Peaky Blinder Foodie's Guide to Birmingham's Slogging Gangs
Did you know that Birmingham's gang culture such as that of the Peaky Blinders has had a significant impact on the city's food scene? Join us on a culinary tour of Birmingham's diverse cuisine, and discover how immigration and gang culture have shaped the city's palate. Just check out our Food Tour under the “Our Tours” section.
Birmingham is becoming known as a destination for foodies and, in 2022, was named the country's Most Exciting Food Destination. The City of a Thousand Trades has attracted people from all over the world who came to help rebuild the city after the war. They brought with them their foods and traditions, which were integrated into the city, which had already brought us Cadbury Chocolate, Typhoo Tea and Bird's Custard. On our food tour, you will learn all about these original Birmingham foods as well as the contributions to Birmingham's culinary scene from China, India, Pakistan and the Caribbean. On this tour, you will also hear about connections between some of Birmingham's restaurants and pubs to gangs in the city and learn all about the Balti Triangle. Food and love often go hand in hand. On our tour, you will learn about how the love between an Indian sailor and an Irish waitress brought a new cuisine to Birmingham, a brother's love for his sister brought us a drink which has become a British favourite, and the love of a man for his wife has improved many a school dinner dessert. We hope that your visit to Birmingham will make you love the city, its people, and its food.
If you are staying in Birmingham and would like to sample some of our best restaurants, we have suggestions for every budget and occasion, from brunch to dinner.
BRUNCH
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay is one of the leading Caribbean restaurants in the city and offers a Bottomless Brunch, which includes two hours of unlimited cocktails, mocktails, Red Stripe and prosecco. The food is a fusion of British and Caribbean foods, and there is a lively atmosphere and Caribbean-themed interior.
Address: 81-91 John Bright St, Birmingham B1 1BL,
Phone number: 0121 643 1303
BAKERIES AND COFFEE SHOPS
Medicine Bakery
Medicine offers authentic and unusual artisan bread and cakes with ethical and locally sourced ingredients. Their open, airy restaurant provides brunch items as well as a selection of teas and coffees to accompany their delicious cakes and pastries.
Address: 69a New St, Birmingham B2 4DU
Phone number: 0121 643 1188
CASUAL DINING AND CHEAP EATS
Canal House Bar and Restaurant
The Canal House in Birmingham was the 2019 winner of Best Pub/Bar in the Midlands at The National Pub & Bar Awards and is one of the stops on our historical night tour. It sits beside the Canal Basin and is linked to the Slogging gangs who used the canals to define many of the boundaries in their territories. Ever since Georgian times, the Canal House has been a place to stop and meet and get something to eat and drink. Nowadays, however, its original clientele of men working the canals has been replaced by locals and tourists looking to soak up the nightly live music whilst looking out over the picturesque canal basin. The food is an eclectic mix of traditional pub food and dishes which reflect the diverse make-up of the city. In addition, their nibbles and boards section offers a variety of dishes to share whilst enjoying their wide selection of beverages.
Address: 12 Bridge St, Birmingham B1 2JR
Phone number: 0121 643 8829
Otto
Otto Pizza resides in one of the old Jewellery Quarter Workshops and serves wood-fired pizza, which has been voted the best pizza in the city. In their rustic restaurant, they offer nine signature pizzas but also have vegetarian and vegan substitutes. Their charcuterie board features a selection of British charcuterie, served with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and a garlic and rosemary flatbread with two dips. Next door is the tiny Eight Foot Grocer, built in a former eight-foot-wide loading bay, where you can buy great produce to make your own picnic.
Address: 14 Caroline St, Birmingham B3 1TR
Phone number: 0121 233 3370
Purecraft Bar and Kitchen
PureCraft Bar & Kitchen says they believe in three things; "great beer, real honest food and Pure Quality service", and that is what they deliver! Their large selection of craft ales is what first attracted us to them and is why this pub is included in our historical night tour. It is also a great place to grab some hearty, well-cooked British food with offerings such as traditional pork pies, pork scratchings, fish and chips, burgers and wings. It has a pared-back contemporary interior and is great for a quick lunch or dinner.
Address: 30 Waterloo St, Birmingham B2 5TJ,
Phone number: 0121 237 5666
The Indian Streatery
This restaurant was set up by a family of foodies who initially operated as street food traders and became of firm favourite at the Digbeth Dining Club. They offer Indian street food and are a great place to grab a quick lunch from their mocked-up food cart, where staff serve eat-in and takeaway lunch curries and chaats, samosas and pakoras and salad. In the evening, a full menu is served. They have a wide selection of vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options as well as meat dishes, so they cater to every taste.
Address: 21a Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QP,
Phone number: 0121 643 5334
Tiger Bites Pig
Tiger bites Pig is an intimate restaurant where you watch the chefs prepare their East Asian street food. Although it is known for its Bao buns, it also has delicious rice bowls, is vegetarian-friendly, and great for anyone on a budget. It is located in the centre of Birmingham, close to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Bullring, so it is perfect for a quick lunch on the go while sightseeing. It was voted "Ones To Watch" at the Independent Birmingham Awards and runner-up in the Deliveroo "Best Newcomer."
Address: 34 Stephenson Street, Birmingham B2 4BH
Phone number: 0121 643 5192
Website: tigerbitespig.co.uk
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Adams
Adams is a Michelin-starred restaurant with an art deco retro style. They offer a £55 three-course lunch menu or the seven-course tasting menu (£130) as well as an al a carte option. The food is British with a modern twist and uses local produce such as Yorkshire rhubarb and local lamb. You can choose a table in the stylish main room for a romantic meal or book a seat at the horseshoe-shaped chef's table overlooking Adam Stokes' kitchen for a more immersive experience.
Address: 16 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5UG
Phone number: 0121 643 5192
Website: adamsrestaurant.co.uk
Purnell's Restaurant
Purnell's is a chic contemporary fine dining restaurant in the heart of Birmingham's city centre, which describes its food as mostly British with influences from France and the far east. Holder of a sort after Michelin star, they offer a three-course lunch menu for £55 or a lunch grazing menu for £65 as well as a three-course dinner for £70 or dinner grazing for £85. Finally, they also offer a tasting menu at £120.
Address: 55 Cornwall Street Birmingham B3 2DH
Phone number: 0121 212 9799
VEGAN
Land
Land opened in 2019 and serves plant-focused food using the freshest seasonal produce. It is situated in the Great Western arcade in the heart of Birmingham and offers a five-course tasting menu for £38 and a five-course menu for £45. If you ask for a raised table at the back of the restaurant, you can watch the chefs prepare the dishes for you.
Address: 30 Great Western Arcade, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B2 5HU
Phone number: 0121 236 2313
