Residents reveal their biggest hidden gems in Birmingham

Being the biggest city in the UK outside of London, Birmingham is a city loved and known by many. The city is famous for many things including (but not limited to) its food, jewellery, theatre, sports and transportation links to other areas in the U.K - making it a great place to live.

Build-to-rent provider Corkfield have interviewed several Birmingham locals to find out what their favourite things about life in the city are and what they’d consider to be its biggest hidden gems.

The best things about living in Birmingham, according to locals

Cultural diversity and a rich history

Jack Howell, 23, and from Small Heath, said: “As someone who's lived in Birmingham their whole life, I think it offers a unique blend of history, culture and quirks that makes it a fascinating place to live. It’s one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK - there are lots of communities, languages and traditions.

“It has a rich industrial heritage and architecture. Its historical canals and Victorian buildings like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery means the city’s history is woven into its growing, urban landscape.”

Proximity to other big cities in the UK and a lower cost of living

With the cost of living growing, many people are looking for cheaper places to live - being so close to more expensive areas such as London and Manchester, Birmingham has become a popular option for those looking for city living.

Aleksandra Saleh, 33 and living in Sheldon, said: “The best thing about living in Birmingham for me, is being in the middle of England - it’s close to the north, close to London, and close to Wales. But it’s cheaper than the south, and there are still lots of work opportunities.”

Haley Morrison, 33, and from Handsworth, said: ”The city is special to me because it’s home, and I get a better, smaller version of London, for half the price. I’ve got that ‘city feel’, but I can walk down the road and be closer to nature in the middle of fields.”

Birmingham is almost well connected to many of the UK’s other major cities, being less than two and a half hours from the likes of Manchester, Liverpool and London. It will also soon be on the HS2 line that is currently being built, making travel between Birmingham and London considerably easier and quicker.

Brandon Smith, 35, living in the city centre, said: “For me, the best thing is the convenience. You can get to a majority of the UK's largest cities, like Manchester, Liverpool or London, in two and half hours or less. The public transport and rail infrastructure is top-notch, with well-connected routes to many places.

“When the HS2 railway lines are built, it's going to open the city up to even more demand and create more economic power.”

Food, people and community

A few of the factors that make Birmingham a brilliant place to live include its huge and delicious food scene, alongside its sense of community and diversity.

Jenny Leonard, 26, living in Birmingham city centre, said: “ The city is like a melting pot of different cultures and you can taste that in the diverse food offerings. You can get British pub grub or mouthwatering dishes from all corners of the world. I’d especially recommend trying a Balti curry and visiting the annual Frankfurt Christmas Markets.

“But what truly sets Birmingham apart from other places is its people. The sense of community here is incredible, and you'll always feel like you belong. Brummies are known as some of the friendliest, most welcoming folks you'll ever meet. Warmth is our currency and that’s proven with our retention of diversity.”

Birmingham’s hidden gems: revealed by residents

The best spots for foodies

There is no shortage of great food spots in Birmingham, with the city being home to the most Michelin-star restaurants outside of the capital.

Charlie Meyler, 28 and from Stourbridge recommends: “Both Adams and Carters are two of these amazing restaurants (with Michelin stars) and have modern, British menus.”

He also recommends: “Original Patty Men, which has three sites in Birmingham and is an American, comfort food-style burger place.” Charlie says it’s a great spot for those who want something a bit more ‘down and dirty’.

Birmingham is famous for being the origin of the Balti dish, with the ‘Balti Triangle’ being famous amongst most of the city’s residents. It’s situated between Stratford Road, Alcester Road and Wake Greek Road and earned its name due to the large number of restaurants that serve up curries using the Birmingham balti technique.

Haley revealed that her favourite food spot is Asha’s on Newhall Street, according to her, rumour has it that actor Tom Cruise likes it too. It’s a contemporary Indian restaurant owned by famous Hindi actress, Asha Bhosle.

When it comes to hidden gems in the city's food scene, Jack vouches for the Hockley Social Club in the Jewellery Quarter. He said: “It offers such a wide range of street food, drinks and social activities, I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Birmingham.

“The food scene is one of the best things about living in Birmingham. Because of the city’s cultural diversity, it offers a wide range of cuisines from around the world, including traditional English cuisine along with Indian Caribbean food.”

And Jenny’s recommendation is Saqibs Kebab House on Aston Lane. She added: “To me, it’s the best kebab house in England and it won’t ask you to empty your purse.

“All the best food I’ve ever had has been in Birmingham - we have the best curries, an incredible range of Italian food and more recently a wonderful selection of South American-infused foods. A couple of years ago I even had the privilege of enjoying an ostrich burger!”

Tours, attractions and activities

One of Jack’s favourite places to visit is Digbeth. It’s a vibrant place that features some of the best and unique cafes, restaurants and bars in the centre of Birmingham. Once the city’s industrial heartland, it’s now home to The Custard Factory - which is a creative hub. Inside this former Bird’s Custard building. Within the area, there are also several activity bars, Birmingham’s oldest pub The Old Crown, colourful street art, and much more. According to Haley, the area has completely reformed central Birmingham.

Jenny recommends immersing yourself in the history at Aston Hall - a beautifully preserved, Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion. However, it’s also worth mentioning that it’s also said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the UK. There are more than 30 rooms to explore and a history spanning 400 years.

Another must-visit foodie recommendation by Jonathan was: “The Restaurant Tour, a tour that takes you to six of the city’s top restaurants all in one day, so you can wine and dine on their top dishes.”

Birmingham also has some lovely scenic routes too, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Haley recommends walking spots around Beacon Hill, Sandwell Valley and Swan Pool. Sutton Park, which has plenty of walking trails with scenic views, also comes recommended for a stroll. It’s a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve. Whilst Jenny suggests people also visit Edgbaston Reservoir - a 70-acre open-water site perfect for walkers, nature lovers and those who want to try sailing and rowing.

The city also has over 35 miles of canals, so there’s no shortage of lovely and scenic canal walks you can take through the city.

For the shopaholics

Birmingham is a great place if you love to shop, with huge shopping centres such as Bullring & Grand Central, Resorts World and The Mailbox hosting any high-street store you can think of, alongside no shortage of smaller independent businesses too.

Aleksandra said: “There are places with soul like Cannon Hill Park, the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), and Moseley Village.” Moseley Village is a square filled with independent shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

One area not to be forgotten is The Jewellery Quarter, described as a national treasure, and it has more than 100 shops. Charlie said: “It’s the ‘cool and edgy’ part of the city, like the Northern Quarter is in Manchester, and has a lot of great independent shops, galleries, bars, restaurants and yes - jewellery shops.”