Just in case you missed it, Joe Lycett, in his self-appointed role as the second city’s ambassador, has been visiting many of our city’s namesakes for ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’. The comedian visited everywhere from Canada’s Saskatchewan to the Deep South of the US to explore collective Brummie cultural commonalities.
In this cultural exchange, forming an official ‘Friendship Agreement’, he invited residents of Birminghams from around the world to visit our city—and took them on a walking tour of Birmingham. In true Joe Lycett fashion, it’s a peculiar mix of iconic and infamous landmarks. So let’s delve in, shall we?
1. Tesco Express
“I love it here, man!” Well, you’ve got to start somewhere, don’t you? Stock up and food and drink on New Street.
2. Timpson’s
Just to make sure you’re shoes are right before setting off, I guess!?
3. Primark
This is more like it. The world’s biggest Primark is something to be proud of! “Do you know what Primark is?” Joe asks his guests. “No!” they cry. Let’s move on…
4. Rotunda
This cylindrical, Grade II-listed office block is arguably one of the most iconic buildings in Birmingham’s skyline—and well worth gawping at.
5. Bullring Bull
Is there anything more Brummie than the Bullring bull, bab? No, I don’t think so! An icon of this city, it’s only slightly less famous than Ozzy Osbourne.
6. Selfridges
Joe’s fans should remember his brief name change to “Hugo Boss” to protest the company’s legal actions against small businesses. Located next to the spaceship-like Selfridges, here, you can tell the fashion company to “fuck off”.
7. The Glee Club
A venue close to Joe Lycett’s heart, The Glee Club was the first dedicated comedy club in the UK outside of London when it opened in 1994. Many local comedians cut their teeth here—from Jasper Carrott and Lenny Henry to Joe Lycett and Guz Khan—so why not swing by and catch the Brummie comedy stars of tomorrow?
8. Mr Egg
“You got to go Mr Egg, right?”
It’s not what it used to be, but the legend of Mr Egg lives on. To true Brummies, this legendary, greasy spoon, where you could ‘eat like a king for £1’, was the place that kept this city moving—serving everything from chips to fry-ups, jacket potatoes and baguettes until the early hours. It’s a pale imitation of itself these days.
9. Black Sabbath Bridge
Black Sabbath have to be the most famous Brummies in the world. Every metal band from Anvil to Anthrax has shared a seat with Tony, Bill, Geezer and Ozzy in Birmingham. And you should make the pilgrimage to the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, too.
10. Ozzy the Bull
Birmingham loves bulls, and it loves Black Sabbath. So what happens when you can combine them? You get a cult-like adoration for Ozzy the Bull, who now lives in New Street Station.
11. The Custard Factory
No, it’s not made of custard, nor does it make it any more. The Custard Factory is jam-packed full of Birmingham’s coolest shops, markets, bars, art and more
12. Travelodge
Well, you need somewhere to stay after a long day in Birmingham…
To see Joe Lycett’s full walking tour of Birmingham, check out Episode 4 of ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’ on Sky Max and Now TV.