Culture – Shelby murals and Sabbath shrines

Birmingham, a city once synonymous with its industrial might and manufacturing prowess, has undergone a profound cultural renaissance, emerging as a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends its gritty heritage with contemporary flair. At the forefront of this transformation is the undeniable global phenomenon of the TV crime drama Peaky Blinders. Since its debut in 2013, the compelling narrative of the Shelby family has captivated millions, sending tourism soaring in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, even if much of the initial filming took place in northern locales like Merseyside, Yorkshire, and Manchester. The recent release of the much-anticipated Peaky Blinders movie, The Immortal Man, promises to ignite a fresh wave of fervent interest, particularly as this cinematic installment was extensively shot in and around Birmingham itself.

A major draw for enthusiasts remains the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. This open-air museum is more than just a backdrop; it’s a meticulously preserved slice of 19th and early 20th-century industrial life, featuring authentic recreations of streets, houses, and industrial workshops. Its evocative settings have played pivotal roles in both the TV series and the film, most notably serving as the iconic location for Charlie Strong’s yard – a focal point for the Shelby family’s illicit dealings and a symbol of their working-class roots. Visitors can step back in time, exploring the very streets where Tommy Shelby and his gang "operated," gaining an immersive understanding of the historical context that forged the notorious Peaky Blinders. The museum’s commitment to historical accuracy, from its working forge to its traditional canal boats, offers a tangible connection to the era, enriching the fan experience beyond mere cinematic appreciation.

Beyond the museum’s historical embrace, Birmingham city centre itself has become a canvas for the Peaky Blinders legacy. At the Digbeth Loc. Studios, a significant portion of The Immortal Man was filmed, and fans can now admire striking Peaky Blinders murals crafted by the acclaimed artist Mr Murals. These large-scale artworks serve as vibrant testaments to the show’s impact, blending art with urban landscape. For those seeking a deeper dive into the world of the Shelbys, guided walking tours, led by individuals dressed as "Edward Shelby," offer an engaging two-hour journey through the city’s key locations, providing historical anecdotes and insights into the real-life gang. Priced from £20 per person, these tours (available via viator.com) bring the fictional world vividly to life. Furthermore, the West Midlands Police Museum provides a fascinating, if sobering, perspective on the historical reality of crime in the city, showcasing authentic historic mugshots, artefacts, and even the original cells where members of the actual Peaky Blinders gang were once detained. This juxtaposition of fiction and fact offers a comprehensive look at the cultural phenomenon.

Birmingham’s cultural tapestry extends far beyond the razor-sharp caps of the Peaky Blinders. The city holds an equally significant, if darker, pilgrimage site for heavy metal aficionados. Following the poignant final Black Sabbath concert at Villa Park last summer and the untimely passing of the legendary Ozzy Osbourne just over two weeks later, Birmingham has solidified its status as the spiritual home of heavy metal. Landmarks dedicated to Ozzy and Black Sabbath are scattered throughout the city, transforming it into a veritable shrine for fans. Another powerful artwork by Mr Murals, a magnificent Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street near New Street station, stands as a testament to their legacy. This mural holds particular significance as all four original band members visited and signed it prior to their farewell concert, creating a permanent marker of their homecoming.

Just a short walk from this mural lies The Crown pub, now sadly closed, but forever etched in rock history as the venue where Black Sabbath played their very first gig, an event often cited as the birth of heavy metal, forged in the industrial clangour of Brum. The city’s industrial backdrop, with its factories and foundries, provided the raw, gritty sound that would define a genre and resonate globally. Additional Sabbath-themed murals can be found outside Scruffy Murphy’s rock pub and prominently displayed beside Birmingham coach station in Digbeth, further cementing the band’s indelible mark on the urban landscape. No pilgrimage would be complete without a visit to Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, a site of profound emotional resonance where Ozzy’s widow, Sharon, and children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack laid flowers during his funeral procession, uniting fans in a collective moment of grief and celebration of his extraordinary life. The bridge, officially renamed in 2019, is a permanent monument to the band’s roots and global impact.

Birmingham’s "metal connection" extends beyond music to its literal metalworking heritage. The Jewellery Quarter stands as a different kind of pilgrimage site, primarily for couples seeking wedding bands and bespoke jewellery. With over 250 years of continuous craftsmanship, it is renowned as Europe’s largest concentration of jewellers, responsible for producing an astounding 40% of the UK’s jewellery. Its historical significance is underscored by its role in crafting prestigious items like the FA Cup. The quarter, a designated conservation area, offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary creativity, housing over 200 listed buildings. Beyond its sparkling facades, the Jewellery Quarter also boasts quirky, yet historically significant, attractions. The Pen Museum, for instance, celebrates Birmingham’s unexpected past as the world’s leading manufacturer of pen nibs, once producing 75% of the global supply. Equally intriguing is The Coffin Works, the UK’s last coffin furniture factory, now preserved as a museum. Its long and fascinating history includes crafting the decorative coffin fittings for the funerals of esteemed figures such as Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Queen Mother, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era of craftsmanship and societal customs.

Where to eat – from fried chicken to fine dining

Birmingham’s culinary scene has flourished, evolving from a city known for its balti houses to a diverse gastronomic destination boasting an impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants and vibrant independent eateries. This culinary ascent mirrors the city’s wider cultural revitalisation. In the city centre, John Bright Street is an excellent starting point for any food tour. For brunch, the kitsch indie cafe-bar Cherry Reds offers a comforting and quirky atmosphere. Nearby, The Stable, a specialist in cider and sourdough pizza, remains an underrated gem, serving artisanal pies with a wide selection of local and international ciders.

For a taste of rock-themed indulgence, Bonehead on the adjacent Lower Severn Street is a must-visit. This grungy fried chicken joint has become a favourite haunt for celebrities, including members of the Osbourne family, Slipknot, Jason Momoa, and Mogwai, drawn by its delicious, no-frills menu and authentic rock’n’roll vibe. It’s a testament to Birmingham’s unpretentious cool. In the Jewellery Quarter, the Saint Paul’s Market food hall offers a diverse culinary experience with seven independent kitchens, showcasing everything from vibrant Persian and Indian dishes to aromatic Thai cuisine and more, reflecting Birmingham’s rich multicultural fabric.

However, Birmingham is also a city that excels in fine dining, firmly establishing itself on the national gastronomic map. In 2019, Opheem, under the visionary leadership of Chef Aktar Islam, made history by becoming the first Indian restaurant outside London to be awarded a Michelin star; it has since achieved the prestigious two-star rating, a testament to its innovative and exquisite modern Indian cuisine. Islam’s approach elevates traditional Indian flavours with contemporary techniques and presentation, offering a truly unique dining experience. Meanwhile, in the inherently alternative and goth-inspired setting of the Jewellery Quarter, The Wilderness, housed within a former factory, recently earned its first Michelin star, bringing the city’s total to five. Chef-owner Alex Claridge’s modern British fare is designed to surprise and provoke the senses, using seasonal ingredients in unexpected yet harmonious pairings, such as rhubarb and rocket. His adventurous menus, combined with a heavy rock playlist, create an immersive and memorable culinary journey that is distinctly Birmingham.

Where to drink – from a pint of mild to craft beers

Birmingham’s deep-rooted industrial past is inextricably linked to its brewing heritage. For generations, nearly every family in the city had a connection to iconic local breweries like Mitchells & Butlers or Ansells. It is therefore no surprise that a robust pub culture continues to thrive, giving birth to one of the region’s classic pints: M&B mild. This traditional dark ale, lower in alcohol but rich in flavour, is a quintessential taste of the West Midlands. Traditional pubs, serving similar ales from independent breweries across Birmingham and the wider region, pepper the cityscape. Establishments like The Craven Arms, The Jewellers Arms, and The Wellington, all part of the Black Country Ales family, are excellent starting points for experiencing authentic Brum pub life. To truly embrace the West Midlands experience, one must order a cheese and onion cob (a bread roll) to accompany their pint.

In parallel to its traditional pub scene, Birmingham has enthusiastically embraced the modern craft beer revolution. Attic Brew Co.’s Intuition has quickly become the most poured craft pint in Brum, reflecting a growing appreciation for innovative brewing. Such is its popularity that cans of Intuition are even stocked on CrossCountry trains, offering a taste of Birmingham to travellers. Visitors can sample Attic’s diverse range of wares at their central taproom, The Barrel Store, a popular destination for discerning beer lovers. This blend of historic ale houses and cutting-edge craft breweries demonstrates Birmingham’s ability to honour its past while embracing new trends.

Nightlife – from Irish boozers to experimental music

Much of Birmingham’s most dynamic nightlife is concentrated in Digbeth, the city’s historic original Irish quarter, an area famously traversed by the real-life Peaky Blinders. This vibrant district offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from traditional Irish pubs to cutting-edge music venues. Pubs such as Nortons, The Old Crown (Birmingham’s oldest pub, dating back to 1368), Cleary’s, and The Anchor, serve some of the finest Guinness outside Ireland, coupled with lively traditional music sessions and genuine "craic" (lively conversation and entertainment). These establishments are not just pubs; they are community hubs, preserving a vital part of Birmingham’s cultural identity.

Digbeth is also the city’s pulsating creative quarter, a crucible for experimental arts and music. It is home to Capsule, an innovative concert promoter renowned for bringing an eclectic mix of peculiar and brilliant musicians to Birmingham, artists who might otherwise bypass the region. Capsule’s award-winning Supersonic festival, running since 2003 and scheduled for 25-26 April this year, is a highlight of the cultural calendar, transforming various Digbeth venues into stages for avant-garde performances. One such venue is Centrala, an experimental arts centre and exhibition space that actively supports central and eastern European migrant communities, fostering cultural exchange and artistic expression.

As the night deepens, Birmingham offers a diverse array of dance and music venues. Northern soul enthusiasts can dance the night away at The Night Owl, a dedicated club known for its authentic vinyl sets and vibrant atmosphere. For those seeking electronic beats, venues like Dead Wax, Suki10c, Lab11, and Mama Roux’s host parties spanning genres from house and techno to drum and bass and jungle, ensuring there’s a rhythm for every taste. The sheer variety and energy of Digbeth’s nightlife scene underscore Birmingham’s reputation as a city that truly comes alive after dark.

Stirchley – the hipster hotspot for cocktails and breweries

A mere 10-minute train ride south of New Street station reveals Stirchley, a burgeoning neighbourhood that has rapidly transformed into Birmingham’s undisputed hipster hotspot. This area is a testament to community-led regeneration, boasting a remarkable concentration of award-winning independent businesses that continue to thrive. A prime example is Couch, which recently garnered the prestigious title of the UK’s number one at the 2026 Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards, celebrated for its innovative concoctions and intimate atmosphere. The culinary scene is equally impressive, with Riverine Rabbit, a South African-British fusion restaurant, earning a Bib Gourmand from Michelin for its high-quality food at moderate prices, showcasing the neighbourhood’s diverse and exciting gastronomic offerings.

Stirchley is locally celebrated as the city’s unofficial "beer hub," a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts. Within a convenient half-mile radius, three major breweries – Attic, Birmingham Brewing Company, and GlassHouse – have established their taprooms, offering fresh, locally brewed beers directly to consumers. In keeping with Birmingham’s enduring love for a good pint, the Stirchley Beer Mile provides an engaging walking tour that encompasses these three breweries, two award-winning bottle shops, and at least 10 additional pubs and bars, creating a vibrant social trail between Stirchley and Cotteridge. Amidst this craft beer haven, Deadbeat, Bonehead’s dive bar offshoot, offers a similarly grungy rock bar experience. Known for serving Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap, it frequently hosts NYC-style pizza slice pop-ups, further cementing Stirchley’s reputation for cool, independent vibes.

Where to stay – Georgian hotels and modern townhouses

For visitors seeking comfortable and stylish accommodation, Birmingham offers a range of options that reflect its blend of history and modernity. In the historic Jewellery Quarter, Saint Pauls House (doubles from £99) is a boutique hotel that occupies a prime location on the city’s last remaining Georgian square. It provides guests with beautifully appointed rooms, luxurious waterfall showers, and plush beds, combining historical charm with contemporary comforts. Just around the corner, the modern Frederick Street Townhouse (doubles from £99) offers another excellent choice. This stylish establishment is conveniently connected to the popular Button Factory pub, providing easy access to dining and entertainment, and epitomizing the vibrant, walkable nature of the Jewellery Quarter. These accommodations offer more than just a place to sleep; they are an integral part of the Birmingham experience, placing guests at the heart of the city’s cultural and historical narrative.