Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +44 for England
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +44 (0)121 782 6507. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Train :
Trains leave every 10 minutes for the city centre. Tickets: £3.00 single; £6.00 return.
Taxi :
A journey to the centre costs around £16 and takes 25 minutes.
Bus :
Bus 900 stops at Birmingham International train station and the centre. Tickets: £1.50 single; £3.00 return.
(117 Wharfside Street, The Mailbox. Tel. 0121 643 4202) An eclectic menu featuring beef teriyaki and club sandwiches. Lunch specials (from £4.25) make this an affordable option.
(Edgbaston Street, The Bullring. Tel. 0121 633 3033) In a handy location, this chain restaurant's spicy soups and filling rice and noodle dishes ensure its popularity.
(22 Water Front Walk, Holliday Wharf Building. Tel. 0121 665 6568) Drag your eyes off the golden dragon boat that takes centre stage at this elegant Thai restaurant and soak up the canal views as you dine on a spicy curry or fiery stir-fry.
(Malmaison Hotel, 1 Wharfside Street, The Mailbox. Tel. 0121 246 5000) Serene surroundings (subtle lighting, dark polished wood) and smooth service help slow the frantic pace of city life. Wickedly calorific desserts follow tasty grills and modern British dishes. Alternatively, opt for something organic from the Homegrown and Local menu.
(12 Bridge Street, Gas Street Basin. Tel. 0121 644 5971) As spring warms up the city, take a seat on the outside terrace and watch the barges ply the canal as you drink a beer or cola.
(52-54 Dale End. Tel. 0121 262 3000) Birmingham’s premier music venue delivers another music-packed month. The line-up includes Vampire Weekend and old favourites like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (www.birmingham-academy.co.uk).
(29 Paradise Circus, Queensway. Tel. 0121 643 5551) Mingle with the young student crowd—or take a trip down memory lane to find your indie music-loving youth—at this alternative club.
On the ground
Shop
Treat yourself to some of life’s little luxuries at the exclusive Mailbox shopping centre. Bang & Olufsen, Emporio Armani and Jaeger are just some of the designer brands on offer (Wharfside Street. Tel. 0121 632 1000. www.mailboxlife.com).
Insider Tip
If you’re hankering after a round of golf then make a beeline for Sutton Coldfield, home to the Sutton Coldfield Golf Club (www.suttoncoldfieldgc.com) and The Belfry (www.thebelfry.co.uk).
Key Area
Ride on Birmingham’s canals without hiring a barge. Short trips run by Sherbourne Wharf leave from the quayside at the International Convention Centre at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm every day (www.sherbournewharf.co.uk).
This month
The International Dance Festival Birmingham brings prestigious dance troupes, including the Kirov Ballet and National Ballet of China, to city stages this month (28 April-25 May. www.idfb.co.uk).
Day Tripping
Warwick
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Visit the city’s parks and historic buildings. Medieval Warwick Castle, with its public rooms and manicured gardens awaiting exploration, is the highlight. Trains run from Snow Hill to Warwick stations and the journey takes 35 minutes.
No way!
Much of the jewellery made in the UK is crafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Why not commission your own piece?
