It seems like I posted the last 10 on 10 five minutes ago, but here we are, in October. 2025 needs to come with a pause button! Anyhoo, a few weeks ago we had a 24 hour stay in Birmingham, Britain’s second city so I thought I’d do a quick recap.
We arrived in very soggy conditions (understatement) but we did glimpse some blue-ish sky in the afternoon. The town hall is the oldest venue in the city dating back to 1834. In the 50’s and 60’s it hosted rock and pop legends like Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones and of course, Birmingham’s very own Black Sabbath plus many more. After an extreme makeover in the early 2000’s, it’s now considered to be a little bit ‘posher’ and attracts slightly more sedate acts.
One of the things we love about visiting Birmingham is the sheer variety of food on offer, and this time we have our sights set on Shokupan, a new sando spot inside Society, a new stylish food hub in the city centre. While there’s pizza, an Asian kitchen, coffee, and even a full bar, we only have eyes for the sandos. We can’t go resist the Reuben – layers of smoked pastrami, melty cheese, sharp pickles, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and mustard, all tucked between thick slices of house-baked Japanese milk bread. It is insanely good. The owner diligently checks in with his happy customers. We leave with full bellies, wishing him every success.
After lunch we take shelter from the rain in Purecraft Beer and Brewing. There’s heaps of beers and ales on tap from Purity Brewing and the space is light and airy. It’s super popular and is usually packed but it’s very quiet when we visit, the weather must be keeping everyone away!
We check in at the Hyatt Regency, it’s so grey and miserable that there is not much to see from our 15th floor view but our room is spacious and comfortable if a little dated. On the plus side, it’s just a few minutes walk from the Utilita Arena where we’re heading tonight, even in this weather we can see it from the window!
Tonight we’re dining at Dishoom, one of a chain of restaurants famous for serving ‘Bombay Comfort Food.’ Everything here is fabulous – the food, the service, the whole experience. We’re too busy enjoying the food to take lots of pictures (and we’re sitting in a very dark spot,) but here’s the Birmingham special, the Lamb Rara and roti – I wish my picture could do this dish justice. It’s a really flavourful curry made up of both lamb mince and lamb chunks – sooo good!
From there, it’s just a leisurely stroll over to the arena to see one of our favorite bands, One Republic. Fun fact: the last time we saw them was back in 2017 in Anaheim – the night before we ran the Disneyland Half Marathon.
Fast forward to tonight, Ryan, the lead singer, admits he didn’t have a voice until two hours before the show. You’d never have guessed though, the band’s performance was incredible. One Republic really know how to rock an arena and the whole night is nothing short of amazing.
The next morning the sun is shining and making the statue of The Golden Boys look even shinier than usual! The statue is of pioneering industrialists Matthew Boulton, James Watt, and William Murdoch who all had an important part to play in the industrial revolution and in particular to Birmingham’s industrial past.
We head for breakfast to Waylands Yard. The outside looks pretty ordinary but inside it’s all great coffee, a delicious menu, cool vibes and it’s dog friendly too! The interior is big and bustling – especially for a Sunday morning . I think it’s fair to say that generally speaking, English people are not early risers. David’s Hashbrown Benedict is sensational and although my eggy crumpets with halloumi are delicious, I have a serious case of food envy!
Now is a visit to Birmingham a visit to Birmingham if you don’t see Ozzy the Bull? Ozzy can be found in Birmingham New Street station and is one of the most prominent art installations in the city. Named after the iconic Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne who was born and raised in Birmingham, his wife Sharon once said that the bull was more meaningful to Ozzy than any award. He really is a sight to behold!
After a bit of retail therapy, it is time to go home for these little country mice! You know what they say, a change is as good as a rest!
Who would you like to see in concert? Do you prefer a city break or an escape to the country?
