Kayleigh Watson

Birmingham might just be Britain’s most exciting food destination right now. This burgeoning city bursts at the seams with creative chefs, great-value restaurants and Michelin-star dining – in fact, there are more Michelin-approved joints here than in any other UK city outside of London. Its street food is daring, its small plates push boundaries and as for the fried chicken… well, you won’t find anywhere better. We’re certain you’ll find something to your tickle your tastebuds in our recommendations below, whether it’s an all-out fine dining experience for a big birthday or some messy burgers for you and your mates after the football. Or, if it’s not dinner time just yet, fill up with one of the city’s many afternoon tea options or Insta-worthy brunch spots. Feeling hungry? These are the best restaurants in Birmingham according to us. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Birmingham

Ah, it’s that time of day. The time of day when you need a pick-me-up – perhaps early in the morning before a hard shift at work, or half-way through a touristy day strolling through Birmingham city centre. Caffeine plays a big part in a lot of our lives, and fortunately, this city has plenty of places where you can pick up a cup of something decent. From artisan roasters and chichi coffee shops to terribly twee teahouses and old-school cafés, Birmingham has pretty much everything you need for your next caffeine kick. Even the city’s pubs, bars and restaurants are getting in on the act and serving coffee and tea every bit as good as their food and booze, and that’s before you take into account the venues with a bit of a twist – think vinyl shop bars and places where you can crack out a board game or two. We’ve put together a list of the best coffee shops and cafés in Birmingham, so have a gander and get stuck in. Beautiful beans and all manner of sweet goods await. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Birmingham

Brum is a mishmash of cultures and communities, and this is evident in its options for the first (and, some might say, the most important) meal of the day. In Birmingham, you’ll find everything from classic full Englishes and granola bowls to American-style pancakes and plates stacked with locally grown organic delights. All good options, you’ll have to agree. Trust us, with all Birmingham’s fabulous range of things to do – the fascinating museums, the gorgeous galleries, the characterful pubs and the world-beating clubs – you’ll want to make sure you’re properly fuelled up for a day of exploring. And whatever kind of thing you’re after, whichever part of town you’re in, we’re here to guide you to the right places. Below are the 15 absolute best breakfast and brunch spots in Birmingham. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Birmingham

Birmingham may be best known for its classic Victorian boozers and real ale pubs, but its newer wave of cocktail spots and homely lounge bars are certainly worth their salt too. Revolutionary craft beer, endless gin lists, locally-themed cocktails and even a groundbreaking zero-waste bar: England’s second city really does have it all. From the city centre’s heady mix of class and heritage to the Jewellery Quarter’s laid-back atmosphere and industrial past and Stirchley’s forward-thinking cocktail and brewing prowess, this city is no longer overlooked. So, head here with an open mind. These are the best bars in Birmingham right now. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Birmingham

Now we’re talking. From Bombay-style street food and sweet centres to desi pubs and progressive fine-dining, Birmingham has it all when it comes to Indian cuisine. Nobody is surprised to read that, of course, as the city has long been known as England’s curry capital, but that doesn’t tell half the story. Did you know that the humble balti was invented in Sparkbrook in the 1970s? You do now. The dish gives its name to Birmingham’s infamous ‘Balti Triangle’, an area which in the 1990s hosted a cluster of 40 curry houses using the balti technique, but is unfortunately now only home to six.  Nevertheless, the city still has a wealth of Indian establishments worth travelling to. Gorging on incredible curries and other dishes actually might just be the best thing to do in Birmingham, and there are plenty of celebrity chefs who think so too. So, want to see what this city’s food scene is all about? Here’s our pick of the absolute best Indian restaurants in Birmingham. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Birmingham

So you’ve landed in Brum and you want a drink: where do you go? My gosh, where do we start?! You may be up for going somewhere that pairs booze with delish food or a classy kind of spot that serves up only the finest local ales (or maybe just pints, pints, pints) – whatever you’re after, Birmingham can deliver. Packed to the rafters with character and personality, some of these boozers will cater to those after a lazy afternoon, whether it’s with a board game and book, or catching up with your nearest and dearest. Others will sort you out if you’re simply looking for a Big Night Out – few cities do it better, after all. Looking for the quintessential Brummie experience (and you’ve already ticked off some of the city’s Indian restaurants)? Get to know the locals and drink yourself (moderately) silly with our ultimate guide to the best pubs in Birmingham. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Birmingham

Art lovers are well catered to in Birmingham. Whether you’re after vast national museums or small independent galleries, elegant classical paintings or the edgiest contemporary sculpture, you’ll find all sorts of creative displays and exhibitions here, many up there with the very best in the UK. Some of the best galleries in Birmingham are even housed in buildings stunning enough to be attractions themselves. So, if you’re headed to storied beasts like Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or seeking niche tucked-away spots like Grand Union or Stryx, visitors can rest assured that their artistic sensibilities will be well rewarded. Why not visit Birmingham’s beautiful museums while you’re in town, too? RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Birmingham

Given how big and sprawling it is, it remains somewhat perplexing that Birmingham manages to maintain such a modest rep. Having long shed its neglected post-industrial image, England’s second city is now one of the country’s most exciting and diverse travel destinations. Among its miles of gorgeous canals (so the famous rumour goes, Brum has more waterways than Venice) and awesome greenery (with over 8,000 acres of open spaces and nearly 600 parks), you’ll find characterful pubs, fascinating museums and some of the best restaurants in the country. Home to heavy metal music, a nationally adored chocolate company, the world’s biggest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, several high-flying football teams and around three million legendarily hospitable Brummies, Birmingham doesn’t just have a bit of everything – it has a lot of everything. Ready to get out there and explore? Here are the best things to do in Birmingham right now. RECOMMENDED:😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham

Nottingham often gets overlooked in the great annals of English tourism, but more fool those who pass on this East Midlands marvel. Our pick of the best things to do in Nottingham covers plenty of ground, from justice museums to ice hockey, but it is the city’s blossoming food scene that might take the biscuit. The best restaurants in Nottingham really are fabulous. Fresh produce is lifted to serious heights here, with locally sourced ingredients a point of pride for the chefs of Nottingham. Everything from dirty burgers to Michelin-star magic is here, so bring that appetite and get ready to tuck in. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Nottingham

Yeah, get ready for all the Shakespeare. The Bard was born here, so understandably much of this darling market town is given over to all things Will. But when it comes to the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, is Shakespeare the only show in town? You can consider that a play on words if you so desire. And that. But enough nonsense. Shakespeare may dominate this pretty town in England, but there sure is more to Stratford-upon-Avon than seventeenth-century playwrights. Modern museums, peaceful boat trips and more, for a start, including some pretty darn delectable gin. 

As literally every Mancunian is happy to tell you for hours, if not days on end, Manchester is a great place. It has loads of things to do, great places to eat and a huge range of hotels if you're staying over.But just because you never want to leave Manchester, doesn’t mean you can’t pop out for a bit, and with some of the best road and rail links in the country, Manchester is a terrific place for getting out into the countryside and other surrounds without the need of a car. Surrounded by interesting places to visit, from picturesque towns to bracing beaches, here are nine day trips that are all within an hour or so of the city.

Nestled in the Shropshire Hills, the historic market town of Ludlow seems to have it all within its cosy reaches: a huge ruined castle, hundreds of listed buildings, cobbled streets and world-class restaurants. It's also the ideal base for country strolls that end in pints of ale in snug, old pubs or - alternately - newly established breweries. Switching off is guaranteed, as Ludlow’s streets are rarely crowded. That is, unless you visit (along with 20,000 others) for its annual food festival.  RECOMMENDED: Discover Cheltenham, Cardiff and Snowdonia.