Birmingham
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See | August 2011
Birmingham
JEWELLERY QUARTER
This historic quarter of the city has for hundreds of years been home to the boutiques and studios of jewellery merchants, designers and repairs specialists. Why not treat yourself to something nice to take home?
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Bars | August 2011
Birmingham
ISLAND BAR
There's a tropical island, Tiki bar-style here, with beach paradise images aplenty. Expect live music, drinks off ers and ad hoc cocktail inventions.
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Restaurants | August 2011
Birmingham
THE VAULTS
This subterranean restaurant sits between the Jewellery Quarter and fi nancial district. Food is classic European and artfully presented, and the setting is smart without being too formal. Live DJs play the bar at weekends.
Address: NEWHALL PLACE, NEWHALL HILL. | Tel: +44 (0)121 212 9837
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Hotels | August 2011
Birmingham
STAYING COOL AT THE ROTUNDA
Birmingham's iconic high-rise tower, the Rotunda, these days houses stylish serviced apartments (pictured). Your mini-kitchen comes complete with coff ee machine and juicer, while the fridge is pre-stocked with breakfast food. Apartments from £99 (€99).
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Visit | December 2010
Birmingham
THE RAINBOW
The NEC may be the local enormo-dome, to borrow a phrase from Spinal Tap, but if you want to see bands in a more intimate setting, head to The Rainbow pub for credible indie bands and quirky DJs.
Address: 160 HIGH STREET, DERITEND. | Tel: +44 (0)121 236 3188
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Bars | December 2010
Birmingham
CHI
If you're not a fan of understatement, party like an 80s rock star at Chi, a threestorey club where you can not only drink bubbly but also leap into the Jacuzzi.
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Restaurants | December 2010
Birmingham
LASAN EATERY
A faster, more casual alternative to sister restaurant Lasan. Chef/owner Aktar Islam's doesn't use clarified butter or artificial flavours in his cooking and his Indian food is in a class of its own. Gordon Ramsay is a big fan.
Address: 1355 STRATFORD ROAD, HALL GREEN. | Tel: +44 (0)121 777 9090
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See | May 2010
Birmingham
ST PAULS GALLERY
This is your one-stop shop for contemporary art… literally, since many of the works on display (pictured)
Address: 94-108 NORTHWOOD STREET. | Tel: +44 (0)121 236 5800