What’s the perfect way to spend 48 hours in Birmingham? We asked Birmingham-based PR, and vocal supporter of Birmingham independents, Tom Carroll for his top tips:
More canals than Venice? Check. More Michelin stars than anywhere other than London? Check. The biggest and best street food events in the UK? Check. That’s Birmingham for you.
A lot has been said about Birmingham’s growth into a destination food and drink city, the young population driving change and innovation like never before and the rest of the world is starting to wake up to what we have to offer. So here’s a whistle stop tour of how I would spend 48 hours in Birmingham. And no Peaky Blinders in sight!
Lunch at Simpsons
The original Michelin starred restaurant in Birmingham, having held their coveted star for almost 20 years, Simpson’s light airy and inviting dining room, along with beautiful gardens, makes for the perfect setting to indulge yourself in their modern British menu. Dishes such as Orkney Scallop with Imperial Caviar, Smoked Eel Cream and Seaweed Beurre Blanc make the mouth water and the service is impeccable.
Their lunch menus are forever updating with the seasons and Executive Chef Luke Tipping sourcing the best quality produce available.
Wine Tasting at Loki
Once you’ve finished your lunch at Simpson’s it’s just a short walk to independent wine merchants Loki. They have 3 sites across the region now, but our pick is nestled in Edgbaston’s leafy Greenfield Crescent. Sit in their garden, enjoy the sun and choose from one of the hundreds of delicious, brilliantly sourced and tasty wines from around the world. Phil, the owner, knows more about wine than pretty much anyone else we know and his passion and knowledge shine through during one of this many wine tasting sessions. Worth grabbing one of the cheese and meat boards too!
Dinner at Purnells
Yummie Brummie? Absolutely. Saturday Kitchen Star and Prince of Birmingham, Glynn Purnell’s eponymous restaurant on Cornwall St in the City Centre is everything you could want for a slap up dinner in stylish surroundings. His menu is constantly changing and his food is fresh, imaginative and delicious.
Overnight at The Grand
When choosing somewhere to stop in Birmingham there’s a few good options but one grand option, The Grand Hotel on Colmore Row. Painstakingly restored to its former glory, The Grand is the epitome of style and elegance, from its striking fascade which overlooks the famous “Pigeon Park”
Afternoon Tea at MPW
Take in the best view of Birmingham from atop the Cube next to the canals. From the 25th floor where Marco Pierre White’s restaurant is located,, the whole region is in view on a good day