Of course, it’s unsurprising that Oxford made the top 10 (what’s more surprising is that it didn’t last year). After all, it’s one of our most historic and leafy cities, with a fabled university, cobbled streets and riverside charm, and is close in proximity to both London and the Cotswolds.
Yet the inclusion of Birmingham is something of a curveball – at least, for those who are unfamiliar with its charms. Indeed, there is much to recommend Brum, not least its thriving foodie scene. There are more Michelin-star restaurants here than in any other English city outside of London, including Opheem, which recently opened a sister restaurant Oudh 1722 in the capital. One of the most exciting is Riverine Rabbit, in Stirchley, which was last year recognised with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, with chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger receiving the Michelin Young Chef award. Popular chains such as Big Mamma Group, Blacklock and Pizza Pilgrims have all opened outposts in the city in the past few years too, showing there is an enthusiasm for eating out here. In terms of drinking, there’s a heady combination of speakeasies, cocktail bars, wine shops and traditional pubs, with standouts including Passing Fancies (one of the best cocktail bars in the world, apparently), Fox & Chance and Loki. There’s only one truly great hotel in the city centre right now though, and that’s The Grand, which has a jazz speakeasy and afternoon tea, depending on your poison.
