Once a busy port, Gas Street Basin now attracts locals and tourists alike with its colourful canal boats, first-rate wandering territory and laid-back cafés and restaurants. Nothing tops a meandering stroll followed by a generous brunch at neighbourhood favourite JuJus.
If you’ve made it as far as Gas Street Basin, you’re seconds from city stalwart Brindley Place. We defy any visitor to fail to find exactly what they fancy in the food department, which is celebrating its twentieth year. From fine dining at Edmunds and Asian flavours at Thai Edge to cocktails at Bank or afternoon tea at consummate sun trap Cafe Opus, there’s plenty of variety to be had. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the latest installations at contemporary gallery Ikon, which also houses an all-day eatery. Entry is free, and the best cards in Brum are to be found in the gallery’s gift shop.
In the summer months, look out for Brindley Place’s buzzy weekends of summer jazz and nail-biting Wimbledon viewings, care of an eminently popular big screen. If you’ve got kids to entertain, there are also family films shown in the summer holidays, and the amphibious world of the National Sea Life Centre to explore.