centenary Square, and it’s particularly beautiful over the festive season. It’s regarded as one of the best concert halls in the country and is home to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Visit BMusic.co.uk
I am Yogi
For Yoga
This is where I head to recharge. This yoga studio is in Moseley, just south of the city, set inside a glass-fronted wood cabin, tucked away behind the trees in Moseley Park. It feels like you’re doing yoga in a countryside escape.
Visit IAmYogi.co.uk
Electric Cinema
For A Movie
This is thought to be the UK’s oldest working cinema so it’s a great place to catch a film. The building is full of 1930s art deco features and it’s a beautiful site to visit.
Visit ElectricBirmingham.com
Visit VByLauraVann.com
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