Excellent 'living museum' with streets as they were in the height of the industrial Victorian era. A must see for canal boat fans - has many historic narrowboats moored in the basin here - including an old 'steamer' - 'President'
A great family day out - don't miss the trip into the limestone caverns by electric boat at the rear - unique experience - including chance for the kids to 'leg' the boat through a tunnel.
www.bclm.co.uk/
dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/
Tipton Road Dudley, DY1 4SQ
+44(0)121 557 9643
Google map: bit.ly/fz6aoQ
Right in the city centre, it is an unpretentious, affordable pleasant restaurant. It is one of those places where food matches space and space matches food. It is all one single coherent attractive concept. Their lentil sausages are great.
www.thewarehousecafe.com/whc
54-57 Allison Street, Birmingham, B5 5TH
+44(0)121 633 0261
Google map: bit.ly/hfTERZ
As its name may suggest to those jazz aficionados reading this, the Yardbird is the place to go in Birmingham for the best jazz, blues and soul around. Although the entry prices have a tendency to skyrocket at the weekend, during the week they offer numerous cheap or even free jam sessions and gigs to diverse and friendly crowds looking for a much needed alternative to Broad street.
Make sure you have a full wallet on you though because you can't pay by card.
Paradise Place, Birmingham, B3 3HJ
+44 (0)121 212 2524
nearest station: Birmingham New Street
Google map: bit.ly/c0w0VZ
A vintage clothing store set in a warehouse in Digbeth, Birmingham (though a new shop has opened on Corporation Street).
You can get anything you want here if you have the patience to rummage through the rails.
82-85 Digbeth High Street, Birmingham, B5 6DY
wearecow.blogspot.com/
Google map: bit.ly/atP7wi
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