BHX DISCOVERIES, MUESEUMS AND EATERIES

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in the seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, lovely would be an understatement. I enjoyed being here more than the traditional London experience. Hey, don’t get it twisted though, London is amazing!! Birmingham, on the other hand, had a bigger impact on my heart !

Birmingham has more canals by distance than Venice

Did you know that Birmingham has more canals by distance than Venice ? (35 miles) The canal walkways at Gas Street Basin & Brindleyplace are a mesmerizing place to walk and enjoy fresh air (this was my fave.) I love water, and the canals really lead me into being super creative with my photos and also blessed me with so many reflections of both the water and myself.

It’s also the only place in the world where all the ingredients for making iron are present.

There’s an abundance of eateries and cafes along the way. Several different varieties of menus and drinks to satisfy your taste buds! The canals were my favorite part of this city, they’re enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and narrowboat owners and they’re a reminder of the unique industrial history. During the Industrial Revolution the canals were busy waterways transporting coal, iron and other heavy goods. It’s also the only place in the world where all the ingredients for making iron are present.

The National Sea Life Center which has a million-litre underwater tank.

There’s lots of sight seeing you can do here, plenty to do. Don’t worry about getting around the city because it has a great train system that is inexpensive. The city offers Uber and you can rent bikes to ride. Museums include, National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Pen Museum, Cadbury World. The Library of Birmingham, which has a very artsy exterior that is very pleasing to the eye. The National Sea Life Center which has a million-litre underwater tank. The Mailbox, which offers even more entertainment than ever for those who like to shop, drink and play. These are just a few of many amazing attractions.

restaurants and street food eateries

There’s also an abundance of high quality restaurants and street food eateries. I will list 11 below (credit to Time Out for the verbiage; it is not my words) I will link below where I found the best restaurants through Time Out Birmingham to go to both High End and Cheap Eateries.

1. Purnell’s (High End) – For big celebrations in an unfussy environment, famous for his nose-to-tail cooking Try the tapas menu, which takes in everything from poppadums to slow-cooked beef.

2. Gaijin Sushi( Mid range)- This is, put simply, the best sushi in Birmingham. beautifully presented sushi and sashimi, in a tiny 10-seater restaurant that maintains a minimalist Japanese aesthetic but delivers maximum bang for your buck.

3. Lasan (Mid range)- Possibly Birmingham’s best-known Indian restaurant, Lasan has ridden a wave of publicity ever since it was featured on Gordon Ramsay’s ‘The F Word’ in 2010.

4. Simpsons (Very High End) -Top-quality European dishes in an elegant setting.One of the city’s first Michelin-starred restaurants, Simpsons is still a shining destination for fine dining

5. Tattu ( High End)- A stunningly beautiful game-changer for Chinese food in Brum.Tattu has transformed the old basement in the grade II-listed Grand Hotel, and its progressive menu will transform the way you think about Chinese food.

6. Folium (High End)- Modern British dishes with a cool Scandi aesthetic Their cooking style is simple, with clean flavors using the highest quality of ingredients from sustainable and ethical suppliers.

7. 3 Three’s (Cheap) – Vegetarian/ Vegan 3 Three’s specialises in jumbo vegan frankfurters. But this is just one option on an expansive vegan and vegetarian menu. You can get soups including spinach, split pea, while the salads menu features corn, quinoa and edamame options. Gluten free foodies are well served with a range of gluten free crisps, sweets and chocolates.

8. Yorks Cafe- (Cheap) – Brunch – Choose from a breakfast bar that includes homemade granola, bagels and as much freshly baked bread as you can get in your belly, plus an wide range of egg-based brekkies.

9. The Cuban Embassy ( Cheap) – The killer combination of live music, Latin American food and a rum selection (over 130 varieties). They also offer Breakfast & Brunch

10.Pearce’s Shellfish (Cheap) – Fresh seafood might not be your go to in a landlocked city but here all expectations can be realigned. Superb seafood served at prices that will definitely please your pocket.