In our line of work, the phrase ‘hidden gem’ is one that is often over-used. We chronicle Birmingham’s independent culture with the hope that our articles not only shine a spotlight on the local businesses doing something different and special in our city, but with the hope that our words inspire you to get out there and explore Birmingham like never before. To look at the streets and the skylines in a different way, to consciously make an effort to seek out the brilliant and intriguing independents that are dotted about Birmingham, and to use Independent Birmingham as a means of […]

Here at Independent Birmingham we strive to bring you the greatest of everything from in and around our fantastic city. We love discovering new places, new favourite dishes, and beautiful plates of food. Having ruined your diets with our previous (ridiculously mouth-watering) articles: The Ultimate Birmingham Foodie Bible: 50 dishes you need to eat Part 1 and Part 2 – we decided to further expand your waistlines with our ode to plant-based eats in Brum. Introducing The Ultimate Guide To Vegan Food In Birmingham: 40 Dishes You NEED To Eat (Part 1). So, in no particular order, scroll down for […]

Each year we compile the ULTIMATE guide to completing your Christmas shopping in Birmingham. We write the most extensive gift guide you’ve ever seen to show you that there is something for every single person on your list that can be bought from a local shop, artist, creative or small business. Birmingham is bursting at the seams with talent and personality, and your money is so much more valuable to these small businesses than it is to the big corporations who multiply their profits at this time of year. After a difficult couple of years, it is more important than ever to shop local and […]

It’s one of the most British things to exist, along with Fish and Chips, apologising for everything, queuing, and talking about the weather. We’re talking about the Sunday Roast. Whether it’s gathered around the family table each week, or cosied up in a country pub on a blustery day, we Brits can’t get enough of that good old traditional Sunday Roast. It’s pretty easy to see why – it’s comfort food at it’s finest, like a warm hug from your nan on a plate. Succulent roast meats, crispy, fluffy roasties, seasonal veggies, lashings of rich gravy, and huge Yorkshire puddings – […]

No doubt you will have heard all about Birmingham on social media and from your out-of-town friends. Birmingham often gets an unfair volume of bad press. So we wanted to highlight the many, many reasons why we love Birmingham, and why we think you should all love her too. Here’s 50 reasons why Birmingham is a wonderful city. The city is stunning. Birmingham Skyline (photo: Ross Jukes) I mean, just look at it. Birmingham Skyline (photo: Ross Jukes) It’s full of natural beauty. Fox Hollies Park (photo: Verity Milligan) It’s packed full of parks and green spaces. Lickey Hills (photo: […]