10 hidden gems to discover in Birmingham this summer

Indian cuisine has been long established as one of the highlights of the Midlands, yet it is rare that a restaurant comes along to shake up the formula. Making a name for itself with its unique fusion of British and Kashmiri food, The Farmhouse in Coventry has become a hot place to frequent for dishes with a twist. Meat lovers are spoiled with an abundant menu of steaks, shanks and fish with a hit of spice: its secret Bombay sauce has a lot of goodness to answer for.

Located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, The Button Factory is a local favourite for a good-time bevvie and hearty food – especially its Sunday roasts. With a menu fuelled by its Robata grill, all meat is cooked over English oak and an open flame for a rich flavour, whilst its frozen cocktails are one for sipping on the sun terrace whilst soaking up the rays. Home to three beer gardens, there’s plenty of space to choose from.

With locations in Birmingham and Leicester as well as further afield, Treetop Adventure Golf is an experience for any occasion, whether it be group fun, date nights or family days out. Taking over the Bullring’s former Forever21 unit, this new experience is of grand proportions and affordable pricing. Large jungle set pieces add to the obstacle of staying on track, whilst The Thirsty Toucan bar and Pizza Cabana can offer a reprieve for the weary or frustrated.

Situated in the thriving hub of Digbeth, a 15-minute walk from the city centre, The Mill is one of the city’s newest live music venues located in a space previously home to the longstanding Rainbow. A favourite booking of some of the country’s buzziest bands, it also hosts drag artists and a variety of electronic DJ sets. On the more chilled end of the spectrum is its Candlelight Jazz series of tributes to icons including Nina Simone and Ray Charles.

Dating back to 1398, Bacchus Bar clocks in as one of the oldest existing establishments in Birmingham – however, it is at odds with what one may presume from a humbly aged abode. Descend the staircase tucked in the Burlington Arcade (opposite New Street Station) and you will be greeted by Baroque imagery, step inside and you’ll discover a medieval-gothic haven that is, frankly, bewildering to virgin eyes. Bizarre interior aside, it is the perfect setting for an uninterrupted catch-up: there’s next to no phone signal, so you're guaranteed to have your company’s full attention.

A regional landmark so established to locals that one forgets to visit, the Severn Valley Railway has a long history stretching back to the Victoria era. Purchased by a society of local enthusiasts in 1965, the railway was converted into a tourist attraction and is now one of few functioning steam railways in the country. In recent years, the network has become a favourite location for filming period pieces: scenes for Netflix’s Enola Holmes starring Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill were shot at Arley Station!

You’d be forgiven for walking straight past Medicine Bakery, whether it be its central location on Birmingham’s New Street, its offshoot at Mailbox or its village residence in Codsall – its sleek and unfussy storefronts belie the delights that wait inside. If time is on your side, it’s worth taking a pew for a full, indulgent brunch or, if it’s more of a pit-stop occasion, drop by and grab a (sizeable) sweet treat on the go. The cruffins and cronuts are a sight to behold.

A bit further afield in Kidderminster, the Wyre Forest is an emerald of a gem often forgotten about in regional competition with the more expansive Sutton Park and Cannock Chase. Though not by any means small, the forest has a cosy quality that makes it great for family days out (and not losing sight of the kids). With a range of trails for casual and seasoned walkers alike, plus a GoApe treetop experience in the lofty fir trees, there’s something for all nature lovers – and a Gruffalo or two.

With locations scattered across Mosely, Harborne and Stratford Upon Avon as well as the city centre, Sabai Sabai is thriving – albeit, quietly. Its stunning range of Thai food caters to those of all preferences, whether that be pad thai stalwarts, seafood lovers or the vegan crowd. There is no absence of taste or smell in this experience; simply, it is a sensory explosion before you’ve even taken a bite and richly moreish thereafter. Stunning.

A new addition to Digbeth’s thriving independent scene, Luna Springs’ can be found a stone’s throw from the renowned Custard Factory and opposite Mama Roux’s on Lower Trinity Street (which was, until recently, home to Digbeth Dining Club). Tucked under the shadow of the area’s grand railway arches, it is a great sun trap for summer months. With an endless stretch of benches and an event calendar crammed with everything from disco to bingo, it's a great setting to hang whilst dipping into street food and lip-smacking cocktails.