Ruth Meredith

Have you become a slave to tradition once the Christmas season starts? Are you stuck in a festive rut? Then make 2015 the year that you break away from your normal routine and try something new. Here are seven suggestions to help you look at Christmas in a new light: 1. Tired of turkey? Enjoy a taste of South America  Bodega   Without a dollop of cranberry sauce or sprout in sight, have a 'Feliz Navidad' (that's Spanish for 'Happy Christmas') at Bodega. This alternative Christmas dinner includes a number of South American dishes, including Peruvian spiced lamb, vegetable chilli, moqueca or a buffet menu where you will be spoilt for choice. Bodega also has a great range of winter drinks, with plenty of Tequila to get you feeling jolly.  2. Forget the grottos and enjoy A Winter Less Ordinary  A Winter Less Ordinary   A Winter Less Ordinary in Digbeth describes itself as the 'alternative Christmas experience'. Held over the weekend of December 12-13, the event showcases a huge range of independent fashion, art, crafts and food. There'll something for everyone, including markets, a dance floor and live DJ music, giving you the Christmas spirit with a twist. 3. Escape the chaos of the German Market Seasonal Markets   If you've had your fill of the market in Birmingham's city centre, then don't despair. On Saturday December 5 the Winter Market will return to The Bond in Digbeth. This is a food and drinks lover's heaven, with a vast range of street food vendors. Regulars to th

Brummies are an innovative bunch. Don't believe us? At the turn of the Millennium, of the 4,000 copyrighted inventions approved by the UK patent office that year, around 2,800 were submitted from within a 40 mile radius of the city. Must have something to do with all those years being industrious.  Here are just a few of the many inventions that the rest of the world owes us for...  Tennis Flickr: John Garghan   Yes, the French have been playing an earlier form of the sport for nearly a thousand years, but the modern version of tennis – the one that we all play now – can thank Birmingham for its existence. Some time around 1859, solicitor Harry Gem and his sportsman friend Augurio Perera pioneered 'lawn tennis' by combining elements of the game racquets and Basque pelota. The pair first played on Perera's croquet lawn at his home in Edgbaston (above).   Cutlery <img id="5402bb94-28b4-e8f3-959c-311e780d3119" data-caption="" data-credit="Flickr: Daniel Carlbom" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="81879" loaded="81879" image_id="102920951" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102920951/image.jpg" alt="cutlery, knife and fork, " class="photo lazy inline"> Flickr: Daniel Carlbom   Birmingham firm Arthur Price was the first company to make spoons and forks from chromium plate – the forerunner of stainless steel. And the family are still active and working in Birmingham today.   Cluedo  Flickr: Steven Isaacson   Popular board game 'Cluedo' can trace its roots

With the days shortening and the temperatures on the slide, it's time to say hello to autumn.  Despite being a big city, Birmingham is home to some incredible places for an autumnal walk, perfect for a change of scene, some fresh air and to help you fully embrace the change of season.   Edgbaston Canal  Flickr: Gillie Rhodes The route along the canal offers a neat tour of Birmingham – from Edgbaston to Harbourne, then through to the city centre and, eventually, the Mailbox, where you can treat yourself to a drink and a bite to eat. The canal follows the train track (meaning you can't get lost), so while there might be a bit of noise, the views more than make up for it.   Harbourne Walkway  Geograph: Phil Champion Perfect for both walking and cycling, the walkway follows the route of a disused railway and you get a real countryside feel thanks to the heavy undergrowth. At one end of the walk is Summerfield Park, close to the Edgbaston Reservoir, which itself is another of Birmingham's treasures.   Selly Oak Park  Geograph: David Stowell Selly Oak Park on Gibbons Road is famously home to the Selly Oak festival, but is also the perfect place for an autumn stroll. Follow the Nature Trail that circuits the park and includes the Lapal Canal and the Millennium Wood. The park is perfect for families with plenty of children's play areas.   Botanical Gardens Geograph: Roger Kidd No need to head off the beaten track with this one - the Botanical Gardens offer something for eve

A city the size of Birmingham is always welcoming new arrivals. Some of you come to start university, others may have relocated for a new job, or maybe you're just a regular visitor.  Whatever brings you here, there are certain things in Birmingham that you really have to experience. We round up eight unusual things to do that will help you see sides of the city you might never have expected...   Head up to the hills  &lt;img id="e6b5e02c-9a60-d2ec-53e0-84475795846a" data-caption="" data-credit="Flickr: Basegreen" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="727290" loaded="727290" image_id="102853285" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102853285/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"&gt; Flickr: Basegreen You cannot afford to miss one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of Birmingham – Lickey Hills. Escape from the bustle of city life for a while and enjoy a peaceful walk around this idyllic country park. There's lots to do: walking, orienteering, horse riding, golf, cycling or simply taking in the incredible views and peace and quiet. Perfect for the budding photographers out there.   Sample sweet nostalgia   A photo posted by ᎽᎯℕᎯ ℬUℤᏦᎾ 👑 (@ybuzko) on Jun 11, 2015 at 1:06am PDT   Visit Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe on Colmore Row and you'll definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. It's a charming hidden gem in the city – and who doesn't want to load up on Double Dips, Flying Saucers, Choc Nibbs, Millions and all the other favourite treats from your youth?  

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 &amp;lt;img id="8db01e7b-e1d5-4fe8-03d1-dfca65d81061" class="photo lazy inline" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102836521/image.jpg" alt="" data-caption="" data-credit="Flickr: Elliott Brown" data-width-class="100" data-mce-src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102836521/image.jpg" image_id="102836521"&amp;gt; Flickr: Elliott Brown 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