So you feel you know Birmingham city centre, Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter pretty much inside out now but have you ventured to the southern suburb of King’s Heath? Historically in Worcestershire, Brum has claimed this area as its own and it’s not short of things to do. From music venues to markets, pastries to pizza, garms to the great outdoors, this little pocket just outside the city has got it all. Here are the best things to do in Kind’s Heath.
1. Try food from the latest pop-up guest at The Juke
The Juke is not hard to miss with its popping pink front and a tonne of benches for you to chill on during warmer climes, and its perfect for a good catch up and a pint of locally-brewed craft beer. The King’s Heath bar regularly joins forces with Birmingham food businesses varying from ramen to burgers, having a temporary residence in their kitchen to serve up some exciting and flavoursome food to guests. The Juke also has a vintage jukebox to bring you plenty of music to enjoy a chilled night out.
The Juke, 16 York Road, King’s Heath, B14 7RZ
2. Discover the best local food and drink at King’s Heath Farmer’s Market
Taking place on the first Saturday of every month, you’ll find a real hubbub about the place as well as a range of delicious food and drink to choose from. Described as a slice of foodie heaven in the centre of King’s Heath, this market is not wrong as it boasts stalls selling fresh produce, pastries as well as proper pies by the likes of Rourkes Pies. You’ll find baked goods such as decadent brownies from local bakers BAKE and a wide selection of cheese from local company Curds & Whey, plus anything from soaps to spirits too. You’ll definitely end up leaving here with something to take home for sure!
King’s Heath Farmers Market, King’s Heath Village Square, B14 7RA
3. Tuck into an Instagrammable dessert at The Milk Cake Man
Nestled down King’s Court just off High Street is possibly one of the most incredible ice cream parlours you’ll find in the city. Specialising in deluxe soft-serve ice cream and Spanish iced lattes, The Milk Cake Man offers some of the most unique flavour combinations out there. And they’re jaw-droppingly beautiful. To take your sweet treat that one step further, bordering on extra, The Milk Cake Man offers ice cream pots topped with crumbled Oreo soil, a chocolate flake and a fluffy cloud of pink candyfloss to create an unbelievably-edible cherry blossom tree dessert. And trust us, it’ll be hard not to resist getting a pic of this dreamy creation as it’s so wonderfully Instagrammable.
The Milk Cake Man, Unit 3 King’s Court, Rear Of 90 High Street, King’s Heath, B14 7JZ
4. Feel like a lord or lady of the manor at Highbury Hall
Located between King’s Heath and Moseley and just three miles from the city centre, Highbury Hall offers the best of both worlds. Not only is it easily accessible, but it also boasts a tranquil and secluded setting so much so you might think you are in the heart of the countryside. Based in Highbury Park, the second biggest park in the area, it features a magnificent Grade II listed mansion house, part of the estate of former Birmingham mayor Joseph Chamberlain. You’ll also find Highbury Orchard within the grounds, a community project that grows fruit, veg and keeps bees in a formerly neglected corner of the Highbury Hall estate.
Highbury Hall, 4 Yew Tree Road, Moseley, B13 8QG
5. Get a slice of the action at POLI
Possibly one of the top pizza purveyors in Birmingham, and definitely in King’s Heath, POLI brings customers some mighty fine pizzas. From puttanesca (vegan option available) to nduja and garlic-fermented honey, these woodfired sourdough pizzas with gorgeously puffed-up crusts will leave you incredibly satisfied and planning your next visit. Plus, if you happen to have more room order some small plates like miso roasted corn with lime and parmesan or mussels, leek & Oliver’s Cider cream sauce served with house sourdough bread. You can even order ice cream sandwiches by Happy Endings to well and truly finish your meal in style and comfort.
POLI, 21 York Road, King’s Heath, B14 7SA
7. Be wined and dined at Grace + James
If you’re after somewhere to wind down after work, Grace + James is the place. The natural wine bar and shop has a terrace on York Road for you to enjoy an al fresco tipple and they even have a canopy in case of any untoward weather that may come your way. The Kings Heath wine bar also serves plenty of deli delights including an array of cheeses (hello, truffle brie) to pair perfectly with your chosen glass (or bottle) of wine. After something more substantial? Head quite literally upstairs to Upstairs where you can tuck into breakfast, brunch, lunch or a Sunday roast.
Grace and James, 23 York Road, King’s Heath, B14 7SA
7. Skim through vinyl LPs at Polar Bear Records
For all the music lovers out there this independent record store sells a range of genres from indie, folk, jazz and blues on CD and vinyl. Here, you’ll be able to find anything including niche genres and some rare LPs from the 60s through to some of the latest music being released. At Polar Bear Records you can easily get lost in the music whilst you dig for unique LPs, plus you never know yu may find a new band, artist or type of music from the experience. Be sure to check out their Facebook group where they announce their latest releases on the shelves.
Polar Bear Records, 10 York Road, King’s Heath, B14 7RZ
8. Take a stroll around Kings Heath Park
With a massive 35 acres, two playgrounds, stunning gardens, walking and jogging routes, tennis courts and bowling greens spending a day in the sun at King’s Heath Park can be a fun-filled day out for all ages. Bask in the sun during the summertime or head out for a stroll with a takeaway hot drink in hand during the autumn and winter, whatever the season you always get a dose of nature at this urban park. Bit peckish or in need of cover from the British weather? Head into Cartlands Independent tearooms located within the park for a spot of tea and cake or if you’re feeling ultra hungry enjoy an afternoon tea here too.
King’s Heath Park, Vicarage Road, B14 7TQ
9. Bag yourself some vintage garms at Top Banana
York Road in King’s Heath is where it’s at. Not only can you enjoy a few drinks, top food, and buy some records but you can also get a new wardrobe. Specialising in both men’s and women’s fashion, Top Banana Vintage is small but you’ll find some unique clothes and shoes to call your own. The vintage shop mainly specialises in Converse and Vans footwear and a have a cracking collection of Hawaiian shirts, plus official NHL & NFL jerseys, tops, t-shirts and hoodies, if they’re your jam.
Top Banana Vintage, 14 York Road, King’s Heath, B14 7RZ
10. Gorge on unbelievable pastries from The Early Bird Bakery
You may already know The Early Bird Bakery for its epic Double Decker-stuffed pain au chocolats and it’s without a doubt that it has got its pastries down to a fine art. And the flavours are incredible! The bakery serves delightful pastries including Snickers cruffin, apricot and matcha brioche, BBQ pineapple and coconut crème pât Danish and peanut butter and raspberry éclair. This bakery just keeps on giving as it also serves brunch dishes like ‘Nduja scrambled eggs, toasted croissant, morcilla iberica, slow roast peppers, goats cheese, almond & chives.
The Early Bird Bakery, 28 High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7JT
11. Head to a gig at Hare & Hounds
One of the city’s most well-known independent music venues, Hare & Hounds regularly hosts gigs by some of the best talents, both on an international and local scale. Previous acts which have graced Hare & Hounds include Bonobo, Marlena Shaw, Loyle Carner, Lizzo, Roy Ayers and more. This gig venue is quite unique as beautiful Art Nouveau tiles line the pub’s entry hall and staircase.
The pub boasts two downstairs bars which host a weekly pub quiz on Wednesdays, the hugely popular Blues Club on Saturday afternoons, comedy workshops and more. The two upstairs venues feature live music and club nights spanning jazz, indie, funk, reggae, hip hop, soul, house, techno, drum & bass and beyond, so there’s bound to be a performance you’ll like. You’ll also find One Star Döner Bar serving ‘posh kebabs’ there at the moment too!
Hare & Hounds, 106 High Street, King’s Heath, B14 7JZ