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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Birmingham, uk. Places to eat/drink

12 replies

Twinkletwinklelil · 07/02/2026 19:30

Day date approaching with my oh and we have decided to get the train into Birmingham for the day!
where can we get delicious coffee?
best Asian food - K-bbq, dim sum, sushi or hot pot?
any activities that we can do?

Ps wasn’t sure where to post this!

OP posts:
JustGiveMeReason · 07/02/2026 20:18

I can't answer your food question specifically.
Generally, there are quite a lot of different places to eat in 'Grand Central' (the area above New Street Station) or across in Brindley Place (by the canal Network.

In terms of what to see, have you been before?
What interests you ?

If you are coming Thurs - Sun then I would recommend Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. A lot to see there, and the building itself is rather nice. They also have nice Edwardian Tea rooms.

From there, wander across and go into the Library. Architecturally controversial (I like it, but lots like to moan). There is a roof garden / viewing area you can go to and look out over the City. Also a lovely Shakespearian Library to visit.

You can wander through the ICC (where the Symphony Hall is) and you come to where the canals are and that's nice to walk along for a little bit. You can go on a boat trip if you like, or walk toward Broad Street to see Ozzy's bench.

The Bull Ring has St Martin's Church which is lovely, nestled in amongst a lot of redevelopment and shopping. There is a Bronze Bull people tend to have their photograph with, and (if that's your thing) you can find Paddington sitting on a bench in Selfridges.

The big mechanical bull that was part of the Commonwealth Games opening Ceremony now lives in New Street Station.

CMOTDibbler · 07/02/2026 20:21

Chung Ying is supposed to be the best dim sum in Birmingham.
You def have to see Ozzy the bull, he's so impressive

Junegirl15 · 07/02/2026 20:26

Not sure what types of things would appeal. The Sandbox in Grand Central (VR experience) is great fun. Agree the museum is fab. I like the Vietnamese kitchen down near st Martin’s church, but there are lots of great food places. Indian Streetery on Bennett’s Hill is nice. Slightly quirky place for a drink is Bacchus Bar near New St station

Junegirl15 · 07/02/2026 20:28

My eldest goes to the Seoul Kitchen and says it is great

Ineedanewsofa · 07/02/2026 20:36

Ken Ho in the chinese quarter next to the hippodrome is great! Second the library for a visit, people either love it or they hate it. Walk down into Digbeth to Custard Factory for a mooch, or hop the tram just outside New St to the Jewellery Quarter.
City centre is great for mainstream shopping and bars, there was a portuguese coffee place bear Snow Hill station that was brilliant but not sure if it’s still there.
Generally try to go on a dry day and wander, there are lots of little indie businesses popping up all the time. Have a look at the Independent Birmingham website/instagram for some inspiration.

Mumofmarauders · 09/02/2026 22:15

Stirchley (a not very exciting suburb, but it is next to lovely Bournville) is amazing for food. Follow “independent Birmingham” on Facebook for a bit and you’ll see some really good recommendations there and elsewhere in Brum

petitpasta · 09/02/2026 22:49

If you're getting the train then you'll be near China town. Hurst Street and the area around there.

For something a little different to your ask try Damascena opposite the cathedral on Temple Row. Amazing baklava and Syrian food. Very reasonable prices too. The cathedral has wonderful stained glass if that's your thing.

JustGiveMeReason · 09/02/2026 23:26

Mumofmarauders · 09/02/2026 22:15

Stirchley (a not very exciting suburb, but it is next to lovely Bournville) is amazing for food. Follow “independent Birmingham” on Facebook for a bit and you’ll see some really good recommendations there and elsewhere in Brum

True, but probably getting the train out there and back and adding that time on to the day isn't that practical if only going to B'ham for a day trip ?

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 10/02/2026 18:23

Stirchley won’t be much fun in the daytime, unless maybe lunch in Eat Vietnam.

I must admit that I don’t think Birmingham offers much for a day trip, unless you’re wanting to shop (not as good as it used to be) or have a specific event/ place in mind.

If you’re set on Brum though, I’d start with coffee in Faculty or Yorks near the train station. Then wander up to the museum (again, not what it was) and then over to Brindley Place and the Ikon gallery nearby.

Then down to China Town for lunch, although personally I’d probably head to the Jewellery Quarter for the Coffin museum and Italian at Pasta di Piazza.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 10/02/2026 18:25

Yes to the library - on the way to Brindley place.

I probably wouldn’t bother with Digbeth - it’s dead in the day time.

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