THINGS TO DO IN BIRMINGHAM
Local attractions in Birmingham City CentreWhether you're staying in the city for a long weekend or you're Brummie born and bred and fancy trying something new, you'll find plenty of things to do in Birmingham. You'll find a whole host of local attractions within walking distance of the Malt House, from family-friendly venues to cultural gems.
Not sure where to start? We've picked out of our favourite places to visit, just for you.
THE MAILBOX AND BRINDLEYPLACE
Designer stores, family-friendly attractions, world-class wellbeing experiences and stylish hotels: The Mailbox and Brindleyplace boast treasures around every corner, sitting on the canal either side of the famous Gas Street Basin. With enough activities to easily fill a weekend, you'll find everything here. Indulge in a little shopping at Harvey Nicols, catch a film or two at the Everyman Cinema, spoil yourself with a snazzy new haircut and treat the kids to a visit to the SEA LIFE centre (more on that later). You can even get a little work done at one of the many city-centre workspaces, and drop in to the Malt House on your lunch break for a couple of mix-and-match small plates, or a fully-loaded burger.
THE UTILITA ARENA, BIRMINGHAM
What do Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Peter Kay and Jason Manford have in common? It's easy–they've all had hugely successful shows at the Birmingham's Utilita Arena. Formerly the NIA, the Utilita is the city's premier concert venue, hosting the world's best bands, musicians, comedians and everything in between. There's limited parking if you're coming from further afield, but the area is easily accessible by bus or train, with Birmingham New Street station just a short walk away through Centenary Square and right past... you guessed it: the Malt House! The Malt House team are huge music fans, and match their daily playlists to whoever's playing at the Utilia Arena, so you can enjoy all the songs you love for even longer.
THE BIRMINGHAM REP
Nestled between the International Convention Centre and the Library of Birmingham, the Birmingham Rep has been putting on mesmerising plays and musicals in the heart of Centenary Square since 1971, celebrating and sharing stories of local Brummies as well as tales from around the world. Take a look at what's on and you'll find a diverse collection of performances, including iconic plays like Death of a Salesman, A Christmas Carol and The Merchant of Venice.
If you're looking for pubs or restaurants near to the Birmingham Rep, you couldn't get any closer than the Malt House, so why not pop in before or after a concert for a bite to eat or a glass of wine?
THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM
Home to the UK's only 360° ocean tunnel plus a jaw-dropping collection of sharks, rays, tropical fish and one seriously giant turtle, the National SEA LIFE Centre should be at the top of the every family's to-do list. Located just off Broad Street in the tree-lined Brindleyplace main square, it's open daily, with a range of events and VIP experiences to choose from, including getting up close and personal with the country's only sea otters, Ozzy and Ola.
If you're looking for pubs near Brindleyplace to relax in after a visit to the SEA LIFE centre, just head over the bridge to the Malt House; where delicious food for adults and kids awaits.
THE IKON GALLERY
A critically-acclaimed contemporary art gallery in the heart of the city, the Ikon Gallery has recently celebrated its 60th year. Originally conceived as a 'gallery without walls' in the mid 1960s, the Ikon has shone a light on stunning work from local and international artists alike, including Ian Emes, Cornelia Parker and Yinka Shonibare MBE. It's free to enter, with a constantly-changing collection of exhibitions, tours and events.