24 Hours In: Birmingham

Birmingham is a city that's grown close to my heart, it's changing all the time with something fresh and exciting to discover. The title of this publication suggests a stringent one day experience in Birmingham but that's where the similarity ends! What can be accomplished in any 24 hour period in Birmingham? Maybe just for the morning or even the whole day and night?

I don't care for shopping that just doesn't impress me much! I would rather discover a different side to a destination to see something that makes me smile. Bournville, a chocolate inspired community that's located just outside of Birmingham's city center core brings something sweet for sure. Hit the ground running by taking the train to the quaint Quaker side of Birmingham to see that this city is more than just the Bullring! There's just something about Bournville, for Cadbury World is a great addition I loved the small but friendly parade of businesses that keep this part of Birmingham real! We all want a sweet escape, right? I do so its always nice to trade the big smoke for the chocolate filled air of Bournville. As a child I visited Bournville, Birmingham purely for the Cadbury World factory and visitor experience but in December 2013 I wanted to incorporate my chocolatey day with a stroll around the center of Bournville Village. Enjoy that Dairy Milk chocolate and get a feel for this honest and picturesque side of England's second city!

Who asked to know? 24 hours in Birmingham only allows us to merely touch the surface of such an endearing city that's rising up. With that said I take back what I said about shopping in Birmingham, I'm not sugarcoating this but I'm quite partial to a spot of shopping in Birmingham that is when I have the funds to do so! November and December brings the Frankfurt Christmas Market to Birmingham's New Street and to both Victoria and Centenary Square's, this festive shopping experience really makes Birmingham pop during the festive season. But should there be something new for us to experience? Soon Birmingham will be the only city in the United Kingdom to boast a John Lewis, Harvey Nicholls and Selfridges so my friends that's a trifle of shopping opening to fill a portion of that 24 hours in Birmingham!?

Birmingham's Balti Triangle satisfies the taste buds for sure, it's all about trusting Birmingham to experience those gems away from the city center limits. Sparkbrook's Ladypool Road is only a nine minute drive from New Street, no excuse is good enough to bypass this part of Birmingham town! 24 hours brings an evening meal within that time so a Balti curry at Shabab's is a must, I ate there and loved every single part of my meal and restaurant experience. Trade the stuffy yuppie type eateries for some honest and flavoursome Kashmir cooking. Budgets do not have to be stretched or strained at any one of the restaurants within the Triangle for its very affordable for one person or for a whole family. Sparkbrook has more than just great food, for Ladypool Road boats a string of boutiques that specialise in bridal couture, whereas other stores sell traditional options such as Niqabs and other Islamic women's favourites. A Balti in Birmingham makes a memory during any 24 hour stay in Birmingham! It's Sparkbrook or bust!

If variety is your spice for life then Birmingham has a range of funky and contemporary dining choices that will most certainly fall nicely into that 24 hour time frame! Birmingham does it better by saying goodbye to the chains to favour some independent establishments to enjoy! Drink Gin from a bathtub at Jekyll and Hyde, Birmingham's very own Victorian Gin Parlour on Steelhouse Lane. Cool things down with a Bubble Tea from the Oriental bakery known as Caffe Chino, Cathay Street holds the key to that gem! I love Dim Sum from Hurst Street's Ken Ho Restaurant, I sampled and enjoyed  a range of authentic Cantonese dishes that rubbish the usual British Chinese takeaway. American food brings it better with a meal at Coast To Coast on Broad Street, a foodie must withing that infamous 24 little hours! 

More canals than Venice?! Yes, Birmingham boasts more urban waterways compared to our Italian counterpart. Birmingham's central canals have never looked better, with constant love and attention they are the perfect addition to any afternoon in this West Midland city. I loved the children's TV programme 'Rosie & Jim' when I was a boy, for the Birmingham canal boats remind me of the 'Old Ragdoll'. I do wonder if such a narrow boat has ever visited the urban waters of Birmingham? Industry plays a huge part in Birmingham's city center scene, the canals act as a memory of the Industrial age and now make a great place to experience! Set along Birmingham's central canal network is Brindleyplace, a canal-side complex of bars and restaurants, painting the perfect picture of Birmingham's industrially modern skyline. Catching a big name pop concert can be done at the NIA, this entertainment venue overlooks Birmingham's unique canal vista. Birmingham is more than just a city, its a urban wonder with undertones of yesterday!

Remember those 24 hours can mean so many choices when it comes to experiencing the city of Birmingham. Canals are cool but making a visit to the Edgbaston Reservoir on a pleasant afternoon with a few picnic bits can be an alternative option. Another outdoorsy option could be spending time relaxing within the grounds of Edgbaston's Cannon Hill Park, even on a mild September day its another great way to spend any Birmingham day doing little or nothing at all. Embrace the flower power at Birmingham's Botanical Gardens, a place that brings exotic plant life to Birmingham's cooler climbs. I need to get back to the Botanics soon for its been a while since I last visited. Forget that regimented tourist plan and why not spend an extra 24 hours in Birmingham? I know they say its a second city but Birmingham is first class! 

When the sun goes set on your morning and afternoon in Birmingham, the fun can truly well begin! Paint the town pink! The Village Inn awaits a night of campery and fabulousness. Get to know Birmingham's Southside district and be at one with the Gay Village! The Village Inn pumps up that jam on the weekend's so embrace that Friday feeling and groove to the beat of that Saturday night fever! It doesn't pay to sit in your hotel room during that midnight hour for The Village Inn welcomes one and all to enjoy! The Village Inn keeps things uncomplicated for the DJ's play all of my favourites anthems and throw some 80's club tunes in for good measure! Get into the groove to the latest chart toppers and have a moment with Whitney Houston for this Cabaret turned Nightclub brings it back! If 24 hours all that can be spent in Birmingham then I suggest a few shapes are thrown at The Village Inn, Hurst Street. On a night out in Birmingham I know The Village Inn is where I want to be seen! It's really simple, follow that Rainbow to find The Village Inn! 

Southside Birmingham welcomes everyone to enjoy their night in Birmingham, spend the evening at the Hippodrome Theatre by seeing a rather fantastic show is a winner for me! If that carriage changes into a pumpkin at midnight then don't despair for Birmingham's got plenty for those who don't favour a night on the tiles. But for the party animals who want to grab every last moment of that 24 hours in Birmingham the nightclubs of The Arcadian and Broad Street need not disappoint! Broad Street acted as my playground during my first year at university but now I like to take my nights Southside. Remember that area known as Brindleyplace? Well that canal-side entertainment avenue boasts a wide range of lively venues that offer a different vibe for those final few hours in Birmingham. Fall in love by marrying the night in Birmingham!

How Would You Spend Your 24 Hours In: Birmingham?Joseph Harrison