Anyone familiar with Birmingham New Street station?

[Arthurianna]

Changing trains at Birmingham New Street and will have an hour between trains over lunchtime.

I've looked at the station website and there seem to be a few places to eat and drink, but it doesn't say if you can sit in or takeaway only.

We'd like to sit and have a relaxed lunch somewhere. Does anyone know if there is anywhere good in the station? Or just outside, maybe? Can't walk far due to luggage.

Will have Dc with us - a nice cafe that serves a range of sandwiches or similar would be ideal

New Street is connected to the Bullring shopping centre via Grand Central. Lots of restaurants and cafes that can be sat in there straight up the escalator from the station. Haven’t been for ages due to covid but I do remember the Giraffe restaurant.

As previous posters said, there's a huuuuge range of eateries in the connecting grand central!

There's also a left luggage facility but it's expensive and might not be worth it for an hour.

Loads of restaurants and bars just above the main concourse that you can sit in and are open to do so right now - tapas, burritos, sushi, noodles etc Also the likes of Greggs, Boots, Five Guys and Pret for take away.

There's loads of options around Grand Central/ Bull Ring.

I don't know it brilliantly as I've only passed through a few times since it all opened up, but it's a world away from the dank hole where I spent many student evenings waiting for a connection.

As PP mentioned, look at the Bullring and Grand Central website. Lots of places and are all allowing you to sit in and eat. There’s also a spot outside the station entrance by All Bar One that’s just been put in place with picnic benches so if you want to pick up something from M&S food etc you could eat outdoors.

Billions of places to eat. There's a big food area up the escalator in Grand Central. I recommend Mowgli. Loads of choices though, and even more if you venture through to the Bullring.

When we have only a short time we normally eat from Costa or Upper Crust inside the station.
Otherwise you can choose from all the large chains. There is Chinese food, tapas, anything really.
We always used to eat in John Lewis or Debenhams, but they are no more. 😭

You don't need to go as far as the Bullring (which isn't even far) - just go up the escalator from the main atrium and there are LOADS of options!

It has clearly changed in the 20 years since I have been there when it felt like the ground floor of a multi-story car park!
We'll head for the escalators then.

If you haven't been for 20 years you will be pleasantly surprised. Massive revamp about 5 years back, you won't recognise the place! Yes, as others have said main concourse and straight up the escalators to Grand Central. That area is wall to wall places to eat. If those don't suit you can be in the Bullring in 5 minutes!

Go up the escalators for lots and lots of choice! Or stay on the Ground floor for Five Guys. It really reminds me of Kings Cross, there is so much choice!

It has clearly changed in the 20 years since I have been there when it felt like the ground floor of a multi-story car park

Beyond all recognition, to be honest!