Becky Wilding

The Brunswick, a three-story venue that was formerly a bridal shop and Christian centre, is soon to become the latest addition to the city's increasingly thriving Northern Quarter.  Taking over what was previously and unassuming building on the corner of North Street and Melbourne Street, The Brunswick is due to open its doors on September 10 and promises to be a new and exiting hotspot for food, drink and art. The ground floor of The Brunswick is the bar area, boasting a revolving selection of World and British beers, with a particular focus on the north. So far, The Brunswick has revealed that it will have beers from Cloudwater Brew Co on tap, but expect many more to be revealed imminently. The first floor will offer a friendly and informal dining space with a menu of seasonal, modern fare created by head chef and co-owner, Matty. Such tasty treats will include mackerel fillet marinated in beetroot served with a dill cucumber salad, and mushroom and squash croquet with rocket and aioli. You can also indulge your inner child with a homely brunch of dippy duck eggs and sourdough soldiers. The top floor will be a dedicated arts space, where work will be showcased on two-monthly rotations. First up, IAM Collective will curate an exhibition which profiles local artists and the independent arts scene. Samuel Haworth, Nick Lofts, Samuel Ward, and Matty Wall are the hard-working team behind The Brunswick, who are bringing with them is an impressive collective background of industry

The summer holidays are upon us once again and suddenly everywhere has turned family-friendly, meaning we can't move for all the children’s activities on offer. But what is there to do if you are over eighteen with no kids and you want to spend some fun time in more mature company? Or, if you're a parent desperate from a break from your little cherubs? Well, here are five great ideas for grownups to get you started: Strike out at Roxy Lanes and Roxy Ball Room <img id="f5e40c84-bc5e-a7d5-8f58-d5fc01b70181" data-caption="Roxy Lanes" data-credit="Ollie Vision" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="34866" loaded="34866" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102800586/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"> Roxy LanesOllie Vision   Sister sites Roxy Lanes and Roxy Ball Room are the perfect places to have a drink, grab some food and have a whole heap of fun while you are doing so. Roxy Lanes offers a boutique bowling alley alongside a restaurant and bar serving craft ales and cocktails. With off-peak times and great package deals, you won't even need to battle with the purse strings either: a drink, meal and a game of bowling can cost as little as £18. At Roxy Ball Room on Boar Lane, you can have a bash at ping pong, enjoy a game of pool, or try out the Swingers Club (don't worry, it's actually miniature golf). You also have the opportunity to book the games-packed VIP Room – perfect for your own private party. Again, it offers a tasty food and varied drinks m