/r/brum

Photograph via snooOG

Welcome to r/brum -

This subreddit is a place for the people of Birmingham and the wider West Midland area to gather, share ideas, ask questions, and complain about the traffic... and the buses, trams and trains.

Check out our community guide for some useful links!

Welcome to r/brum

This subreddit celebrates Birmingham, England’s second city.


  • Meetups Read this if you want to know what it is about. Facebook group.

  • List of U.K. Subreddits Raeth’s list of British and Anglocentric subreddits.

  • New to Brum? Check our handy visitor guide to the second city.

  • [Connect on Discord]( currently unavailable ) Check out our partner Discord, Brum Inhabitants!

Header image courtesy of /u/donebythehands

/r/brum

133,898 Subscribers

1

Saturday night karaoke

What are some nice places for karaoke on a Saturday night? Preferably somewhere we can book a room for like 10-12 people?

0 Comments
2024/12/03
23:29 UTC

7

Anyone know where I can buy actual true blackout curtains from?

Preferably an actual store that I can go into and inspect the thing instead of buying from Amazon or Argos.

14 Comments
2024/12/03
18:09 UTC

17

Whats birmingham like as a student city

I have an offer from UOB for Politics and IR and was wondering how the city is, Social life, cost of living things to do. I was previously at Manchester but disliked the teaching. Loved Manchester but hated the university and feel birmingham is a good or even better option. I have a feeling its quite an underated city. I was wondering how the indie/alternative scene was.

8 Comments
2024/12/03
16:42 UTC

1

Birmingham New Street Barriers

Is there anyway to bypass barriers and go straight to the platforms at New Street?

I have a season ticket to Wolverhampton and have missed so many trains due to the barriers not working and big crowds. I want to just avoid the barriers and head straight to the platforms, is there anyway of doing this?

3 Comments
2024/12/03
14:48 UTC

17

20 mph limit proposed city wide

Just reading an article that they are proposing a 20mph speed limit city wide, comparable to Wales. I'd like to see how that is policed 😳😳

45 Comments
2024/12/03
13:15 UTC

15

Ages 20-30 what do you do in birmingham?

I'm trying to go out and meet new people and become less introverted but idk where to start🤔

25 Comments
2024/12/03
12:49 UTC

4

Carribbean buffet?

Hi everyone, we're going to be in Birmingham next week and I wondered if there were any Carribbean buffet-style restaurants or places that do small plates, tapas-style?

We don't often get to eat Carribbean food unless we're travelling away from home and it would be great if there was somewhere we could try multiple different dishes at the same time.

Otherwise, could someone recommend a good place please? Google/Tripadvisor etc have Turtle Bay at the top of their lists. We tried it in Manchester and it was lovely but I thought there might be some better, more authentic places.

thanks in advance

10 Comments
2024/12/03
12:22 UTC

8

Facing homelessness

Am I entitled to any help at all if I’m single with no kids age 28?

13 Comments
2024/12/03
12:05 UTC

8

Loud BANGS near Cannon Hill Park

So I hear fireworks almost every night. And I assume it’s the same people.

Tonight’s BANGS are so loud though! Unusually loud. Sent my poor dog into hiding. I wonder also how all the wildlife in the woods must feel.

Does anyone know who actually does this? Can it be stopped?

3 Comments
2024/12/02
22:59 UTC

34

Have you traveled to london 5 days a week for a 9-5?

Basically the title.

I know doing it will be hard but I really don’t want to move to London full time

78 Comments
2024/12/02
17:19 UTC

109

There are hidden entrances to nuclear bunker all over city center.

So I was checking out Birmingham nuclear bunker in city-center (Anchor Exhange). Its a known fact that there are hidden entrances all over city center. On wikipedia there is old map that wasnt supposed to be public with bunker outlined over it, looking at it I noticed something.

One of the bunker legs extend from the main part north-east and end directly under Queens Arms pub. There is an old Assay Office across the street from it.

I might be wrong but if I had a nuclear bunker and shit would go down. Id want my core metallurgy people inside.

Im probably completly wrong as im not native and dont have insight of someone living here entire life but its sure fun to speculate!

if someones mildly interested i recomend checking out

Birmingham Anchor Exchange

https://preview.redd.it/qoatogvgxg4e1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=1caf7d9b62361e7c1c946ecd19e193a4323ee5fc

Birmingham Civil Defense Bunker:

https://preview.redd.it/q6bm69nixg4e1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=615a51b449538e94369f1cd8e799c6931e232177

39 Comments
2024/12/02
17:15 UTC

1

Looking for Affordable Accommodation Near Aston University, Birmingham

Hi everyone,

I’m new to the UK and will be studying at Aston University in Birmingham. I’m currently looking for affordable accommodation near the university.

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for places to stay, whether it’s a room, flat, or shared accommodation. Ideally, I’m hoping to find something within walking distance or with easy access to public transport.

If anyone has any leads, advice, or knows of available options, please let me know! This would mean a lot to me as I navigate settling in.

Thank you so much for your help!

4 Comments
2024/12/02
11:40 UTC

7

Why are there pergolas on Duddeston Viaduct?

Pretty much as in the title; why are there a bunch of pergolas on the disused/incomplete viaduct in Digbeth? How do you even get up there?

18 Comments
2024/12/02
09:02 UTC

5

Is the walk in centre still open under Boots?

Tore my nail up today and hoping to go to a walk in to get it checked out, where did all the walk in centres go!?

5 Comments
2024/12/01
20:53 UTC

6

Does anyone know why Woods Farm stopped having goats?

The goats & occassional reindeer used to be a big draw for us; a real tradition to go and get a tree & feed a goat. Really missed them the last couple of years and can't find any info about why they got rid of them. I was hoping it was temporary but they seem to have dismantled the goat paddock :(

4 Comments
2024/12/01
20:13 UTC

5

Anyone have any bottomless brunch recommendations in city centre / JQ?

Would love somewhere with a good atmosphere that’s quite unbeat and fun - rather than feeling stressed out about being drunk!! Or something a bit different from the norm?

12 Comments
2024/12/01
19:07 UTC

91

Bad drivers in this city

I’ve had so many near misses with uber drivers, speeding Audis, people not indicating or checking the mirrors…

I genuinely think it if I die early, it will be to a bad driver in this city. Sick to death of them.

39 Comments
2024/12/01
17:10 UTC

6

Cheap IDLES ticket 4 Dec

Hi all - we have a spare IDLES ticket for the gig at 02 Academy on the 4th Dec. They were being sold for £41 plus booking fee, looking for £25 - it's a digital ticket that can be transferred via the O2 Academy app

0 Comments
2024/12/01
14:02 UTC

0

Should I move to brum?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking about making a move, and Birmingham has been sitting at the top of my list for a while now. I’ll admit, I was initially drawn in by the reputation. I mean, it’s hard not to be intrigued when a place is often described as “the Monaco of the Midlands.” But the more I’ve looked into it, the more I’m convinced it could be the perfect fit for me.

First off, the luxury lifestyle. From everything I’ve read, it seems like Birmingham is absolutely dripping in opulence. There’s this incredible buzz about the high-end developments popping up across the city. I’m talking glossy, glass-fronted penthouses with concierge services and rooftop infinity pools. That’s not even mentioning the private gyms and resident-only champagne bars in some of these places. I’m curious—does anyone here live in one of these developments? Are they as over-the-top as they sound, or is it all clever marketing?

Then there’s the shopping scene. The Mailbox and Selfridges are legendary, but what about the smaller, boutique places? I’ve heard that the jewelry quarter isn’t just about jewelry anymore; apparently, it’s home to bespoke tailors, artisan chocolatiers, and even a shop that sells nothing but rare scented candles. Is it true that some of the shop owners still offer champagne to customers as they browse? I can’t think of anything more delightfully indulgent.

Dining is another thing that’s got me excited. I’ve been reading up on some of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Birmingham, and the list is, frankly, intimidating. But I also love that the city seems to embrace food diversity—one minute you’re sipping a £200 wine pairing at a chef’s table, and the next you’re grabbing the world’s best street food at one of those fancy “pop-up” night markets they do. Is that balance as good as it sounds? And where do people go for an afternoon tea that comes with, like, edible gold or whatever?

Now, I’ve got to ask about transportation. I’ve heard that Birmingham Airport is essentially a hub for private jets. Is that true? I don’t own one (yet), but it’s comforting to know I could hypothetically board a Gulfstream straight to the south of France if the mood struck. And what about the train system? Is it true they’re planning to upgrade it to include first-class-only carriages on the commuter lines? That would really seal the deal for me.

The arts and culture scene also seems ridiculously high-brow. I’ve seen pictures of the Symphony Hall, and honestly, it looks like something out of a Bond film. But is the vibe more velvet-and-caviar exclusive, or can a regular person (well, semi-regular) still enjoy it? Also, I’d love to check out some of the city’s private galleries. Are the exhibitions usually invite-only, or is there a way for new people to break into that scene?

Finally, the people. I’ve read that Birmingham has a reputation for being down-to-earth, but is that still true with all this luxury everywhere? Is it easy to meet people who are into the finer things in life but still, you know, approachable? I’d like to feel like I’m part of a social circle where people are just as comfortable discussing vintage wines as they are sharing a good laugh over something silly.

So yeah, I’m getting pretty set on this move. Birmingham feels like one of those places that’s just perfectly poised for someone who’s looking for a mix of luxury and authenticity.

…Oh, wait. I just realized I should clarify something. I’m actually talking about Birmingham, Michigan, in the United States. Not the one in the UK. Sorry for any confusion! But hey, if you’ve got any tips about that Birmingham too, I’m all ears! Cheers!

5 Comments
2024/11/30
22:36 UTC

2

Drawing class

Anyone know of a beginners drawing class in Birmingham. Looking to do one next Spring.

2 Comments
2024/11/30
17:16 UTC

136

The problem with Birmingham City Centre is the Queensway

I recently went up to Manchester for work, and i was stunned at how clean the city felt , at how well used all the buildings were, and how despite not being the biggest city on earth , the centre felt like it went on for ages. in Northern Quarter for example, you get road after road of well-used warehouse space. The streets are busy with pedestrians, and you can easily walk or catch metro link (which is by no means perfect)

In birmingham, we have a small segment of highly dense land, which is hard to traverse as the metro is limited , and is cut up by countless roads and crossings. it’s certainly more difficult to move about , and it’s quite cramped. the reason: we have a fat dual carriageway running around the city centre. Digbeth and JQ could both be way more lively but they’re an absolute bitch to get to. As a result the city feels quiet outside of one patch right in the centre. They also haven’t been developed to max capacity as a result, it still feels like more of it is disused than it has to be.

I know there are practical difficulties with closing the Queensway, but seriously ; it can be done. and i feel like it must be

73 Comments
2024/11/30
13:33 UTC

1

Seafood restaurants?

In particular, where can we order a great grilled octopus dish, preferably somewhere that is walkable from new street station.

I'm struggling to think of what to get my partner this year for Christmas. He loves sea food and had octopus at a restaurant abroad in Greece a few years ago and still mentions it every so often.

I've decided to get him a voucher or book a meal somewhere but I don't know where to start. I don't think China town would work as it was a Mediterranean type meal.

I know birmingham has some amazing restaurants and I've been looking at various menus but someone being able to vouch for a place is the better choice I think.

Thank you!

7 Comments
2024/11/30
13:06 UTC

4

Locksmiths in South Birmingham

Hi all - does anyone have a recommendation for a good locksmith in Birmingham? I would like to get a new lock fitted.

Not hugely urgent so I can wait and prioritize good value over speedy service.

9 Comments
2024/11/30
11:40 UTC

25

Names on buses?

Hi everyone. Hope you’re doing well! I’m an everyday user of NX busses and wondered why they have a name on them? E.g. Lily Rose? I have been recording them in my notes because it makes me happy to see and know how many I’ve been on. But… why? Who chose these names; is it remembrance for loved ones of drivers? :)

21 Comments
2024/11/30
06:04 UTC

2

Night out in brum

Hi wanted to go to some place like the dead wax pubs I couldn't find any other pubs like it for just drink our drinks and smoke and vibe with the music if there is any pubs like that in brum I would realy appriciate it.

6 Comments
2024/11/29
23:48 UTC

19

Still Desperately Seeking a Part-Time Job in Birmingham 💼 – Feeling Really Down, Any Help Appreciated 🙏

Hello everyone,

A few weeks ago, I posted here about my search for a part-time job in Birmingham. Since then, I’ve applied to over 100 jobs and handed out my CV everywhere, but I’m still struggling to find anything. I’m currently studying at Aston University and really need a job to support myself.

I’ll be honest—I’m feeling really down right now. Earlier today, I found myself literally crying in front of a church, feeling overwhelmed and defeated. I never thought I’d be in this position, and it’s been hard to stay positive.

I’m open to any kind of work: retail, restaurants, customer service, admin—anything that fits around my studies. I’m hardworking, reliable, and eager to learn. I can work evenings, weekends, and adjust my hours as needed.

If anyone has any leads, advice, or even just words of encouragement, please drop a comment or DM me. At this point, even the smallest bit of help would mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

53 Comments
2024/11/29
20:30 UTC

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