Look, I didn’t want to bang on about it, but everyone in Birmingham has known for a long time that we’re living in an exciting food hotspot. But no one ever listens to Brummies, do they? However, it seems that, at last, people are starting to take notice of the city for more than Ozzy Osbourne and Peaky Blinders—as Condé Nast Traveller names Birmingham “the most exciting foodie destination in the UK”.
While “Manchester has its music” and Bristol has Banksy, it’s food that has put Birmingham on the map in recent years. Home to the most Michelin stars in any UK city outside London, the birthplace of the iconic balti curry, and an incubator for the country’s incredible street food scene, there are a million reasons to tuck in at “England’s most underrated city”.
What makes Birmingham the UK’s most exciting foodie destination?
While acknowledging Birmingham’s Michelin stars—Opheem even became the city’s first ever Two Michelin Star restaurant last year—Condé Nast Traveller foregoes talking about them to focus on more affordable eateries. Especially, “the clutch of new and newish openings that have brightened up a once-drab and chain-heavy food-and-drink scene.”
While established places like “plant-filled Medicine Bakery” and “Taiwanese bao spot Tiger Bites Pig” are name-checked for leading the charge, it’s spots like seafood-forward Albatross Death Cult and Hampton Manor’s new restaurant Kynd that are celebrated most. Plus, the likes of Grace & Savour, Tropea, Bonehead, Original Patty Men, The Courtyard, Morridge, Early Bird Bakery, Blow Water and Otto.
What’s happening in Stirchley?
There’s one neighbourhood, more than anywhere else, that gets a glowing review, and that’s Stirchley. Riverine Rabbit, the restaurant of the UK’s most exciting young chef, continues to be the talk of the town. But the award-winning cocktail bar Couch also gets its due. Stirchley’s Attic Brew Co, Eat Vietnam, Loaf and Caneat are all namedropped too.
What sets Birmingham apart?
The writer, Sarah James, who was born and raised in Birmingham, says it’s the service style that’s bringing in the punters to all these thriving businesses. Far from the “serious, transactional, sometimes indignant – or overly familiar – service” in more fashionable cities, Birmingham’s hospitality scene offers “authentic warmth”. Birmingham isn’t a holiday town. Brummie businesses “have to make a genuine connection” to survive—and we’re reaping the benefits.
To read the article in full head here.