Kayleigh Watson is a music and travel writer based in Birmingham, with bylines in Condé Nast Traveller, Clash Magazine, British GQ, Gal-dem and more. She is the deputy editor at Journo Resources. 

Kayleigh Watson

Kayleigh Watson

Contributing writer, UK

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Articles (16)

The 12 best things to do in Nottingham

The 12 best things to do in Nottingham

The city of Nottingham is undoubtedly most famous for its links to the legend of Robin Hood and his merry men, given its proximity to the actual Sherwood Forest, but did you know it also happens to be the birthplace of Ibuprofen, traffic lights and HP sauce?  Whether those really, really niche topics interest you or not, this midlands city is well worth visiting. From impressive contemporary art collections and gardens which have inspired iconic works of literature to cracking nightlife venues and some really outstanding food, Nottingham is a well-rounded place to spend your weekend. Here’s a roundup of our favourite things to do. RECOMMENDED:🍝The best restaurants in Nottingham🎭The best things to do in the UKđŸŒ€ïžThe best road trips in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The 17 best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

The 17 best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

If you aren’t already aware, get ready to become well-acquainted with the life and times of William Shakespeare. The Bard was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and this charming town in the West Midlands isn’t about to ignore its most famous citizen. Quite the opposite, in fact, and young Billy understandably takes top billing for most visitors. Shakespeare is one of history’s most famous and influential writers, so that makes sense. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is no one trick pony. Its quaint streets shimmer with historic buildings housing friendly cafes and delicious restaurants, while the river of the town’s name holds up its end of the bargain with scenic walks and, well, more cafes. The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon are a well-rounded collection of experiences straddling the line between modern life and the history of England’s national poet. Oh, and if you like gin, you are in for a treat. RECOMMENDED:🏰 The best things to do in BirminghamđŸŒŸ The best things to do in the Cotswolds🚂 The best places to visit in the UK This guide was recently updated by Caroline Mills, a writer from Stratford-upon-Avon. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The 27 best things to do in Birmingham

The 27 best things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham is a vast place, and you’ve got to know where to look. But among its miles of gorgeous canals and awesome greenery, you’ll find characterful pubs, fascinating museums and some of the best restaurants in the country. Here you’ll find heavy metal music, a nationally adored chocolate company, the world’s biggest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, several high-flying football teams (need we go on?) and more. It doesn’t have a bit of everything – it has a lot of it. Ready to explore? Here are the best things to do in Birmingham right now. RECOMMENDED:😋 The best restaurants in BirminghamđŸ» The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham This guide was recently updated by Birmingham-based writer Lauren Potts. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

The 29 best restaurants in Birmingham

The 29 best restaurants in Birmingham

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, Michelin-star dining and everything in between. Looking for street food? It’s here. Small plates and natural wines? We’ve got you covered. Even if you’re just looking to dive into a burger and chips, you might find the best one you’ve ever tasted in Brum (in fact, we can promise that one). Here are the best restaurants in Birmingham.  RECOMMENDED:đŸș The best bars in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in BirminghamđŸ» The best pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham This guide was recently updated by Birmingham-based food writer Lauren Potts. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The 15 best breakfast and brunch spots in Birmingham

The 15 best breakfast and brunch spots in Birmingham

From cultural venues to cracking pubs, Birmingham’s got it all. And its vibrant mix of communities and cultures lends itself to a fabulous food scene too. And what does that mean? Brunch. So much brunch.  No matter what you’re craving, the city’s got you covered. There’s good old-fashioned full Englishes, American-style pancakes covered in maple syrup, and some fresh, fruity granola bowls on offer, so take a look below at our favourite places for breakfast and brunch in Birmingham.  RECOMMENDED:🎭The best things to do in Birmingham🍝The best restaurants in BirminghamđŸșThe best pubs in Birmingham☕The best coffee shops and cafĂ©s in Birmingham This guide was recently updated by Birmingham based food writer Lauren Potts. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The 15 best restaurants in Lincoln

The 15 best restaurants in Lincoln

Okay, it is an ambitious way to start, but we’re nothing if not passionate. Is Lincoln the most underrated foodie city in England? It may well be. In fact, this East Midlands marvel is one of the most underrated cities in England full stop, and its quaint cobbled streets and medieval buildings house a fabulous range of restaurants for all tastes. That isn’t an exaggeration, either. Whether you are looking for fine dining fabulousness or something a little more casual, you’ll find it in Lincoln. The city is famous for its pork sausages, Poacher cheese, plum loaf, and beers, but there is a lot more on its menus than those delicious treats. These are the best restaurants in Lincoln; don’t forget the appetite. RECOMMENDED:🌳The best things to do in LincolnđŸŒ€ïžThe best things to do in the UK⛰The most beautiful national parks in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The 16 best things to do in Leicester

The 16 best things to do in Leicester

What is the first thing you think about when Leicester comes up in conversation? You might think of crisps, although thinking about crisps is more of a default feature for many of us. You may even think back to the heady days of 2016 and that improbable Premier League win. No matter your first thought, the reality is Leicester will surprise you. Once the second-richest city in Europe and as close to the heart of England as you will find, Leicester is a charming city packed with gorgeous walks, thriving arts, and more history than you can shake the proverbial stick at. The food and drink are pretty fantastic, too, and we’re not just talking about crisps. These are the best things to do in lovely Leicester. RECOMMENDED: 🎭The best things to do in BirminghamđŸ›ïž The best things to do in Nottingham👀 The best things to do in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

The 12 best art galleries in Birmingham

The 12 best art galleries in Birmingham

Creativity is an integral part of life in Birmingham, and it always has been. Don’t believe us? Get ready to have your socks blown clean off, as the best galleries in Brum are a whirlwind of innovation and boundary-pushing art, the equal of anything found in London, Manchester and the rest. What’s more, many of these magnificent galleries are housed in stunning buildings, impressive works of art in their own right. Whether you are after vast national museums or intimate independent galleries, you’ll find it in spades here. Birmingham might just be the UK’s most underrated city, and its glorious galleries are part of the charge. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in BirminghamđŸ»Â The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The 25 best bars in Birmingham

The 25 best bars in Birmingham

Birmingham is a city that somehow simultaneously fulfils expectations while being delightfully surprising. That trend is true of its bars, an impressive collection of venues that are as much about history and heritage as they are about style and sophistication. The bar scene here tells its own story of Birmingham, a tale that needs to be heard. Sure, most might think of classic Victorian boozers and real ale pubs when they dream of nights out in Birmingham, but Brum does a fine line in colourful cocktails, speciality gins, and innovative craft spots. There is even a zero-waste bar, which happens to be spectacular. Birmingham, your bars are brilliant. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in BirminghamđŸ»Â The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

The 14 best coffee shops and cafés in Birmingham

The 14 best coffee shops and cafés in Birmingham

Where would we be without that all-important first coffee of the day? We dread to think. Luckily, Birmingham is overflowing with hot caffeine magic, no matter your preferred setting. Looking for a cosy cuppa in what could be someone’s living room? Prefer to drink your beans in hyper-sophisticated surroundings? Or maybe you aren’t bothered by the setting, you just want a cup of coffee? Whatever you are after, you’ll find it in Brum. From artisan roasters and chichi coffee shops to delightfully twee teahouses and good old-fashioned cafes, Birmingham has all the bases covered when it comes to coffee. Load up on Joe, and get ready to explore all this tremendous city has to offer. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in BirminghamđŸ»Â The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The 15 best Indian restaurants in Birmingham

The 15 best Indian restaurants in Birmingham

Birmingham has a major reputation for high-quality Indian food, but the universal acclaim the city’s restaurants receive doesn’t do it justice. The days of the infamous Balti Triangle may have passed, but Birmingham’s range of Indian cuisine means it still stands tall as the curry capital of the United Kingdom. From Bombay-style street food and sweet centres to desi pubs and innovative fine dining, the Second City has it all, and no trip to Brum is complete without an evening of delicious Indian-inspired fare. It might just be the best thing to do in this brilliant city. None of this is a surprise, of course, as Indian cuisine has long been an integral part of Brummie culture. After all, the humble balti was invented here, and innovation continues to inspire chefs across the city. All diners need to do is peruse the menu, sit back, and get ready to enjoy thrilling dishes made from the freshest ingredients, which tell stories from the first bite to the last. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in BirminghamđŸ» The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham James Brennan is a food and travel writer from Birmingham, and Kayleigh Watson is a writer and editor from the city. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

The 14 best restaurants in Nottingham to book right now

The 14 best restaurants in Nottingham to book right now

Nottingham is often underestimated among the great annals of English tourism, but more fool those who pass on this East Midlands marvel. Afterall, this is the city that gave us Robin Hood, starred in 'The Dark Knight Rises' and that we have to thank for the (arguable) king of condiments – HP sauce.  All food groups are taken very seriously here, with the chefs taking great pride in locally sourced ingredients. Prepare your tastebuds for everything from filthy burgers and sexy (yes, sexy) pasta to Michelin-star magic and huge portions of lovingly crafted desserts. Time to tuck in – here's all of the best food you can get in Nottingham. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Nottingham🍔 The best restaurants in Birmingham🇬🇧 The best restaurants in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.