Top Choice Library in Birmingham
Library of Birmingham
Resembling a glittering stack of gift-wrapped presents, the Francine Houben–designed Library of Birmingham is an architectural triumph. The 2013-opened building features a subterranean amphitheatre, spiralling inter…
Top Choice British in Birmingham
Simpsons
It's worth the 2.5-mile journey southwest of the centre to this gorgeous Georgian mansion in leafy Edgbaston for sensational Michelin-starred menus (kids and vegetarians catered for) in its contemporary dining rooms…
Top Choice Gallery in Birmingham
Barber Institute of Fine Arts
At the University of Birmingham, 3 miles south of the city centre, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts has an astonishing collection of Renaissance masterpieces; European masters, such as Rubens and Van Dyck; British …
Top Choice Pub in Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Potent cocktails (or rather 'elixirs, concoctions and potions') at this trippy spot are served in sweets jars, watering cans, teapots and miniature bathtubs – even a top hat. Downstairs, Mr Hyde’s emporium has a cos…
Indian in Birmingham
Praza
The runaway success of Indian restaurant-cocktail bar Pushkar led the owners to open this sister restaurant in Edgbaston, serving its own signature dishes and cocktails. The monumental Grade II–listed Georgian mansi…
Gastropub in Birmingham
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
Fabulous dishes created in the open kitchen of this craft-beer-lover's paradise come with suggested beer pairings. The menu changes monthly but might include Lawless Lager–battered fish and chips (with Veltins Pilse…
Bar in Birmingham
Lost & Found
Fictitious Victorian-era explorer/professor Hettie G Watson is the inspiration for the botanical-library theme of this bar in an 1869-built former bank. Inside the domed entrance, amid soaring columns and timber pan…
Cinema in Birmingham
Electric Cinema
Topped by its art deco sign, this is the UK's oldest working cinema, operating since 1909. It screens mainly art-house films. Be waited upon in plush two-seater sofas, or have a drink in the small bar, which has a t…
Indian in Birmingham
Pushkar
Classy north Indian and Punjabi cuisine takes centre stage in this glass-fronted, white tableclothed, gold-trimmed dining room. The elegant presentation extends to boxed menus and serviette-wrapped naan bread as wel…
British in Birmingham
Adam's
Michelin-starred Adam's wows with intricately prepared and presented flavour combinations, such as lamb sweetbreads with goats curd, mint and radish, monkfish with wild mussels, champagne and caviar, and pear, toast…