Why go?

It’s a question that has, somewhat harshly, long been posed of the UK’s second city. Less so of late, though, with the nucleus of the Industrial Revolution undergoing a more contemporary revival in the form of a spring-cleaned city centre now boasting first-class shopping, smartly pedestrianised streets and some of the UK’s finest dining and accommodation.

What to do

Combine imposing Victorian architecture with a hit of high culture in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (birminghammuseums.org.uk), a grade II*-listed landmark in Chamberlain Square. Its new galleries explore the city’s heritage from medieval times to the present day, via the Industrial Revolution. For a leafier take on Victorian Birmingham, head to verdant Edgbaston and the Botanical Gardens (birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk). Its grounds and climate greenhouses hold over 7,000 plants from around the world, including the National Bonsai Collection. But the most famous legacy of the city’s industrial heyday is its canal network, which stretches to more miles of waterways than Venice. Head past the spectacular Symphony Hall at Centenary Square to the modern cafés and squares of Brindleyplace, from where you can take a longboat for a cruise past sturdy iron bridges, 19th-century brick stables and canal-side pubs (away2canal.co.uk).

Where to stay

Hotel du Vin (0844 736 4250, hotelduvin.com) is the group’s flagship, and sets the standard for traditional splendour, with an enviable central location, grand furnishings and a fine restaurant. New arrival Hotel Indigo (0121 643 2200, ihg.com) is all spanking sparkle set off by Marco Pierre White’s rooftop bar and grill (0121 634 3433, mpwrestaurants.co.uk). It’s on the 23rd to 25th floors of the The Cube, a jewellery box-themed collection of apartments, shops and restaurants.Meanwhile, in the Jewellery Quarter itself, Bloc (0121 212 1223, blochotels.com) is a pioneer of ‘pared-down chic’. Rooms are sparse (designed for one-night stays, there are no wardrobes and it’s takeaway breakfast only) and prices competitive. For a more homely feel, stay atop the grade II-listed Rotunda (0121 285 1290, stayingcool.com) in the heart of the city, where brilliantly equipped self-catering apartments (Apple iMacs, free wi-fi, kitchen mod cons) blend chic modernism with expansive urban views.

Where to eat and drink

After London, Birmingham has more Michelin stars than any UK city. Purnell’s (0121 212 9799, purnellsrestaurant.com) has long been the jewel in its culinary crown, with Glyn Purnell serving up contemporary, creative twists on classic fare. Purnell’s Bistro (0121 200 1588, purnellsbistrogingers.com) is also worth taking in for an eclectic approach that marries rustic food with a classic cocktail bar. Simpsons (0121 454 3434, simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk – rooms available too), in Edgbaston, heads the more formal fine-dining options. It serves à la carte, tasting, vegetarian and children’s menus, with an al fresco option available in summer. Loves (0121 454 5151, lovesrestaurant.co.uk) also enjoys a more tranquil location, this time on the canal, and sufficiently far from the din of bar-heavy Broad Street. Run by Steve and Claire Love, it serves up modern, seasonal British dishes with creative flair. Opus (0121 200 2323, opusrestaurant.co.uk) serves a market menu which changes daily – the kitchen table is a highlight. Fumo (0121 643 8979, sancarlofumo.co.uk) is a trendy spot, but that doesn’t dilute the quality of the small plate fare – and cocktails. Meanwhile in fashionable Kings Heath, Byzantium’s (0121 444 5444, byzantiumtapas.co.uk) service is snappy and the dishes come out sizzling, with house made flatbreads the highlights.

Time running out?

A quick stroll from the landmark Selfridges is the Custard Factory, a bohemian hub of creative workshops, live music and independent retailers.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Getting There

National Rail (nationalrail.co.uk) The city is well served by rail. Virgin trains run from London Euston to Birmingham New Street. Chiltern Railways run from London Marylebone to Moor Street.

Resources

Birmingham Visitor Centre (visitbirmingham.com) A stone’s throw from New Street rail station, head here for helpful advice.