Food Time,  Me Time

Food, fine wine and flora in Birmingham’s most stylish suburb

*This post is in collaboration with hotels.com

Birmingham’s reputation has gone from strength to strength in recent years, so it’s no wonder an increasing number of people are heading to the city from near and far. From one-night stopovers to long weekends, there is plenty to keep visitors busy. While the city centre certainly has tonnes of attractions including museums, galleries, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and more, just a stone’s throw away is the leafy suburb of Edgbaston which has recently seen something of a resurgence.

If you’re staying in a Birmingham airport hotel, which are right by (you’ve guessed it!) the airport, and Birmingham International train station, then you are only a short rail journey or about a 30 minute cab ride away.

The closest train station to Edgbaston is Five Ways; from here you’re looking at around a 10 minute walk into the hub of the action. You’ll find restaurants aplenty, places for a cocktail or a coffee, beauty salons, upscale shopping and more green space than you can imagine a city centre suburb could have. Here are my thoughts on the best way to while away a relaxed day in this beautiful area.


1. Window shopping

window shopping in Edgbaston Birmingham

Window shop (or treat yourself!) at the stunning homewares in Oka and Neptune. From cushions to candleholders, furniture to faux foliage, there’s plenty to browse and potentially take home. Although you might struggle to fit a coffee table in your suitcase…


2. Time for lunch

When you’re ready for lunch you certainly won’t be disappointed. Edgbaston is packed with pubs, delis, cafes and coffee shops.

If you’re partial to South East Asian cuisine then the Blue Piano is a spectacular place for a leisurely lunch. I can highly recommend the fried calamari, the crispy duck noodle soup and the pandang pancake. And if the sun is shining, stay for a drink (the non-alcoholic lychee cocktail is so refreshing and light) in the stunning garden, which feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s also a children’s menu, and plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Blue Piano Edgbaston Birmingham
Calamari and Nasi Goreng at Blue Piano, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Non-alcoholic lychee cocktail at Blue Piano, Edgbaston, Birmingham

3. Explore Edgbaston’s green spaces

After lunch take a stroll around the beautifully manicured lawns and floral displays at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It’s an easy, five minute walk from the shops and restaurants of Edgbaston, and it is a wonderful way to pass a leisurely hour or two.

Botanical Gardens, Birmingham

You’ll find hundreds of species of flora and fauna, roaming peacocks, four glasshouses, and plenty to explore. If you have little ones in tow then there are two children’s play areas to keep them entertained, as well as a huge lawn to burn off some of that unrelenting energy.


4. Wine tasting

Wine tasting at Loki Wine, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Finish up with a drink at the classy yet relaxed Loki wine bar and deli. You can choose from more than 30 wines, or a wide selection of craft ales, as well as soft drinks. Loki has a unique approach to wine tasting, with wine ‘vending machines’ where you can try 25ml samples before you choose to plump for a full glass. Or you can just keep going with the tasters; it’s entirely up to you. If something really takes your fancy, you can pick up a bottle to take home.  If you’re not too full from lunch, Loki also serves a number of deli items to graze on while you enjoy your drink.

Loki Wine, Edgbaston, Birmingham

After all of the food, drink and fresh air, you’ll no doubt be ready to hit the hay back in your comfy hotel room! Enjoy :o)

Sarah

This is a collaborative post. The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.

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