I spent the whole day wandering on my own for the first time through Birmingham central, and it turned out to be one of those rare, perfectly balanced days a mix of shopping, exploring, and soaking up culture. The city felt alive from the moment I arrived: busy streets, the hum of weekend shoppers, and that familiar blend of old and new architecture. I arrived at Birmingham Moor Street station at around 10am, early enough that the city was just waking up but already buzzing with that familiar Birmingham energy. This station drops you right into the heart of the city, and as soon as I stepped out, I felt that little spark of excitement.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve only been to Birmingham a handful of times, usually for the Sea Life Centre or the museum, but never on my own and never on a day where my feet were the only thing deciding where I’d go next. So there I was, right in the centre of Birmingham, the sun already shining, and me feeling ready for a little solo adventure.
And you know me. My long-standing love affair with a good coffee roaster or barista meant my first mission was obvious: find a proper local coffee shop. I had done my homework beforehand and had a list of three or four places. I wasn’t planning on trying them all. I love coffee, but I’m not trying to vibrate through the Bullring, so one or two would do.
My first choice was open, but going through refurbishments and only offering takeaway. As much as I wanted to try them, I also wanted to sit down and enjoy a well-deserved extra-hot oat milk latte before starting my day. So I decided I’d come back in a few weeks when they’re all shiny and new again.
Instead, I headed to my second option, a spot loved by locals according to TripAdvisor: 200 Degrees Coffee. This industrial-style café was already busy, but thankfully there were still seats. I ordered my hot drink and a pastry, and sat for a little while, letting the caffeine do its magic.
Once caffeinated and ready to explore, I made my way straight to the Bullring. I already knew exactly which shop I wanted to visit first: Pop Mart. You’ll find it on the left-hand side of the main Bullring entrance. You really cannot miss it.
This time, I decided to try my luck with another Labubu from the Big Into Energy series. I was hoping for the grey one, but I got Loyalty instead. Not my first choice, but still an absolute cutie. I’ll try again in a few weeks. You know how addictive these blind boxes are.
Next on my list were Miniso and Kenji. I know Miniso well, but Kenji was new to me. They’re very similar, both cute and Japanese-inspired, full of stationery, trinkets, stickers, blind boxes and all the bits you never knew you needed until you see them. I picked up a few things from both shops. Pictures will be below.
By lunchtime, I was craving Korean food or sushi, but the only place without a wait was Wagamama. And honestly, who doesn’t like Wagamama. It had been ages since I’d been, and their menu has changed, but still looked delicious. I went for the Korean crispy chicken bao, and that was plenty. Thanks to my gastric sleeve and Mounjaro, small portions are my norm now, and this little meal hit the spot perfectly.
After my lunch break, I continued my shopping tour. Miniso again, Kenji again, H&M Home, Sephora, Søstrene Grene, and anything cute in between. I also popped into a Japanese kitchen shop to grab a few things because my daughter and I are planning to make sushi from scratch soon.
With my bags full and my feet starting to protest, it was time for something a bit more cultural. So I headed to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The cool, quiet halls were the perfect contrast to the busy shops. I wandered through the galleries, admired the Pre-Raphaelites, and let myself slow down for a moment. There’s something grounding about ending a shopping day with a bit of art. It feels like giving your mind a little reset.
By the time I stepped back outside, the sun was still shining, my legs were tired in the best way, and I felt like I’d had the perfect little solo day out. Birmingham might not be far from home, but sometimes a short train ride is all you need to feel refreshed, inspired, and a little more yourself again.
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