Planning your perfect date in Birmingham

So, you've got a date to plan. But where do you start? The pressure's on to make sure you both have the best time possible, whether it's your first date or your twentieth. 

Conveniently, we've got a number of handy suggestions that should enable you to enjoy the best of what Birmingham has to offer and treat your significant offer to a great day out, too...

Take in a film

There's going to the cinema and then there's really making the most out of what's otherwise a default date destination.

We're spoilt for choice with Birmingham's many cinemas, so make it a little different by heading to the Electric Cinema, the oldest working cinema in the UK.

Despite its age, the Electric shows the latest releases. Just make sure you pick your day carefully as screenings tend to vary: it also holds events such as theatre performances and screens re-released movies, so you can visit and watch your favourite classics all over again. 

Or, pull out all the stops and visit the Mailbox's new addition – the Everyman Cinema. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail from the bar as you watch, or order some food and make an evening of it. It's a great indulgence - there's an appropriately intimate vibe, as each screen only holds a small amount of people. The Everyman is also the definition of comfort, as you get the luxury of watching your chosen film on sofas, rather than the normal awkward cinema chairs.

Opt for a healthy alternative

Swap your typical coffee date for a smoothie and feel super smug about how healthy you're being. The city centre has seen a number of smoothie bars pop up recently, and many flock to the Bullring’s popular Fuel Juice stand.

Even so, for a much nicer (and cheaper) alternative, head to Birmingham’s Indoor Market and U-Juice. This place opened up earlier this year and is definitely worth the visit, thanks to cheerful staff and locally sourced ingredients making impressively healthy drinks.  

Go for a sophisticated drink

 

A photo posted by Giulia Bardelli - France📍 (@giuliabardelli) on May 15, 2015 at 1:07am PDT

Sometimes alcohol seems like the best idea on a date and with so many places to enjoy, it's easy to make a night of it.

Birmingham is great for quirky bars, and if you're looking to splurge, then The Lost and Found will step up your cocktail game. The cocktail list here is excellent: the 'Lost' menu and the 'Found' menu both offer distinctly different types of cocktail. 

If you're a fan of well-decorated bars, The Botanist is also a must. New to the city this year, its uniqueness guarantees a memorable evening for you both. 

Or, if you're looking to enjoy cocktails without spending loads, visit the upbeat and vibrant Chameleon in Victoria Square. With a recently updated drinks menu you'll be spoilt for choice, with offers throughout the week, including Prosecco Thursdays and two-for-one cocktails on Saturdays. 

Explore the outdoors 

The great outdoors doesn't immediately spring to mind when thinking of the city, but there's plenty to explore in and around Brum if you're after some fresh air on a daytime date.

For example, take a wander around one of Birmingham's many parks – fully act out the cliche and feed the ducks. Winterbourne House and Gardens in Edgbaston is beautiful throughout the year, but its gardens, with over 6,000 different species of flowers, look best in summer. Plus, you can explore the grounds and enjoy a romantic woodland walk, then reward yourselves in the tearooms and gift shop after. 

Alternatively, visit Cannon Hill Park in Moseley for a picnic. It even has a 36-hole mini golf course, perfect for breaking the ice if you're facing any first date awkwardness. 

Hunt for a vintage bargain

If you think your date can handle the retail experience, Birmingham is one of the best cities for independent and vintage shopping. The Custard Factory is key for vintage, so schedule a date around one of their many clothing fairs. There are tonnes of independent shops and stalls selling homeware, clothing, music and beauty products guaranteed to please bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts alike. 

If you prefer actual shops, or can't make it to any of the fairs, then head on down to Digbeth and visit We Are Cow. The huge store sells hundreds of vintage and restored clothing, bound to please even the pickiest of dates. 

Appreciate some music

If you have a mutual taste in music or are looking to educate the other half in your favourite bands, then there are plenty of venues to suit all preferences - from smaller acts in intimate venues, to the world famous acts touring the NEC Arena or the Barclaycard Arena.

Or, if you're after a whole different type of music appreciation, the Symphony Hall is bound to make an impression with shows of classical, jazz, blues, folk, rock and more.

If you're more of a collector, then take a walk down memory lane and visit one of Birmingham's older surviving record shops - The Diskery on Bromsgrove Street. It's one of only a few remaining record shops in the city, making it a hidden gem for you and your date and the perfect place to browse and share your eclectic knowledge of obscure '80s bands.  

Get a culture injection

One of the best aspects of Birmingham is its culture; so educate yourself about the city's rich history by visiting the Museum and Art Gallery in Chamberlain Square. Keep an eye out for what's on, as the downstairs gallery hosts a wide range of different exhibitions. Currently, there's the 'Love is Enough' exhibition, bringing together artists William Morris and Andy Warhol in one collection. Romantic hey?

Or, head to the Jewellery Quarter and wander around the streets for a change of pace – ideal on a sunny day. The Quarter also has it's own museum, which feels like going back in time as you explore a real jewellery factory that's produced trinkets from it's workshop for over two hundred years.

Splash the cash

While Birmingham is a great place to explore for very little money, there are also loads of opportunities to get a taste of the high life. If you want to make a real impression, the Mailbox is the place to be. Gas Street Social, one of the newest additions to the area, is among the best places for cocktails and has several enclosed booth areas so you can focus completely on your date.

Then, head on over to Marco Pierre White's steakhouse in the Cube. Book your table before you go, and pay the extra £5 for a window seat and watch the sun set over Birmingham.

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