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Theatres In Birmingham

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:06:00 +0000

// What’s now known as The Rep was once named The Pilgrim Players and The Old Rep. This theatre began its life in 1907 in Station Street where talents such as Paul Schofield, Elizabeth Spriggs and Albert Dinney delighted theatre-goers and then the company moved onto Broad Street. The ground-breaking concept of a theatre with no balconies, pillars or boxes shocked many people. A revolution in acting soon got underway in this controversial auditorium as unique genres of drama were revealed. The theatre's centenary approaches in 2013 and major improvements, including a purpose-built 300-seat theatre and a 140-seat training studio, are currently being undertaken. It will begin hosting shows in autumn next year; Centenary Square will see the exciting merger of the new Library of Birmingham and The Birmingham Repertory Theatre. During the renovations, the theatrical family of The Rep will be performing back at The Old Rep and other renowned institutions such as The Crescent Theatre and the ICC. With a history spanning 80 years, the cast and crew at The Crescent Theatre, Brindley Place, puts on around 15 shows a year and plays host to a variety of other dramatic societies. The versatile layout of the Main House can be utilised in the traditional proscenium design or convert to a traverse style. Part of the unique charm of this auditorium is that with much thought to the formation of the orchestra pit, generous wing space and other such intricacies, large-scale productions can be performed within an audience and stage-friendly ambiance. With a multi-storey car park next door, parking should not be a problem in its safe, well-lit environs. A Youth Theatre Group meet every Saturday evening during term-time and workshops along with Theatre Days fill the calendar. When contemplating your theatrical weekend, consider a Birmingham hotel within less than a mile radius of the ICC. This a p... Read more

Best Bits Of The Birmingham Food Festival

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:01:00 +0000

// Gastronomic joys abound in this multi-cultural city. Surrounded by the Black Country, and the seemingly never-ending list of attractions, Birmingham is well- known for its culinary delights with over 200 dining venues on offer. The week-long food festival runs for a week and is participating in the ‘Visit England 2012’ campaign by way of offering visitors some very tempting restaurant deals. A huge variety of ingredients are used over this period and master-classes, usually hosted by top chefs, will demonstrate how to add a little spice to your life. The festival begins in the city business district of Colmore and spreads itself out over 24 food and drink venues; some of which are Michelin-star establishments. Known as “The City of 1000 Tastes”, experience Birmingham at ground level. Book a 90 minute walk on a trail with a difference. Get to know where your favourite food brands started off and explore exotic restaurants in the Chinese Quarter and the Balti Triangle. The tour will include the Chilli Festival in Brindleyplace. This Square is the gathering place for a few events including the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ drive. Challenge yourselves to concoct a mouth-watering dish from ‘left-overs’ in your fridge and food that you may have previously disposed of. You will learn how to save up to £ 50 a month by maximising the contents of your food cupboard. The Birmingham City Council is sponsoring this worthy show. Consider getting yourself a ‘Gastrocard’. For an annual subscription of just £ 30, dining out may never be the same again. Selected independent restaurants are promoted and a lovely array of discounts and special offers abound, such as having a free bottle of wine with your meal. Use it to tickle your taste buds with an Italian feast at ‘Cusina Rustica’ on the 20th July. Not only will you satisfy your appetite but your business will ensure charities across the Midlands are supported during this special occasion. Several places to eat in Birmingham... Read more

Birmingham- Gateway To The Midlands

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:56:00 +0000

// Birmingham is the second most-populated city in the United Kingdom after the capital city, London. With over 1 million people living in Birmingham, it’s clear that the Midlands hub is an attractive city to settle in. There are a number of reasons for this- its arts facilities, colleges and universities and simply its location to name a few. Just like the “Brummies” that live there year round, you can enjoy what Birmingham has to offer by travelling there this summer. Whether its for business or pleasure, you’re sure to have a terrific trip. One very popular attraction in Birmingham is the Symphony Hall, which has received rave reviews for its acoustics and overall comfort. The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performs in this venue, as do other musical acts, comedians, and dance troupes. Another arts facility that draws in the crowds is the Electric Cinema, the UK’s oldest working cinema. There are also a number of museums worth your time, including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection. There are also a number of higher education facilities in Birmingham, including four universities. Birmingham City University, the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Newman University College attract students from all over the UK as well as internationally. The city has a young, lively feel to it so if you’re interested in studying there why not stroll through each campus during your visit and picture yourself there. If you like to study history or just have an interest in the subject, you can also check out the many historic sites while you are in town such as the popular Baddesley Clinton manor house. Or, if you are more of a sports fan, why not take in a professional football game at the Birmingham City or Aston Villa grounds when the football season kicks off again later this summer. Championship side Birmingham City play at St Andrew’s and you can catch Premier League side Villa at the aptly ... Read more

Melting Pot: Birmingham’s Diverse Food Culture

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:25:00 +0000

// With more Michelin-starred restaurants than any English city outside London and a diverse cultural heritage, Birmingham provides a veritable melting pot of epicurean culture. Home to one of the first vegetarian restaurants in the UK and a number of famous food brands, this is the perfect time to discover the feasts Birmingham has to offer. Since the 1940s, Asian restaurants have been a feature of Birmingham’s dining scene. Abdul Aziz opened the first curry restaurant on Steelhouse Lane in 1945 and, in fact, the city is believed to be the birthplace of the Balti—a British-style curry served in a steel or iron pot. Today, over fifty Balti restaurants line the streets of Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane and Stratford Road, an area known as “the Balti triangle”. Meanwhile in the Southside Birmingham is home to a thriving Chinatown. It contains a number of Chinese restaurants as well as the headquarters of Wing Yip, one of the largest Chinese supermarket suppliers in the UK. It is also the location of the first Chinese restaurant in Birmingham—Tong Kung—which opened here in 1956. The city is also a great place for food markets. The Birmingham Wholesale Markets are the biggest in the UK with 31,000 square metres of stalls. They date from 1166 when Lord of the Manor, Peter de Birmingham, obtained a charter that decreed a market could be held in his castle. His early markets are what began the growth of Birmingham as a city and today the wholesale markets receive 13,000 customers a week. Or visit the suburb of Moseley for its famous farmers’ market, which was voted the best in the UK by FARMA in 2009 and 2012. Here, you can pick up local and organic meat, vegetables, fish, preserves and baked goods from stall holders who are incredibly passionate about their produce. Historically, Birmingham is renowned as the home of a number of British classics. HP sauce, Cadburys, Bird’s Custard, Typhoo tea and Bourniville Cocoa all originated here. Visitors can discover the h... Read more

Eating Outdoors In Birmingham

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:11:00 +0000

// When the weather is nice, one of the most pleasant ways to spend your afternoon or evening is surely enjoying a meal with friends or family ‘al fresco.’ Okay, so the British weather might prevent you from doing it as often as you’d like (well, at least as often as you’d like without getting soaked!), life is all about taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way, and when the Summer sun comes out, there’s little better than seizing the moment and eating outside. And as one of the largest cities in the UK, Birmingham can definitely provide you the opportunity to do just that. Be it on a home-made picnic at the park or at a restaurant or bar with outside tables, the city offers plenty of options. But where are the best places to do so? Well, if you’re not too hung up on eating at a restaurant (and more importantly, if you’re willing to put together your own picnic!) then hitting the local parks and eating there is always a good bet. Probably the most popular park amongst Birmingham locals, Cannon Hill Park provides plenty of picnic opportunities within its 250 acres, as well as lovely scenery. Alternatively, Sutton Park is the largest green space in the whole city, and it’s easy to find an ideal picnic spot within its 2,400 acres of peaceful woodlands and lakes. While picnics are great, for many people, you just can’t beat the idea of sitting at a table outside a restaurant in a picturesque location, waiting for your order to arrive. Birmingham offers a wealth of top quality restaurants at the best of times, but which of these offer the best ‘al fresco’ dining experience? Well, as far as the quality of food goes, it’d be hard to argue with Simpsons Restaurant. The only Michelin recognised gardens in Birmingham, visitors can enjoy a meal in the location’s Greek-styled garden area. If you’ve got a soft spot for Italian food, then perhaps the La Caverna Hotel and Italian Restaurant might offer the best bet for you – many food fans in Birm... Read more

Top 5 Nightclubs In Birmingham

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:26:00 +0000

// Birmingham is a lively city with stacks of culture, which spills into its nightlife, earning the city the celebrated moniker of the Bangin’ Brum. As such, Birmingham boasts some of the UK’s best nightclubs. The names Gatecrasher and Gods Kitchen have long been synonymous with the UK clubbing scene and it is in Birmingham that these legendary nights were born and thrived. Varying from theme to theme, Birmingham's choice of nightclubs provide something for every taste, from funk to tech house, to old school trance, hip hop and even jazz. The cities world-class clubs attract famous DJ’s from around the globe, and if you are heading to this nocturnal city to let your hair down, then here is a selection of the five best Birmingham clubs to visit. Gatecrasher One Gatecrasher tops the list of Birmingham’s clubs. The art deco, post modernism and Sixties inspired interior screams new age disco. With a sound system that resonates some of the globe’s best DJ’s work, an enormous 20 feet tall LED screen pulsating light and colour and traditional mirror balls, create an atmosphere of pure dance extravagance. Club AIR Another of Birmingham’s super clubs, home to the famous Godskitchen brand. This club is pulsing with traditional clubbing favourites including trance, techno, hard dance and house and thrashed with impressive light displays and plasma screens. Set over three rooms, all with a slightly different atmosphere, two upbeat and one a little smoother for those wanting to chill out. Along with plenty of bars, raised platforms, private booths and the main dance floor, Air promises a great night out. Miss Moneypennys This legendary club is pure, unabashed glamour, showcasing the cream of the crop of global DJ’s. With costumed performers, dancers, electro and funky house music, Miss Moneypennys is a spectacle, having exported nights to exotic clubbing locations such as Ibiza. Mechu This is one of Birmingham’s most exclusive clu... Read more

Five Must See Sights In Birmingham

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:49:00 +0000

// Birmingham, the second largest city in England, has recently transformed into a tourist hub, full of many must see attractions. Adding to the city's atmosphere is its many canals, which once carried loads of coal during the Industrial Revolution. With excellent restaurants, a bustling nightlife and many tourist attractions, Birmingham is undoubtedly one of England’s most exciting cities. Here are just five of the must see sights in Birmingham. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, located in Chamberlain Square, has 40 galleries with collections of art, applied art, archaeology and ethnography. The museum first opened in 1885 and is known for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings and art from seven centuries of European history. The museum also features changing exhibitions throughout the year. As taken as you’ll be with the artwork and objects inside, you’ll be equally blown away by the exquisite architecture outside. Think Tank is a vast science museum located at Millennium Point. With over 200 displays, you’ll spend hours walking from exhibit to exhibit. A great family attraction, Think Tank also has a state-of-the-art planetarium and a cinema. This must see sight won’t disappoint. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter tells the story of a family-owned jewellery manufacturing business in the 20th century. Take the hour-long tour and see demonstrations of how some of the company’s jewellery was made. You’ll also see original machines and tools left when the family closed up shop in 1981. The Bullring is Birmingham’s most famous shopping centre. Not just any shopping centre, the Bullring has 160 shops and is best-known for its Selfridges department store architecture. Located in the city centre, this is a must see for everyone, even non-shoppers. Stroll through the shops, take in the award-winning design and soak up the atmosphere in the busiest shopping mall in the U.K. If you’re a chocolate lover, a visit to Cadbury World is a must. See the world famous c... Read more

Famous Brummies

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:29:00 +0000

// In the UK, people pride themselves on their distinctive regional identities and accents. And there's no better demonstration of this than in the plurality of voices that are heard on television, both now and over the last five decades. Famous examples include Cilla Black - whose Liverpudlian voice is recognised across the country - and Terry Wogan, who is Irish, as well as Paul Gascoine (Newcastle), Sean Connery (Edinburgh) and Shirley Bassey (Cardiff). But what about famous people from Birmingham? Here's a quick rundown of famous Brummies - some of whom you may not have realised hail from the great capital of the Midlands. When it comes to great British literature, a surprising number of classic and modern writers were brought up in or are in some way associated with Birmingham. Perhaps the most famous is JRR Tolkein, author of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkein was brought up in Birmingham and some of the city's landmarks - such as Sarehole Mill, Perrott's Folly and Moseley Bog - are known to have inspired scenes in his world-famous trilogy. Poet WH Auden, though born in York, was brought up in Birmingham and fellow-poet Louis MacNeice also lived here. In terms of modern authors, perhaps the most famous Brummie is Dame Barbara Cartland, born in Edgbaston in 1901, while Jim Crace and Benjamin Zephaniah are also from Birmingham. There's no shortage of famous Brummie musicians either. Ozzy Osbourne - one of the most famous musicians to have come from Birmingham - still retains his distinct Brummie accent, while Higher Love-singer Steve Winwood, Grammy award-winner Joan Armatrading and pop star Jamelia also hail from the city. Some of the UK's most globally successful musical groups are also from Birmingham, including UB40, Duran Duran, Musical Youth, Wizzard and Electric Light Orchestra. Additionally, Birmingham claims some of the UK's most famous actors and entertainers as its own: Jasper Carrott, Tony Hancock, Sid Field and Felicity Jones were all born i... Read more

Top 10 Restaurants In Birmingham

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:53:00 +0000

// Birmingham is a city famous for its food, particularly since the emergence of the Balti as a feature of British cuisine. Whilst the city may specialise in Indian food, there has been a rise in the number of traditional British restaurants in the city, meaning that you can find a delicious meal- whatever your budget. For the more upmarket diner, restaurants such as Bistro or Purnell’s are both recommended by the Michelin guide. Both are located within a short walk of Birmingham’s Snow Hill station, in the very centre of the city. For more gourmet food, Asha’s and Opus are also within the same B3 postcode and offer a mix of traditional food with a more indulgent twist. All of these restaurants regularly place highly in any city restaurant guide and are all located close to the city’s financial centre, giving an indication of price. Within the greater Birmingham area there are a number of quality pubs that serve good pub food. If you have access to a car, or don’t mind using the train, then there is a whole world of quiet country pubs that are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The Punchbowl and the Boot are both located in South Birmingham, as is local favourite the Orange Tree. To the north of the city, in Tamworth, is the Moat House, which not only has great atmosphere, but is also one of the only pubs in the area to come with a Michelin recommendation. Of course, you can't discuss cuisine in Birmingham without mentioning Indian food. Ladypool Road in the centre of the city is famous for all of its curry houses. Shabab restaurant on Ladypool Road is regarded as the best on the street, despite the high competition, and is well worth a visit. A little further out, Akram’s Kashmiri is well-known for its fusion cuisine, and the high standards it brings to its curries. These two curry houses regularly finish in the top two of any city restaurant guide. If you are looking to eat out in Birmingham, then many Birmingham hotels... Read more

City Breaks In Birmingham, The Capital Of The Midlands

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:57:00 +0000

// Birmingham is an often misunderstood place. It's the UK's second-largest city by population but is usually overlooked by people hoping to plan a domestic city break. In truth, Birmingham - known as the capital of the Midlands - has just as much going for it as London and other major city destinations in the UK, like Edinburgh and Manchester. It's just a case of knowing what to see and do, and where to find it. Birmingham's most famous landmark is the Bull Ring: a huge shopping centre characterised by its distinctive silver exterior. Thanks to this development, Birmingham has become known as one of the UK's best shopping destinations - and if you're a shopaholic, it won't disappoint. Other shopping malls worth visiting in the city include The Pavillion and the Mall at the Pallasades. For more upmarket shopping, head to Victoria Square. Or if you're visiting mid-week, sample the culinary delights from some great local producers at New Street Farmer's Market, which opens on the first and third Wednesday of every month. But Birmingham isn't just about retail therapy: there's plenty of culture to be sampled there too. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which boasts one of the best collections of pre-Raphaelite artworks in the world. Highlights include work by Edward Burne-Jones (a native Brummie), Ford Maddox Brown's The Last of England and Dante Gabriel Rosetti's world-famous Proserpine. The Barber Institute of Fine Art offers up an eclectic collection of greats, with works from the likes of Turner, Gainsborough, Picasso and Van Dyck. Alternatively, for contemporary art, the Ikon Gallery is just the place. A former Victorian school, the building's new modern interior and its trendy cafe are as much of a draw as the art itself. If you're travelling with children, you'll be pleased to know that Birmingham is teeming with family-friendly activities. The best-known is Cadbury World, a must for children and chocolate-loving g... Read more