Food & Drink

With the most Michelin stars outside of London, Birmingham has a thriving food scene waiting to be explored.

Birmingham has played a large role in the food culture of the UK. John Cadbury’s first chocolate shop opened in Birmingham City Centre over 200 years ago and has grown to be a product exported all over the world in its iconic purple wrapper.

Now the city has a thriving food scene, reflecting the incredible diversity of the city.

Below are some of our students' favourite spots for food and drink in the city.

Bonehead
  • Whilst fried chicken might not be the healthiest option around, we all deserve a treat once in a while. Bonehead is one of our favourite spots in Birmingham. The walk-in only restaurant is tucked away just off John Bright Street on on Lower Severn Street by New Street Station.
     
  • We would personally suggest you being adventurous and going for the “hothead” seasoning on your order and when your belly is full. Cherry Red’s, a cute little board game café & bar is next door for you to continue your night out.
@astonuniversity Sticking around for a bit this Easter break, or planning fun things to do with friends when you return to Birmingham? 👀 Here’s a food spot to add to your list! Bonehead is a restaurant located in the city centre a short walk from campus, that serves authentic American barbeque. We love it and we hope you do too  😋 #birminghamstudentuk #studentlife #astonuniversity ♬ Walking Around - Instrumental Version - Eldar Kedem
Medicine Bakery
  • One of the big hitters in Birmingham’s food scene is the legendary Medicine Bakery which has grown to three locations across the city centre. Our personal favourite being the luscious plant filled New Street Location.
     
  • We have a sweet tooth and always end up with a Brownie or a Doughnut, but there are plenty of savoury options available too, with an extended menu of grilled sandwiches perfect for a lunchtime treat.
@astonuniversity Join us on our first Birmingham adventure!😃 During this new series we will explore the city, discovering all the best student friendly spots for you to visit! Our first stop is the Medicine Bakery, an artisan bakery and café in the city centre, a 10-minute walk for our campus. 🍰 Comment below anywhere you’d like us to explore in the city👇 #birminghamuk #birminghamcafe #astonuniversity #fyp ♬ ♡ ᶫᵒᵛᵉᵧₒᵤ ♡ - SoBerBoi
Meatshack
  • Established in 2012 as part of Digbeth Dining Club Meatshack decided to go it alone in 2017 and open their own restaurant. Tucked away in the south of the city centre, you can find Meatshack on Thorpe Street for perfectly caramelised smash burgers and a bunch of other treats. Perfect pre-show fuel if you’re visiting the O2 Academy Birmingham.
@astonuniversity Lets do another #food tour. Honestly #birmingham needs more love for its food scene. #fyp #chicken #astonuni #astonuniversity #birminghamfood #mukbang #cooking #recipe ♬ is it still raining? - demon gummies
Original Patty Men
  • Possibly the best burgers in the city, Original Patty Men can be found in Shaws Passage in Digbeth. Right next door to it’s sister venue Kilder. There’s even a great covered outdoors area connecting the two for outside dining in those lovely summer months. Whether you’re after a juicy burger or some of the best local craft beers, you’ll find a few happy hours here.
The Balti
  • Birmingham is the Birthplace of the world-famous Balti. Invented in the seventies and now a staple dish in the U.K. the Balti uses a special, thinner bowl for cooking which heats up faster and allows creative chefs to build layers of flavour. Sadly the much written about “Balti triangle” is a little out the way and is now home to only four Balti Houses, but the legacy has spread across the city and there are a number of great Balti’s still on offer. We recommend a visit to the Hen & Chickens.
Cadbury World
  • Whilst you won’t be able to visit John Cadbury’s original chocolate shop. The majority of Cadbury chocolate in the U.K. comes straight out of its Bourneville factory. The factory is open to the public through the Cadbury World experience. A museum tour that takes you through the history and production process of this iconic British brand. Best of all there are a number of student discounts and it’s just a short journey from the University on the train.