The Gay UK Issue 2 : MR GAY UK | Page 128

2014 GUIDE THEGAYUK FEB/MARCH Train: Birmingham New Street - In city centre Plane: Birmingham Airport - 10 miles from city centre  Coach: Digbeth, Birmingham Coach Station - In city centre MAIN SHOPPING AREAS The Mailbox The Pallasades Bullring Pavilions Martineau Place The Square Bull Ring Markets Jewellery Quarter BULLRING This much photographed part of the building with its circular disk covered curved walls is the home to Selfridges. Explore the rest of the building and you’ll find over 160 retail shops and restaurants. This modern art of the city blends with the old St Martin church perfectly without even looking out of place. A real treat for shoppers in the heart of Birmingham. ∎ The Mailbox SHOPPING If you’re the kinda guy that just loves to shop, then Birmingham has it all from large retailers like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols to small market stall owners selling a wide variety of household goods, pet foods and party supplies. The shopping areas are well planned out, open and pedestrian friendly so you get a good chance to explore the city by foot. There’s plenty of opportunity to stop for a bite to eat. With over 150 THE BULL RING MARKET is a large indoor market with traders calling out for you to buy their goods. There’s plenty of bargains to be had and a wide selection to see from fabrics, pet foods, cosmetics, CDs and DVDs, old console games, and a personal highlight of ours - the party shop. Every coloured wig, mask, costume, make-up is all here for Pride events or your usual weekend party outfit. ∎ Bullring 128 For more shopping info check out: thegayuk.com/Birmingham restaurants and coffee shops you’re bound to find something to fuel the next round of shopping and with bus and rail transport close by you’ll soon have the bags home. Be sure to also check out Chinatown just the other side of the markets nestled in Southside close to the gay scene. ∎ Bull Ring Market