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BIRMINGHAM'S BEST RENDEZVOUS POINTS
There's no such thing as The Encyclopaedia Of Birmingham. We know because we Googled it. But if there were it wouldn't be a book, or a website or even an entire corner of the new library. It would be a person by the name of Ben Waddington, the brains behind Still Walking, Birmingham's foremost guided tour company. Ben's knowledge of the city is frightening and here he's written a fact-laden piece about the meeting points we all use in the city centre, and how to ensure there's no balls up when we're supposed to be at them...
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The city’s favourite meeting point is surely the unique bronze bull in Rotunda Square. The real name of the bull is ‘The Guardian’, though nobody calls him this other than his sculptor, Laurence Broderick. There is, however, another bull in Rotunda Square [pictured, above]. From the right angle you can see a white bull in an elevated position at the base of the Rotunda tower. And there’s also the jelly bean bull in Selfridges department store. Plenty of opportunity for mix ups.
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Meeting at a chainstore is the classic rendezvous mistake. Most High Streets have multiple branches of Tesco or Wetherspoons, often within yards of each other. Your friend will be in the other one. Avoid using these as landmarks when giving directions, although this is becoming a common tactic. Learn the names and locations of the three main squares (Victoria, - Chamberlain and Centenary) and choose a favourite sculpture as your meeting place. Be wary of arranging to meet at the Cathedral, for Birmingham has two [here and here].
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The new Cherry Red’s bar on John Bright Street is another great place to meet in what is quickly becoming our craft ale district. A rare instance in the city of "pavement café culture" means you can people watch and be visible yourself whilst enjoying a Weissbier. Make sure you specify which Cherry Reds you’ll be at.The tiny original on York Road, Kings Heath bears the same name as the city branch. Until recently, there were two Spotted Dogs in Digbeth and it was considered the mark of the true Brummie to have had a failed rendezvous in one. The remaining Spotted Dog certainly warrants a meet up.
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If you arrange to meet in Waterstones, you have the luxury of indoor browsing while you wait for your late-running friend. If you are hoping to make an impression, you can choose what you are "discovered" reading. Be aware that Birmingham has two branches close together, on New Street and High Street. Make it clear that you’ll be at the High Street branch, as it’s the former home of William Hutton, the 18th Century bookseller and the city’s first historian.
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My choice for a meeting place is Epstein’s sculpture of Lucifer [pictured] in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. I don’t think any other city employs the devil as an official greeter of visitors. If that’s a little dark, you could meet at the Buddha statue, directly to Lucifer’s right. It’s local tradition to rub his finger or toe for luck. Perhaps the most obscure meeting place would be Queens Corner, where New St meets Corporation St. If you look up, you’ll see the name high up on the building, but no-one has referred to it as such for a century. Prove your city credentials by arranging to meet there, but be prepared for a lonely afternoon. (StillWalking.org)
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NORJSKE: OPEN AND ACE
If their Twitter account is to be believed, Norjske - a Scandinavian-inspired bar opposite Simpsons restaurant and above Edgbaston Deli - is but a "pop up". Nonsense. Way too much money, time and effort has gone in to this stunning little speakeasy for it to disappear. Here to stay it's, in a word, brilliant. Signature aquavit cocktails combine with superb Czech and Scottish beers to make for a stylish, sophisticated conception. Oh, and the wine list is impeccable. Go.
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GET CULTURED, STUPID
If you've never seen a silent movie (The Artist aside), you probably need to do that tonight. Flatpack Festival have combined with pianist John Sweeney (who'll play live), to present the 1929 Laurel and Hardy film Big Business, at Birmingham Cathedral. Get there for 7.30pm. £5 entry.
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