On the Trail of Peaky Blinders, Black Sabbath, and the Perfect Pint: An Alternative Guide to Birmingham
As the Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man releases this week, Birmingham is poised for a tourism surge. This guide explores the city's cultural hotspots, from Shelby-inspired murals to heavy metal shrines, offering a unique perspective on England's second city.
Culture: Shelby Murals and Sabbath Shrines
The runaway success of the TV crime drama Peaky Blinders has significantly boosted tourism to Birmingham and the West Midlands since its 2013 debut. Although much of the series was filmed in Merseyside, Yorkshire, and Manchester, the new movie The Immortal Man features extensive filming in and around Birmingham, sparking renewed interest.
Key locations include the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, where authentic recreations of streets and workshops appear in pivotal scenes, such as Charlie Strong's yard. At Digbeth Loc. Studios, fans can view Peaky Blinders murals by artist Mr Murals. For a deeper dive, consider a walking tour with a guide dressed as "Edward Shelby," priced from £20 per person, or visit the West Midlands Police Museum to see historic mugshots and original cells from the real-life gang.
Birmingham has also become a pilgrimage site for heavy metal fans, especially after Black Sabbath's final concert at Villa Park and Ozzy Osbourne's passing. Landmarks include Mr Murals' artwork on Navigation Street, signed by all band members, and The Crown pub, where Sabbath played their first gig. Don't miss Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, a tribute site where flowers were laid during Ozzy's funeral procession.
Beyond music, the Jewellery Quarter offers quirky attractions like the Pen Museum and The Coffin Works, a museum with a history of decorative fittings for notable funerals.
Where to Eat: From Fried Chicken to Fine Dining
Birmingham's culinary scene is diverse and thriving. Start at John Bright Street for brunch at Cherry Reds or sourdough pizza at The Stable. For a grungy vibe, visit Bonehead on Lower Severn Street, a favorite of celebrities like the Osbournes and Slipknot. The Saint Paul's Market food hall in the Jewellery Quarter features seven indie kitchens serving Persian, Indian, and Thai cuisines.
For fine dining, Opheem stands out as the first Indian restaurant outside London to earn a Michelin star, now holding two. The Jewellery Quarter's The Wilderness, housed in a former factory, recently won its first Michelin star, bringing the city's total to five. Chef-owner Alex Claridge crafts modern British dishes with surprising ingredient pairings, accompanied by a heavy rock playlist.
Where to Drink: From a Pint of Mild to Craft Beers
Pub culture remains vibrant in Birmingham, home to classic pints like M&B mild. Traditional pubs such as The Craven Arms, The Jewellers Arms, and The Wellington serve ales from the region. Pair your drink with a cheese and onion cob for an authentic West Midlands experience.
The craft beer revolution is also strong, with Attic Brew Co.'s Intuition being a popular choice. Sample their offerings at The Barrel Store in Stirchley, or explore the Stirchley Beer Mile, which includes three major brewers and numerous pubs.
Nightlife: From Irish Boozers to Experimental Music
Digbeth, Birmingham's original Irish quarter, is the heart of nightlife. Pubs like Nortons and The Old Crown offer Guinness and trad music sessions. The area is also home to experimental concert promoter Capsule, which hosts events like the Supersonic festival in venues such as Centrala.
After hours, dance to northern soul at The Night Owl or explore venues like Dead Wax and Suki10c for genres ranging from house to jungle.
Stirchley: The Hipster Hotspot for Cocktails and Breweries
A short train ride from New Street station, Stirchley boasts award-winning indies like Couch, named the UK's top cocktail bar, and Riverine Rabbit, a Bib Gourmand recipient. The neighborhood is also a beer hub, with three major brewers within a half-mile radius and the Stirchley Beer Mile offering a pub crawl experience.
Where to Stay: Georgian Hotels and Modern Townhouses
For accommodations, consider boutique hotel Saint Pauls House in the Jewellery Quarter, with doubles from £99, offering comfortable rooms on a Georgian square. Alternatively, the modern Frederick Street Townhouse, connected to The Button Factory pub, provides a cozy stay from the same price point.
This guide highlights Birmingham's rich cultural tapestry, blending historical nods with contemporary vibrancy for an unforgettable visit.
