More Than Peaky Blinders

You roll into Birmingham at Grand Central Station. It’s busy and crowds move in different directions. You’ve got the day ahead to explore and all you know is that you’re in the city of the Peaky Blinders, where do you go? Well, as a seasoned vet in these ends, I know where to direct you, for the best adventure you didn’t even know required.

I’ll take you through Birmingham City Centre and together we can explore the free, the inexpensive to the pricey but worth it excursions you must do if you want to experience this city in a unique way.

If you're into the wonderful and a little bit weird, then one of the best places to hit up is the Ikon gallery. Throughout the year it brings in exhibitions from all over the world, that showcase non-mainstream artistic concepts. I've witnessed some great art in this gallery. From beautiful paintings and photographs, interactive exhibitions with screens and sounds, and one time I even got to go through a mirrored maze with beautiful lights. The aesthetics are unmatched when it comes to all the galleries in Birmingham. I also can't forget the added bonus of a lift that makes the sounds we associate with ascending into heaven when the lift goes up or down. That's the type of cute and quirky the Ikon gallery will bring to your day and the best thing is, it’s FREE.

After some time exploring the gallery, it's best quench your thirst by seating yourself at the nearby Pitcher and Piano bar. See yourself next to the canal, on this lazy summer day and watch the boats go by, with the breeze blowing gently. The view is best paired with a high-end cocktail pitcher, which is presented to you in a small wooden piano replica. The pitcher is perfect for sharing if you’re not alone, but if you want to enjoy that bad boy for yourself, I’m very supportive of that. Take your time in this spot, take in the views and talk to the locals nearby. The customers that come to Pitcher and Piano are usually very friendly and love to tell a story or two.

After a bit of socialising and a cheeky drink, you’ll want to fill your stomach with some good food. With plenty of restaurants to choose from you might feel overwhelmed, but you need not worry as I know one of the best, inexpensive places to dine in this city of mine. If we take the scenic route to the Chinese Quarter of the city centre, we’ll stroll over the bridge by Pitcher and Piano, then walk through the Birmingham ICC, glance at the majestic architecture of the Birmingham Library, wander down New Street, head down the gigantic steps by the cathedral, pass the market place and we’ll be very close to our destination. In the Chinese Quarter is where I’ve found the best food to be and a particular favourite is hole in the wall Chinese restaurant called Peach Garden. Here you can sample some authentic Eastern flavours and have a quaint dining experience. With a selection or rice, noodle and soup dishes, there’s plenty of the menu and they cater to those who may not want the meat option for their dinner, so there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Personally, I’d say it is home to some of the best noodle soup I’ve ever had.

After you’ve dined, I imagine it’s almost sunset so if you want that elite picture for the gram, then it’s time to head back in the direction of those steps facing the cathedral. Not only does it provide one of the best sunset views in the city, it’s also a perfect Instagram-able spot. Take some pictures of the skyline with the tasteful cathedral spire accompanying it.

Finish your day with a trip to Birdies in Digbeth, enjoy a few flamboyant cocktails. It’s pricey, but worth as they’ve got the ambience and aesthetics to end your night on a high, but if you’re feeling for one last activity in this area, then get yourself next door to Ghetto Golf for a buzzed round of mini golf. The two are owned by the same company so you can keep on enjoying the same cocktails all night, whilst showing who’s the master and mini golf.

You’ve experienced Birmingham in the best way possible and of course, between my suggestions you’ve had time to pop in and out of stores and you’ve seen other Birmingham monuments as the city centre is intricately interconnected, so you get to see a little bit of everything. However, on a visit there are a few things I suggest you needn’t waste your time on. Firstly, we can admire the architecture of the bullring, but there’s no need to take a selfie in front of it. Secondly, the same can be said about the famous bronze bull, trying to get a picture in front of it is difficult anyway as it’s always busy, so you’ll never get a clean image, but if you really do want a picture in front of it then wait until you’re super buzzed at the end of the night and get your shot, it’s a cliché you can indulge in when feeling silly and drunk. And finally, avoid the Peaky Blinders Social Club, this is not a spot for tourists – trust me, even I wouldn’t set foot in there.