Birmingham Bullring & Grand Central — a city landmark reborn in 2003 at a cost of £500 million, attracting over 40 million visitors annually, making it one of the UK's most popular shopping destinations. The Selfridges flagship store, designed by Future Systems architecture firm, is wrapped in 15,000 anodised aluminium discs creating a streamlined "space capsule" exterior, inspired by Paco Rabanne's chainmail dress and Gaudí's organic forms, winning 7 architectural awards. Outside, the 6.5-tonne bronze bull statue "The Guardian" is the third most photographed landmark in Britain, behind only the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Grand Central sits atop New Street Station, gathering 25 restaurants and over 160 brand stores, from Zara to Apple Store, from Nando's to Tapas Revolution — a one-stop destination fulfilling all desires for shopping, dining and urban exploration. An in-depth one-day tour takes you from the building's exterior to its interior secrets, from the top-level food court to the medieval church square, witnessing Birmingham's magnificent transformation from a cattle market to a fashion capital.
From a futuristic building shimmering with aluminium discs to the bronze guardian of a thousand-year-old cattle market, from Selfridges' palace of luxury to Grand Central's food paradise — feel the powerful pulse of Birmingham's commercial heart
Start your morning from Birmingham New Street Station — exit directly into the glass-walled entrance of Grand Central, a shopping arcade sitting above the station that underwent a £150 million renovation in 2015, seamlessly merging the railway hub with commercial space. First, take the escalator up to the top floor and enjoy a breakfast blending English and Asian flavours at Tapas Revolution or Thai Express while looking down at the spectacular sight of trains shuttling below. Then cross through Link Street corridor into the main Bullring building, and be immediately awestruck by Future Systems' Selfridges flagship — 15,000 anodised aluminium discs flowing like liquid metal in the sunlight; though the building has almost no windows, a central oval atrium channels natural light across six floors. Inside Selfridges, browse from the beauty hall to the fashion floors, then head to the basement food hall for handmade chocolates and cheese. In the afternoon, step out of the west entrance and pose for a photo with the 6.5-tonne bronze bull "The Guardian" — its proud stance perfectly symbolises Birmingham's industrial spirit. Turn around and look up at St Martin's Church beside it — this medieval church stands solemnly amidst the glass and aluminium discs, creating a dialogue across time. In the evening, stroll along Spiceal Street to taste Nando's peri-peri chicken or Vietnamese Street Kitchen's pho, ending a perfect day under neon lights and street lamps.
A Spanish tapas restaurant on the top floor of Grand Central. Signature paella, gambas al ajillo and Iberico ham platter are mouthwatering, paired with a glass of authentic sangria. £15-£25 per person — the perfect refueling stop mid-shopping.
A vibrant Lebanese restaurant. Signature chicken shawarma wrap, hummus with warm pitta bread, and sweet refreshing pomegranate mint tea. Don't miss the dessert Mhalabiya (Lebanese cream pudding). £12-£20 per person.
A restaurant with a view on the fourth floor of Selfridges department store, connected to the Moët & Chandon champagne bar. Classic three-tier English afternoon tea — scones, cucumber sandwiches, macarons — paired with signature champagne. Two-person set with hot drinks £35, with champagne £55. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Birmingham skyline.
A global grilled chicken chain originating from South Africa, famous for its secret Peri-Peri sauce. Half a chicken with chips and garlic bread, spice level from mild to extra hot. £12-£18 per person. The Spiceal Street location offers outdoor seating to soak up the street atmosphere — one of Birmingham's most popular affordable eats.