Known as the "second city of the United Kingdom," Birmingham will be front and centre in 2022 as the host of the Commonwealth Games from July 28-August 9.
From a market town in medieval times to the "first manufacturing town in the world" by 1791, Birmingham in the 21st-century is a diverse international commercial centre and an important transport, retail, events and conference hub.
The city fell on hard times following the recession of the early 1980s, but the resilience and creativity of the local people - known as 'Brummies' - has led to the positive transformation of many parts of the city. Old streets, buildings and canals have been restored and abandoned industrial areas have been given new life.
Despite being the UK's second-most populous city, with 1.1 million city residents and 3.6 million in its metropolitan area, Birmingham ranks fourth among UK cities visited by foreign tourists. That will likely change following the Commonwealth Games publicity, so now is the time to get there and experience the Birmingham vibe before the crowds.
Here are some compelling reasons to recommend Birmingham to clients crossing the pond:
Food, Glorious Food
Birmingham currently has five Michelin-starred restaurants, more than anywhere else in the UK outside of London. But the city caters to every budget and just about every taste. If you love the flavours of South Asia, Birmingham's 'Balti Triangle' features scores of curry houses where low prices and bold flavours merge. There's a booming Chinatown too, all kinds of savoury street foods and many fine, innovative independent restaurants.
If Music Strikes A Chord
Robert Plant was born nearby in West Bromwich, and the former Led Zepellin singer is still known to pop up unexpectedly in pubs for guests spots with local bands. Many other famous musical outfits hail from Birmingham, including UB40, Steel Pulse, Duran Duran, The Beat, Electric Light Orchestra and many more. Reflecting the large population from Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi roots, Desi pubs offer a mash-up of classic English pubs spiced with Punjabi food and Bhangra music.
Get Your Science On At Thinktank
Birmingham's science museum features themed interactive galleries exploring past, present and future. There's the world's oldest working steam engine, exhibitions on space exploration, a planetarium and galleries dedicated to the people, inventions and manufacturing of this great city.
Who Doesn't Like A Chocolate Factory?
Cadbury World is a popular family attraction based in the historic village of Bournville, where visitors can learn the sweet history and manufacturing process of Cadbury chocolate. With several interactive zones, a team of in-house chocolatiers, the World's Biggest Cadbury Shop and the Cadbury Café, it's a great placeto spend a few hours.
Strolling The Towpaths
Birmingham's canal network flows right through the city centre and its towpaths can lead to great discoveries. There are fine canal-side bars like The Flapper and The Malt House, and The Mailbox, once the Royal Mail's largest sorting facility, is now home to unique shops, restaurants and services. The canals run adjacent to the main Cross City train line, which leads to other areas of the city like University and Bournville.
Revved-Up Retail Therapy
The Mailbox has already been mentioned, but Birmingham is also home to The Bullring, one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe. For those seeking local independent shops, The Great Western Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade offer hours of exploration and enjoyment.
Sporting Life
Aston Villa and Birmingham City are the two main football teams, attracting tens of thousands of fans between them each week. Birmingham is also home to the world-famous Edgbaston Cricket Ground which regularly hosts international teams. The 42,000 capacity Villa Park is home for Aston Villa, and has a long history of hosting international sporting events.
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