Mell Square Shopping Centre in Birmingham is located in the heart of Solihull, with a wide range of high street retailers and an array of independent boutiques offering the best in fashion and interiors to fulfil all your shopping needs.

How to get here
Mell Square is easily accessible by bus, train and car.
By Car
Mell Square is situated in the Town Centre, which is easily accessible by car.
Take J5 on the M42 and follow the signs to Solihull Town Centre. Alternatively from Birmingham take the A41 into Mell Square.
By Train
Solihull Railway station is situated within walking distance of Mell Square ensuring a safe and direct route into the heart of shopping.
Solihull is on the Birmingham to Leamington Spa line. Services operate from Birmingham at least every twenty minutes and there is an hourly service between Solihull and London Marylebone and between Solihull and Worcester.
By Bus or Coach
Mell Square is easily accessible by bus, with regular services connecting Solihull to most of the West Midlands.

Touchwood Shopping Centre, Birmingham

Touchwood in Solihull is an award winning, 650 000 square foot shopping destination which opened its doors in September 2001. Seamlessly woven into Solihull’s existing town centre, Touchwood has become a blueprint for in-town development thanks to our innovative design, easy access to the M42 and our 1,700 car parking spaces. Since opening in 2001, Touchwood has consistently delivered increased sales and footfall every year. Touchwood regularly outperforms national footfall and sales figures. Retailers such as Zara, Hollister, John Lewis and Apple have all been attracted by Touchwood’s reputation for innovation and excellence. Through listening to guests, careful research and working alongside several key organisations, our success continues.

Touchwoods vision was to create an environment that not only extended the retail, commercial and leisure offer of Solihull but also integrated into the existing fabric of the town centre. Located just nine miles east of Birmingham, Solihull has established itself as an attractive metropolitan borough with its own unique character. Therefore in building Touchwood our goal was to build a centre that would complement the architectural and landscape qualities of Solihull whilst delivering the finest retail offer in a secure and welcoming environment. Touchwood’s charter was to enhance the architectural and landscape qualities of Solihull, incorporating itself into what was already an expanding regional shopping destination. The centre has successfully improved the neighbouring facilities with elegant malls, a stylish retail offer and civic gardens providing green spaces for the community to enjoy. Touchwood benefits from natural light throughout the centre and each arcade has been developed with its own personality and ambience to enhance the shopping experience.

Touchwood is committed to providing Solihull and the wider region with an attractive and vibrant range of stores. The centre is home to the only John Lewis store in the Midlands. Last year Apple opened only their 11th store in the UK at Touchwood. Apple was joined by other attractive brands including Paperchase, Ghost and Swarovski. Over recent years, their guest’s experience has been further enhanced with events such as seasonal fashion shows and music festivals.

As a testament to our success, Touchwood has won many plaudits from several leading organisations:
* Retail Week UK Retail Destination of the Year 2002
* BCSC Best New Shopping Centre 2002
* Best Major New Shopping Centre 2002
* BCSC Purple Apple Award 2003
* AA Secured Car Park
* Park Mark Award 2004-2008
* Green Award: National Green Champion 2011
* BCSC Purple Apple Merit: Integrated Marketing Campaign 2012
* BCSC Purple Apple Merit: Best Event 2012
* Solihull Chamber Member Employee Award – Customer Care 2013
Some interesting statistics about Touchwood:
* Touchwood cost £110 million to build.
* 250,000 cubic metres of earth were excavated to form the basements.
* Over 4,000 piles support the Touchwood structure of 650 000 square feet.
* 70,000 cubic metres of concrete were cast to create the structure.

How To Get Here:
By Car
Touchwood is located in the heart of Solihull and is easily reached by car. Junction 5 of the
M42 is only a short distance away from Solihull town centre, providing a convenient link
to the M6, M5 and M40 motorways.
There are 6,000 car-parking spaces in the town centre, 1,700 of which are in Touchwood itself. Life has been made easier thanks to extra-wide parking bays. Now you will never be wedged in by the car next to you again – no matter how many bags you are carrying! There are specially designated parking bays for guests with special needs located throughout the car parks adjacent to the entrances. For those using satellite navigation devices, the postcode for Touchwood is B91 3GJ. At Touchwood we encourage everyone to consider the environment. Fortunately, the centre is well-serviced by local public transport networks and we have ample bike parks to faciltate cyclists.
By Train
Solihull Train Station is conveniently situated just a 10 minute walk from Touchwood.
By Bus
Regular bus services connect Solihull with most parts of the West Midlands.
For all bus travel information across the West Midlands call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or please visit www.centro.org.uk
By Bicycle
If you are visiting Touchwood by bicycle, there are ample cycle parks situated at the following locations around the centre:
Touchwood Car Park just outside the Orange Welcome Hall
Cloister Walk, near John Lewis entrance
Jubilee Gardens, Homer Road
Library Square, near the Solihull Arts Complex

Piccadilly Arcade Shopping Centre, Birmingham

Just off New Street stands the Piccadilly Arcade. Famous for its’ hand-painted ceilings and independent specialist retailers, including Hustle & Flow, an urban fashionista hotspot and Onyx Workshop and Piccadilly Jewellers, both of whom deal in high quality jewellery. You’ll find experienced staff to help guide you through your purchase here. Drop into Smithsonia for some original and delightful gift ideas, or why not say it with flowers at Petals of Piccadilly? Or for a pampered experience, head to Finishing Touches for a range of hair and beauty treatments or to Marco Benito’s nail bar.

It’s a very popular destination within Birmingham for shopping because it’s very open, not like your usual multi-storey shopping mall (even though they’re awesome!). Instead of being remembered for it’s ultra-shopping expereince with every store you could think of, followed with four levels and a huge food court – it’s remembered for it’s unique charaterisits, including the hand-painted ceilings. As much as we love everything in one place, how much of it all is a headache, really? It’s just nice sometimes to try something different and be somewhere different especially. With just twelve shops to indulge in, rest assured you will be able to browse, admire and shop at your own leisure and we are also sure that even if you have not come here for some shopping, that you will enjoy your experience at the Piccadilly Arcade Shopping Centre.

The Great Western Arcade Shopping Centre, Birmingham

The Great Western Arcade Shopping Centre in Birmingham, is located in the heart of the city. Birmingham is a thriving retail centre, with a huge choice of shops, restaurants and other attractions. Whatever the reason for your visit, do pop in to have a look at The Great Western Arcade. It’s well worth a visit. Amidst vibrant Birmingham’s modern hustle and bustle, one retail environment stands apart. With quiet sophistication, and genteel elegance, The Great Western Arcade whisks you back to the city’s proud Victorian heritage. Within this majestic 1876 parade, independent boutique-style retailers, genuine specialists and a sprinkling of high street names give discerning shoppers the feel that beautiful discoveries await behind every door.

The Arcade was built by the Great Western Company in 1876/77 to span a tunnel for the railway line between Moor St and Snow Hill stations. WH Ward designed the Arcade strongly influenced by Joseph Paxton’s pioneering Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace in 1851. Having sustained bomb damage in World War 2, the entrance at Colmore Row was rebuilt to a different style and the original roof was replaced by an apexed construction rather than the original arched roof. The plaster mouldings above the doors on the balcony remain adding to its original splendour. The stone masonry on Temple Row is still in good order and remains a focal point of interest with both tourists and students. The Arcade underwent restoration works in 1984 and in recognition of these efforts the Birmingham Civic Society awarded the arcade a prize in 1985. In 1988 the Arcade was voted Birmingham’s favourite building. As the Arcade continues to provide a popular shopping environment the current owners, Aviva Investors, undertook further major refurbishment in 2009, investing £250,000 in the project.

In addition to being completely repainted throughout to provide a new look and clean appearance, the project included the repair and refurbishment of the floor. A state-of-the-art lighting system has also been installed utilising the existing wrought iron Victorian globe lights which run along the full length of the Arcade balcony. The computer controlled lights have the ability to change to any colour within the entire spectrum and can be selected to alter the mood within the Arcade, depending upon the time of day or year, or for special events. The Arcade’s original Victorian chiming clock has also received a complete overhaul and although the Westminster chime will not be operational every day, plans are for it to be heard on special occasions and events.

Getting Here
By Car
Ample car parking can be found nearby, particularly in the Snow Hill car park.
By Train
The Great Western Arcade is located in the heart of Birmingham, just opposite Snow Hill railway station, which is also the terminus for the Metro line from Wolverhampton. Linking the city’s commercial centre to the main retail area, the Arcade is only a few minutes walk from Birmingham’s main New Street railway station.
By Bus
The Great Western Arcade is well served by buses, with most stopping on Colmore Row, Corporation Street and Bull Street.
Get in Touch
Great Western Arcade
Colmore Row
Birmingham
B2 5HU
Tel: 0121 236 5417

Pavilions Shopping Centre, Birmingham

On Birmingham’s High Street there is the major Pavilions Shopping Centre, jam-packed with top names. From major high street retail brands including Marks & Spencer, Hobbs, Waterstones and La Senza to tiny, independent gift boutiques such as Wysteria Lane or the natural food and ingredients retailer, Julian Graves. There is something for everyone suiting from a range of personalities. Birmingham being a major city in the UK, offers a fantastic array of shopping places, cusines, farmers markets and independant boutiques. The West Midlands is loved by many for not just the shopping, but the fascinating scenary, historic landmarks, cosy retreats and breathtaking landmarks. A destination loved by the hikers, tourists, families and travellers. Adding to that, Birmingham is only a two hour drive from Manchester and London making it a very popular place to live and commute.

Pavilions Stores:
Char Wallah
Evans
Fabulous Eyes and Brows
H&M
Lo’Occitane
Laura Ashley
Moss Suit Company
Marks and Spencers
National Express West Midlands
Newsflow
Pavilions Food Loft
PHB Ethical Beauty
Subway
3G
Thorntons
Unis Internet Lounge
Waterstones

Shopping has to include a food break, where better than to recharge your energy levels other than The Food Loft? At the top of the mall, The Food Loft is known to be a great place for people to grab a light snack or a refreshing cup of tea. Your visit to the Pavlion Shopping Centre wouldn’t be a true experience if you wasn’t to visit The Food Loft. Pavilions have merged in seven mouth-watering options of food choices, ranging from freshly prepared sandwiches within store to Traditional British Diners. With the Food Loft you have a choice of: Cafe Napoli, Druckers, Fat Jackets, Harpers, Natural Choice (perfect for vegetarians) and Viet! Cafe.
Cafe Napoli – had enough of takeouts from Dominos and dining out at Pizza hut? Maybe you want to experience traditional homemade pizzas and pastas? If this is the case, Cafe Napoli is your choice. Within store their knowledgeable and passionate staff are awaiting to serve you your freshly prepared pastas, pizza topping classics followed with a range of bolognaise sauces. Beware – may want to bring a clean shirt with you, some facial wipes and extra napkin, yum!
Druckers – If you’ve stayed in a Premier Inn before and opted for the light continentional breakfast instead of the full fry up, you will love Druckers. Druckers provide religiously for the cakes, pastry and contintental taste buds. From hand-made cakes and patisseri to the finest teas and coffees, you will be able to recharge your batteries in a lighter form, dining within a unqiue eating expereince.
Fat Jackets – these of course are Pavilions specialists at providing you with the greatest jacket potatoe in Birmingham. If you’re a vegetarian, you will know how much of pain it is when you’re dining out and restaraunts only offer you a few options. Here you can find the perfect meat free or meaty filling for your jackets. From a fresh range of irresistable fillings, followed with one giant potato ready for your journey home or the start of your shopping journey.
Harpers – If you’re bringing the kids or if you are just after something simple and easy, don’t miss out on a Harpers. Harpers provide steaming, tasty and proud dishes – these are traditional british dishes perfect for the fussy eaters especially. Bring your everday favorite food thoughts into Harpers and enjoy Sausage and Mash, Steak and Kidney Pie and Fish and Chips.
Natural Choice – another accessible option for any vegetarians, healthy eaters and anyone who is just after a light snack or a meal. Natural Choice provide their customers with a rang of vegetarian dishes including pastas, pies and pancakes. We all love a bit of pasty (even if it isn’t our waistlines best friend!), so Natural Choice have put the fun back into eating meat-free pies, certainly a healthier range as well so it’s a win win situation for everybody!
Viet! Cafe – If you’re not French, you’re still allowed to dine here don’t panic. Viet! Cafe supply a range of freshly-made french baguettes, paninis and french pastries. So if this is your first time in the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Birmingham – be sure you try something else new if you haven’t, and head into Viet! Cafe, rest assured your tastebuds will love it!

Grand Central Shopping Centre, Birmingham

The Grand Central Shopping Centre back in 2012, replaced the “The Pallasades” Shopping Centre. The major shopping centre was renamed following with a whopping £600 million redevelopment. The Pallasades shopping centre was renamed and transformed and is now known to most shoppers as the “Grand Central Birmingham”which opened back in 2014. Birmingham Retail Bosses have been on a mission since the news went viral back in 2012, and that mission has been in full swing with the Grand Central now operating, and then the New Street Station undergoing major transformations also. One part of the major transformation was the creation of the 250,000 sqft John Lewis store which is surrounded by more than 50 shops, including globally known brands to smaller brands, outlets and independant boutiques. Birmingham has always had a huge demand for the retail industry, and especially a larger one that’s for sure. Managing Directors from John Lewis have come together with other retail owners and have agreed it’s been a great success for the start of the larger retail industry within Birmingham.

So if you are heading into the city of Birmingham, be sure to check out the Grand Central Shopping Centre. The new design of the Grand Central features curved archways which are surrounded with glass panelled ceilings, a truly stunning place to shop. The Grand Central name was inspired by Birmingham’s central railway connections and major bosses were hoping that the major, fairly new shopping palace was predicted to arract around 50 million visitors a year. A shocking figure that is phenominal for retailers, especially since the Recession. It’s also great to hear for once, that Birmingham has not solely focused on turning this major land space into houses and as instead, focused on growing the shopping industry for Birmingham local residents and tourists.

Shops within the Grand Central Birmingham:
The Perfume Shop
Carphone Warehouse
Newsflow
Paperchase
Jermyn Street Shirtmaker
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Foyles
Select
Hobbs London
Tiger
Love Aroma
T.H. Baker
Jacques Vert
Pandora
Steel & Jelly
Whittard of Chelsea
Gob Stoppers
Monsoon Accessorize
Cath Kidston
Joules
FatFace
The White Company
Kiehl’s
L’Occtiane

Dining Shops
Ed’s Diner
Nando’s
Costa
Fuel Juice Bars
Frizzenti
YakiNori
Francesca – Italian Diner
Cocomacs
PAUL
Crepeaffaire
Carluccio’s
SquarePie
Giraffe
YO SUSHI!
Tortilla
PHO
Tapas Revolution
Caffe Concreto
Handmade Burger Co
As you can see, some of those brands stand out to most of us – however many of the 60 shops that are now situated there are new to the city making it a more excting experience for tourists and local residents.

The Jewellery Quarter

The home of British jewellery with a growing arts scene and plenty of great restaurants and bars.
Home to more diamond rings, finishing touches and tokens of love than anywhere else in the country, this is the beating heart of the nation’s jewellery manufacturing. Over 40% of British jewellery is made in Birmingham’s unique Jewellery Quarter.

There are over 100 specialists and craftspeople to be found here making it a wonderful place to explore and the perfect place go for THAT present, but at a price to surprise. Part of the appeal of going direct is that many of the Jewellery Quarter retailers have workshops on the premises, so a special gift can be commissioned on site!

There’s a buzzing arts scene here too with galleries, wedding shops and fashion specialists mingling with the latest restaurants, serving everything from Neapolitan to Nepalese cuisine. Plenty of places for a drink and a dance too including several in the stunning St Paul’s Square, such as Jools Holland’s legendary Jam House and Après in Summer Row.

The Mailbox

The Mailbox pretty much sums up the Birmingham of 2005 – a bold, contemporary design statement home to clothing boutiques, Michelin-grade restaurants and stylish bars. An architectural icon for a city full of confidence. Yet you still have to walk under a motorway to get there.

The Custard Factory

Fans of Bird’s Custard will get an extra-creamy kick out of shopping here. Now home to cool independent shops and boutiques, this old factory has said goodbye to the hairnets and conveyor belts, and said hello to holistic therapy and contemporary jewellery. Also has theatre café, dance studios and art gallery – oooh, aren’t you cultured?

Birmingham Bullring

The jewel in the crown of the modern Birmingham. Karen Millen, Miss Sixty, TopShop, Warehouse, Boots, Borders, HMV and Nike – the biggest names in retail are all here in Birmingham. The star attraction is Selfridges and the stunning bubble wrap that it lives in. Curvaceous, unique and glamorous, it’s a design icon that Birmingham is proud of.

The post Birmingham Shopping Centres appeared first on Living In Birmingham.

There are bustling high streets to explore in Acocks Green, Alum Rock, Yew Tree, Lozells, Villa and Soho Roads; an arty crowd in Moseley; great live music in Kings Heath; a student city in Selly Oak; amazing Asian cuisine in Sparkbrook and Springfield and a cosmopolitan shopping centre in beautiful Sutton Coldfield.

From traditional, independent butchers to favourite high street fashion names, discover the delights of buying goods and services from the city’s local neighbourhood stores and markets.

Within half an hour of Birmingham there are some great places to shop in the towns and villages of the West Midlands region.

Acocks Green

The Acocks Green Village is a vibrant, bustling and welcoming place where favourite high street names sit alongside much loved local independent outlets.

Acocks Green more than delivers on great quality, fresh and locally-sourced food. With over 180 outlets, take your time to explore and discover a few surprises. Two traditional butchers, two independent greengrocers, a baker and a Polish deli all add up to a feast of choice. If handbags, shoes and the latest fashion is your thing, enjoy exploring our fashion outlets. High street names and independent treasures burst with latest fashions at affordable prices.

A dance school, kickboxing club, gym and exercise classes can all be found at the heart of Acocks Green village and just a stone’s throw away is the Fox Hollies Leisure Centre with courts, all-weather pitches, pool and gym.

For something a little different, how about indoor laser tag with aliens? Or for more sedate exercise, there’s a 20- lane tenpin bowling alley at the western tip of the Village. For the ultimate relaxation treat yourself to a pampering massage, a revitalising facial, stylish nails, an array of holistic therapies and a fabulous new haircut at one of the eleven salons in the area.

Acocks Green has an abundance of restaurants with something to satisfy most tastes. A long-established Italian, vibrant Indian restaurants, great British food and a multitude of take-away restaurants offer a surprisingly wide choice. From traditional cafés to trendy coffee bars, an early morning coffee, a daytime treat or lunchtime meal can all be had in any of six outlets around the Village.

Acocks Green’s three pubs offer a wealth of real ales and wines as well as freshly-prepared, food throughout the day. To surf the net in-between shopping Wi-Fi is available at Wetherspoon’s.

Alum Rock

Alum Rock is a vibrant shopping area, with a retail offer entirely made up of independent outlets.

Alum Rock is famous for its Asian fashion clothing, so whether you are shopping for smart everyday clothing, a designer outfit or for your wedding day, it has a huge choice of high quality and fashionable clothing to suit all budgets.

As well as attracting customers from afar, Alum Rock also caters for thousands of shoppers daily from all over Birmingham.

The local centre also benefits from several independent supermarkets, specializing in a wide variety of South Asian fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices. Here you’ll find those hard-to-find ingredients to create your own culinary masterpiece!

With a wide selection of restaurants and eateries offering food from across the Sub-Continent, Alum Rock has a thriving café culture offering sweet pastries and treats.

There is an overwhelming choice and selection of restaurants and foods from all over the world, so why not take the opportunity to try a selection of our local beverages whilst enjoying the Star City Entertainment Complex, located just a few minutes away?

Star City has one of the largest cinemas in the country, showing the latest Hollywood and Bollywood releases. Indoor miniature golf and plenty of restaurants make Star City the ideal place for visitors young or old.

The Yew Tree

The Yew Tree is a welcoming and compact local shopping centre three miles south east of the city centre.

Take time to explore all that the Yew Tree has to offer and a few exceptional surprises along the way. Alongside a small number of national names, the Yew Tree is well known for its unique range of independent local shops and businesses and the warm and friendly welcome offered by retailers.

The Yew Tree offers great quality and fresh produce. Two traditional butchers, independent greengrocers and an Irish deli all add up to a wide range of choices to tempt the whole family.

You can buy posh frocks; get help from key cutters, travel agents, hairdressers and many more. Also not forgetting are the high street chemist and supermarkets for your daily shopping needs.

Whether you’re after an indulgent bacon sandwich to set you up for a day shopping, an authentic Bangladeshi or a Spanish Tapas meal out with friends and family, or a sumptuous sandwich or pastry for lunch, the Yew Tree has something for everyone.

Hidden gems for eating are here in the Yew Tree, from Indian Restaurants, great fish and chips plus a variety of fresh and tasty takeaway food. You can grab a pizza, sandwich, and a range of other delicious foods on the move.

Lozells, Villa and Soho Roads

This area is known across the city as a centre of multi-cultural activity, with a cosmopolitan feel. Pavements bustling with busy shoppers and residents mean the area is always lively and vibrant.

The area has nearly 300 stores, the majority of which are independent retailers providing a wealth of choice and a shopping experience that will not be found anywhere else.

Independent food stores supply cuisine from all around the world and there are beautiful Asian fashion stores and a number of jewellers as well as a range of useful high street stores should you need to stock up on essentials.

Handsworth Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool can be found in Handsworth Park – within easy walking distance. An ice cream and a play in the park might be the perfect reward for children after a morning of shopping while boating in the summer is particularly popular.

Don’t miss historic Soho House where Matthew Boulton lived. A leading industrialist who met with scientists and inventors in the 18th century, Boulton helped develop Birmingham into one of the most important cities in the world.

If you have inquiring taste buds, you can enjoy the tastes of every continent in Lozells. The area is served by a wide variety of restaurants and cafés to sit back and grab a snack, as well as takeaways that can cater for every taste; from delicious jerk chicken to the spices of the East, freshly made crusty baguettes and a traditional fish and chip shop.

Mosely

Moseley Village has a strong identity as a creative place. It combines history with successful independent businesses to make it a much desired place to visit.

If you want an individual shopping experience, set amongst beautiful architecture, try Moseley. Situated conveniently for public transport and by car, the area boasts over 100 retailers. The area has a mix of shops, from art galleries to patisseries, a high-end ethical clothing ‘recycler’ and specialist whole food shops.

Moseley also hosts one of the best known farmers markets in the city, every fourth Saturday of the month. The Market has won numerous awards, including the best national market in 2012.

Moseley has a number of community groups that deliver a range of activities including yoga, live music and horticulture. Activities take place in a variety of venues, from the Moseley Exchange, Moseley Dance Workshop, Church halls, pubs and bars.

If you are visiting for a longer period of time why not consider joining the stunning Moseley Park and Pool allowing you exclusive access around the historic grounds of one of the best kept secrets in Birmingham!

Don’t miss the nearby Moseley Bog and Sarehole Mill, which are part of the Tolkien Trail, both having inspired the writer to create Lord of the Rings.

You will be spoilt for choice as to where to dine! Be it a brief stop for a quick coffee refill, a late lunch, or a long leisurely meal, you can take your pick of the many restaurants, cafés, patisseries and pubs. You will find a varied menu of high class British, Italian, Indian, Thai or Spanish tapas dishes.

The night-time economy in Moseley is bustling. A choice place for young professionals, the Village hosts a number of public houses, many of which are independent and offer something a bit different. There are dozens of good places to eat with a multitude of menus to suit varying tastes.

Kings Heath

Kings Heath high street is jam packed with all the big name brands and a number of supermarkets and all the amenities you need for convenience. Situated just off the high street you will discover a range of independent retailers offering a diverse mix of interiors, fashions, health food, beauty, delicatessens and flowers. Whether it’s a tailor made suit, unique fashions, vintage gems or a gift you are looking for, you can find them all in Kings Heath.

Kings Heath also has a farmers market on the first Saturday of every month, which gives residents and visitors the opportunity to buy fresh and seasonal from local producers.

Fancy pampering yourself? Why not indulge in a manicure or have your hair done? There are various opportunities for doing so dotted around Kings Heath. If it’s a stroll in the park you prefer, Kings Heath has easy access to two beautiful parks, one of which is world famous for its school of horticulture and immaculate bowling green.

Sporting opportunities are abundant in Kings Heath within one of its many clubs or leisure centres or gyms. Looking for something for something for the kids on a rainy day? What not try one of our dedicated play centres?

If you’re looking for a caffeine hit to keep you going, Kings Heath has a range of independent cafés with personality, healthy and authentic foods and Wi-Fi access. The cafés in Kings Heath are very family friendly and many include special play areas for children.

There are a growing range of bistros and restaurants to try with friends and family. Contemporary Indian cuisine restaurants sit alongside authentic Thai, tapas, great British food and French food in a casual but chic environment.

Kings Heath also has a number of much loved public houses and great music venues, including the famous Hare and Hounds, renowned for its live music.

Selly Oak

Selly Oak town centre serves the needs of the student and local populations, with plenty of shopping and a bustling and vibrant nightlife.

Just a couple of miles from the city Centre, Selly Oak is located around the A38 (Bristol Road). The area combines national retail chains, boutique independents and a lively night-time economy.

There are several major supermarket chains on the Bristol Road for stocking up with essentials, while the Battery Retail Park is home to national DIY chains, electrical and fashion outlets. There’s a niche, independent retail nearby including grocers, furniture stores and hairdressers, even a specialist kite and juggling shop!

With the University of Birmingham on the doorstep, Selly Oak has a bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Where else could you have a Turkish breakfast, Chinese for lunch and Bangladeshi cuisine for dinner? Or perhaps enjoy a traditional pub quiz, or live music from unsigned local artists?

Sparkbrook and Springfield

Home of the famous ‘Balti Triangle’, Sparkbrook and Springfield is a culturally-diverse shopping centre specialising in Asian jewellery, fashion and food.

Sparkbrook and Springfield is a thriving and exciting place to shop. The area is made up of 3 smaller local shopping communities: Sparkbrook, Ladypool Road and Sparkhill, which includes the Springfield Shopping Parade.

It is a regular destination for out-of-town visitors who travel across the country to shop at the diverse and unique selection of Asian fashion and Jewellery retailers. Food shopping is also very popular. You can find numerous Halal meat and traditional Asian sweet shops, alongside food markets with wonderful spices and exotic fruit and vegetables that are hard to find elsewhere.

The Centre has Birmingham’s first Halal Chinese restaurant, plus restaurants offering cuisine from India, Bangladesh, East Africa and the Balti. The world famous Balti Triangle, where the best-known Balti houses can be found, can be found here. Check out the restaurants in Ladypool Road in particular. The majority of restaurants are not licensed for alcohol and welcome you to ‘bring your own’.

The area also has a number of East African-run cafés offering a variety of special coffees as well as a local bakery selling fresh traditional bread and pastries from stone baked ovens.

The recently-opened Chamberlain Health and Fitness Centre has been fitted out with the latest hi-tech equipment offering plenty of opportunity for those who wish to keep fit and healthy. Also located close by are Moseley Road Victorian Swimming Baths.

Sparkhill Park is located close to the Springfield shopping parade and is host to a number of local community events including an Annual Fun Fair and has both cricket and football pitches.

Sutton Coldfield

Sutton Coldfield, close to Sutton Park, combines historic architecture with a truly modern shopping experience. The Mall in Sutton Coldfield includes the likes of H&M and Monsoon whilst Worcester’s streets and arcades are lined with exclusive, one off boutiques and stores, perfect for every shoppers needs and desires.

A former borough town, Sutton Coldfield is the largest place to shop and relax within Birmingham outside of the city centre. Enjoy the variety Sutton Coldfield has to offer and soak up the atmosphere at one of the weekend markets.

There are three distinct shopping environments provided by the Red Rose Centre, The Mall and New Hall Walk, which brings ‘out of town’ shops into the heart of Sutton Coldfield. With a broad range of High Street names located on The Parade there is something for just about everyone!

There is nightlife and dining to suit every mood in and around Sutton Coldfield. The town centre offers a variety of easily accessible pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants and you can also socialise and dine in style in the outlying areas.

If clubs are your scene then Sutton Coldfield won’t disappoint with a selection of venues in and around Lower Parade.

You can be sure of a warm welcome at any one of the pubs in and around Sutton Coldfield, each offering its own ambiance, special ales and cuisine. If you fancy a relaxing evening away from it all, then try one of the eateries in Sutton Park or venture to the rural edge of Sutton Coldfield.

Sutton Park and the green belt areas in and surrounding the town centre give you the space to breathe. Take summer evening strolls in Sutton Park, go cycling through the country parks – you can even go strawberry picking during the summer weekends.

There are ample swimming and dry sports facilities at Wyndley Leisure Centre, a short walk from the town centre, as well as a feast of cultural, hobby or interest groups on offer throughout the area. You could even try your hand at sailing at Powells’ Pool or enjoy a round of golf – the Sutton Coldfield circuit is truly excellent! With four private golf courses set within the Constituency boundary and two additional municipal golf courses, there is something here for the keen golfer, no matter what your handicap.

Solihull

Solihull is a shoppers’ paradise as it’s the home of designer-brand shopping, idyllic rural villages, fine dining, fabulous hotels and spectacular live events. All the major designer labels and retail brands are here in one place such as: Prada, Dolce and Gabanna, Fabiana Fillipa, Armani, Hollister, Superdry, Space NK, Office, Hobbs and the only John Lewis department store in the Midlands are all situated here in a cosmopolitan, cafe culture environment. Locals and visitors can also find hundreds of high street favorites along side the beloved luxurious brands.

Combining vibrant activity with relaxing charm, Solihull offers some of the best shopping in the region as noted above. Amazing for entertainment, visitors can attend live events at the LG Arena and NEC surrounded by rural villages nestled in a beautiful countryside.

Whilst here, don’t miss the Touchwood Shopping Centre and Mell Square with its mix of high street favourites and boutique independents!

Brierley Hill, near Dudley

the massive Merry Hill Shopping Centre, owned by the Westfield group, boasts over 230 of the UK’s favourite retailers as well as a great range of restaurants. Are you planning on travelling a little further outside of Birmingham City? Be sure to drop by Worcester and Sutton Coldfield, their mix of the very best of the UK’s favourite retailers chains with one-off independent stores are not to miss out on.

The perfect hideaway to step away from the crowd. Just off the bustling Corporation Street, it offers great shopping without great fuss, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. Then it’s off to the largest GAP in the city or any of the other great fashion, travel or sports stores close at hand.

Burlington Arcade Shopping Centre, Birmingham

Just look for the Burlington Hotel next to Waterstones on New Street, and you’ll find this elegant little arcade. Inside you’ll find Uber, an exclusive men’s and women’s fashion retailer; Bad Apple Hair, one of our many cutting-edge stylists in the city, plus the premier designer retailer Flannels. And underneath all this, The Bacchus Bar, named after the Roman god of wine and intoxication, is one of the city centre’s best kept secrets for good food and drink.

The Square Shopping Centre, Birmingham

The Square is located in the city centre and is the perfect place to find unique shops, free wifi, great entertainment and nearby parking. You’ll find more than just your favourite high street shops like Next, Shoezone and Holland & Barrett, there’s also an extensive selection of independent retailers such as The Oasis Market for everything alternative in fashion.

It’s also the perfect day out with family or friends with some great places to eat and relax. Jumping with live events by local performers and well as an Urban & Vintage market on the first Saturday of every month.

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