The Gay UK Issue 3 Marriage | Page 127

BIRMINGHAM LISTINGS BIRMINGHAM is a vibrant hub of old and new buildings nestled between landscaped zones of paved walkways, water features and one of the largest gay scenes in the UK. If you’re looking for a weekend break then you’ll find plenty to do here from the bountiful shopping malls and markets, home to some of the best loved retailers, to the small market traders offering a wide range of household, clothing, and party goods, to the fully charged nightlife. With nine gay bars and clubs to choose from, a few of which serve great food, you’ll be pressed not to find a place to enjoy a cosy pint, watch some cabaret or dance till the early hours. It’s not all just about shopping and clubbing though, Birmingham has a wide range of restaurants offering celebrity branded eateries, favourite chains and a whole global cuisine on offer including the famous Birmingham curry - Do check out the Hen and Chickens, 0121 236 3121 which serves not only the best curry in town (TripAdvisor) but also a range of Asian, barbecue, pub and grill for those friends who prefer something different. Birmingham is also the home to a number of theatres including the REP, with a wide season of plays, comedy and drama and the Birmingham Hippodrome bringing you the best of the UK’s national tours such as Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, One Man, Two Guvnors and Wicked. If you’re looking for something a little more cultured then do pay a visit to the delightful Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. There’s a wide varied collection to see dating back 200,000 years to the present day, including Pre-Raphaelite art, wrapped Mummies and a detailed look at the history of Birmingham and how over the years it’s grown into one of the UK’s best loved cities. Recent facelifts have ensured that Birmingham is a fresh city to eat sleep and play in. The only question is, can you fit it all in with just one weekend? 127 Enjoy Southside