Birmingham, UK

[kickinside]

Hi I'm moving to Birmingham in the UK (from Brighton) and was wondering if anyone had any tips on shops or cool places to hang out there? I really don't know anything about the city so any advice would be much appreciated!

[viv1984viv]

birminghams pretty cool, there is the new bull ring thats got many shops including a selfridges but its not as good as the london one people say. The ikon is great for art and books and magazines, check out the medicen bar and stuff. Broad street isnt really my scene but you may like it.

http://www.autog.co.uk/index.php?id=12

I think im going to check out a-too this christmas.

[theswarm]

a-too is a really good store they have a lot of interesting clothes

[smapty]

DONT MOVE TO BIRMINGHAM! It sucks shit (unless you like blighted modernist urban redevelopment, gun violence and ethnic tension) . Brighton is so much better why would you leave? That said, the last time I was there Selfridges was good and all of the stuff down by the custard factory is pretty cool.

[marksandspencers]

Hey.. I live in Coventry which is a couple of minutes away from Birmingham, and I go there virtually everyday. To be honest it's not that great a city considering it's size. There's only so many shops, and the Bullring isn't too great. Selfridges is the best shop, but it's nowhere near as good as the London one. a too is good too. I spend a lot of my time in Tempest and Swordfish which are the two best records stores in Birmingham. Also check out the german market right now, shnitzel and chips cheap mmmm. In fact Birmingham's pretty good for eating relatively cheaply, you always have the option of Wagamamas or Gourmet Burger. Anyway good luck with the move!

[kickinside]

Ahh record shops sound good, thanks

[marksandspencers]

Tempest and Swordfish are pretty central, you'll know where Tempest is once you've wandered round Birmingham a bit. To get there from around the New Streetish area just walk up Corporation street (opposite way to the traffic, towards the roundabout). Once you see Jacob's photography, Subway and some hair salon turn left, and it should be a couple of metres down on your left. Swordfish is a bit trickier, but still very central. It's right opposite the Cult sale store off New Street itself. Check this map, Swordfish is on Temple St. There's also a place called Depot records nearby that specialises in House and Garage, which isn't really my thing so I wouldn't know what it's like. Anyway have fun!