Each week our digital team pick the one thing they would do or are doing in Birmingham and the region this weekend. Here are their selections for the weekend 5-7 May - hopefully you'll see something that inspires you, and if not, well there's always next week...


Sophie - Stratford-upon-Avon

I’m staying local this weekend, staying in my beautiful hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. I quite often have pinch-me moments when realising people travel from all over the world to experience the beauty and history that I have right on my doorstep.

My plans will depend heavily on the weather: sunny? That’ll call for a visit to Hooray's Gelato Kitchen to pick up some of their homemade gelato – I could even be tempted to order their ‘Artisan Palette’, where I will be able to pick 10 flavours I’ve been dying to try. Weather not so good? I’ll book Escape Live, where I’ll be transported into the past of one of the greatest playwrights in English history, with the world’s only Shakespeare Escape Room. A pretty great weekend either way.


Dionne - Afternoon tea at Noel's Bar & Restaurant 

Bank holiday weekend is here again – big thanks to King Charles! In celebration of the King’s Coronation, my mom and I will be heading for an afternoon tea at Noel’s Bar and restaurant. You can choose from a Classic (£27pp), Champagne (£37pp) or a Pink Butterfly Cocktail (£40pp). Each comes with a selection of sandwiches, sweets, and scones. Full menu available here. http://noelsbar.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Afternoon-Tea-Menu.pdf  

I advise booking in advance, and weather permitting, request an outdoor table as it’s right next to the canal! Failing that, a window table should still be able to provide some epic views and the aesthetic throughout the restaurant is an Instagrammable dream.  


Paul - A Royally Old Crown Coronation Party

This Saturday I am hopping down to Digbeth, specifically to The Old Crown’s Coronation Party celebrations – after all, where better to watch an historic event than in one of Birmingham’s most historic buildings? 

The Old Crown lives up to its namesake as it is Birmingham’s oldest secular building – it’s been there since 1368! That’s some innings; it even survived the English Civil War and has seen 31 monarchs come and go!

This award-winning pub is one of my favourite haunts in Digbeth (it’s probably haunted too) – it has a great outdoor space for more clement times (wherever they are) and the food is great – I recommend the Irish Stew and the Chicken Shawarma – although not together.

This Coronation special includes live music, DJ’s and street food traders.

Tickets are free, but it’s highly recommended that you reserve a spot – you can do this here

God save The Old Crown!