Kirsty Bosley

Satellite imagery reveals medieval ridge-and-furrow earthworks and the remains of a moat at Old Yardley Park in Yardley, Birmingham. The features preserve evidence of historic farming and the relationship between Yardley village and its agricultural surroundings. Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee is due to consider adding the site to the Local Heritage List, which would make its heritage significance a material consideration in future planning decisions, alongside four other Birmingham sites.

The Night Owl, a live music venue in Birmingham's Digbeth district, says proposed Midlands Rail Hub Alliance works to expand the Bordesley Viaduct could force it to close by 2030. The venue is urging the public to respond to the consultation, warning that construction could flatten the club, use it as a worksite or make it impossible to operate. It also says other independent Digbeth businesses may be affected by the rail expansion.

Better Streets for Birmingham has backed the Midlands Rail Hub proposals despite the potential demolition of The Warehouse on Allison Street, where the campaign group holds its monthly meetings. The group says Birmingham New Street is at capacity and that new rail connections between Moor Street and Bordesley would increase network capacity, restore ten-minute Cross-City Line services, shorten Camp Hill Line journeys and enable future trains. The plans have caused concern among Digbeth businesses, music venues and bars because of their substantial footprint, so the group intends to support the scheme while calling for protection and facilitation of affected businesses and community assets.

Cherry Reds Cafe Bar on Birmingham's John Bright Street is being proposed for inclusion on Birmingham's Local Heritage List because of its communal and cultural significance and contribution to the city's independent cultural identity. The proposal follows an online fake review campaign after the bar refused to serve Britain First followers during a far-right rally. Other sites under consideration include The Electric Cinema, the Gazette Buildings, Yardley Ridge and Furrow Earthworks, and The Old Windmill Pub. Local listing would ensure planning consideration but would not provide statutory protection. Birmingham City Council's Planning Committee is due to discuss the proposals on August 13.

Joe Lycett previews his first solo exhibition, Every Thing Must Go, at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. In the conversation, he discusses his fears about critical reaction, the exhibition’s humorous and thought-provoking sculptures—including a giant pink woolly mammoth and a dodo—and makes a controversial comment about Manchester. He also jokes about the quality of modern Cadbury Creme Eggs. The exhibition is presented as free to visitors, alongside the museum’s wider collections and an Ozzy Osbourne memorabilia display.

Whitbread will close the Bar and Block restaurants on Waterloo Street and Exchange Square in Birmingham on September 3, 2026, but both venues will be rebranded as The Social rather than shut permanently. The move is part of Whitbread’s wider Accelerating Growth Plan, which includes converting some restaurant sites into Premier Inn rooms while retaining dining options at affected hotels. The closures and changes may result in West Midlands job losses, although exact figures had not been released.

Villa Park will host the inaugural Flavour Playground food and drink festival from August 14 to 16, featuring restaurants including Asha's, Cylla, Fumo and Vietnamese Street Kitchen. The event will offer live cooking demonstrations, music, tastings, games and sports simulators, with tickets starting at £13.79. It is the first event under a multi-year partnership between the organisers and Aston Villa, with proceeds supporting Love Brum and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity.

A new O'Neill's pub and an Escape Hunt venue have opened within days of each other on Birmingham's Cannon Street. The former Windsor pub received a £1 million refurbishment and now offers live music, food, sports screens, interactive darts and public access to its upper floor. Escape Hunt relocated from Priory Square and reopened on July 23 with four themed indoor escape rooms and three outdoor experiences. The openings are presented as signs of renewal for Cannon Street, which is undergoing public realm works as part of wider Birmingham city-centre regeneration.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham will remain closed until the latter part of 2027, a year later than initially expected, as a £14.8 million redevelopment gets underway. The Grade I-listed gallery is being upgraded with accessible entrances, a ramp, enlarged terrace, new toilets, improved visitor facilities, learning spaces, upgraded heating and ventilation, and refurbished offices supporting the University of Birmingham’s art-history teaching and research. More than 750,000 people have viewed its collections through loans and touring exhibitions during the closure, but a further £400,000 is needed for gallery lighting, air handling, wall coverings and display cases. Its concert series continues at the University’s Elgar Concert Hall while works proceed.

Harli and Harpa, an Australian affordable-jewellery brand founded by former Lovisa CEO Shane Fallscheer, has opened its first UK store at Birmingham’s Bullring. The store occupies the former Claire’s Accessories unit between Subdued and H Samuel and launched with complimentary coffee, promotional gifts and a rewards programme. Its arrival adds to a series of new Bullring retailers, while the shopping centre also hosted Ozzy Day events commemorating Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.

Kirsty Bosley rounds up Birmingham food and drink news, including her visit to Small Heath sweet shop Ambala to try mithai, the closure of Revolucion de Cuba on Temple Street and its replacement by sister venue Bonnie Rogues. She also highlights the return of The Bread Collection, a forthcoming baking-focused experience on Link Street, and proposed Martineau Place redevelopment featuring independent shops, restaurants, coffee shops and terraces designed to encourage a stronger café culture.

Fans from around the world gathered in Birmingham for the first Ozzy Day marking one year since Ozzy Osbourne’s death, with events including live performances, special merchandise, and tributes across the city. Sharon Osbourne visited memorial locations and charities supported by Ozzy’s final concert, while bandmates such as Tony Iommi shared emotional reflections. Public celebrations featured performances on Black Sabbath Bridge, orchestral renditions of Black Sabbath songs in the Bullring, and gatherings around city landmarks dedicated to the singer, underscoring his lasting impact on Birmingham and the global heavy metal community.

Sharon Osbourne visited Merlin's Cafe Bar in Birmingham on the first Ozzy Day, marking a year since Ozzy Osbourne’s death. She spent several hours meeting fans and the bar’s owners, who shared emotional tributes to the visit. The city hosted multiple commemorations including displays at Black Sabbath Bridge, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and an inflatable Ozzy installation in Victoria Square, with a brass band performing his iconic songs throughout the city.

Plans propose demolishing Martineau Place in Birmingham city centre to create two new towers, public parks, commercial spaces, new homes and a Botanical Arcade designed as a calm, green retail environment. The redevelopment, led by Sixth Street and Henley Investment Management, includes Union Street Gardens, Harriet Gardens, a pavilion, improved access to HS2 and new dining areas. Public consultation runs until July 31 before planning applications are submitted.

A Birmingham city centre bar, Revolucion de Cuba, will close on July 25 after nine years of operation. The venue announced the shutdown on social media, prompting emotional reactions from patrons. The Revel Collective, its former owner, entered administration earlier in the year, after which Neos Hospitality took over. The site may reopen under a different brand within the Neos portfolio. BirminghamLive is seeking further details on future plans for the unit.

Maki and Ramen will open its new Birmingham branch on August 21 after months transforming the ground floor of King Edward House on New Street. The restaurant, the chain’s 21st location, will seat 120 diners and feature halal and vegan options alongside traditional Japanese dishes. Founder Teddy Lee highlighted Birmingham’s vibrant appeal and emphasised the brand’s handcrafted noodles and long-simmered broth. The venue will include neon-accented décor, a basement bar serving Japanese drinks and outdoor seating, becoming one of several new sushi spots opening in the city centre this year.

An empty unit on Link Street between the Bullring and Grand Central is being converted into Ready Steady Make It, a new baking experience venue expected to open in autumn. Signage hints at a hands‑on baking concept for social and corporate groups. The development adds to existing leisure and food offerings in the area, including Big Bake Birmingham and the soon‑to‑open Sushi Tachi restaurant at Grand Central. Passers‑by are invited to register for updates as further details are awaited.

A series of construction and energy‑related delays pushed back the opening of Jonny Mills’ new restaurant Sael in Birmingham, ultimately giving him time to gain further experience working in top local kitchens. Now set to open in August at The Goodsyard, Sael will feature an eight‑seat counter, seasonal cooking and a tailored drinks programme led by Asher Beardsmore. The project, supported by a crowdfunder, moves forward with renewed momentum as Mills prepares to launch with refined skills and a clear vision for an intimate, immersive dining experience.

A well‑known Birmingham bakery, The Bread Collection, is set to return to the city centre after leaving its Great Western Arcade location due to construction earlier in the year. Signage has appeared in Piccadilly Arcade, where a new branch is being built opposite New Street station. The bakery, owned by Gilles Zidane, continues to bake in Knowle and has not yet announced an opening date. The story appears amid broader redevelopment activity in the area, including ongoing works at Great Western Arcade and proposed demolition plans for North Western Arcade, House of Fraser, and Martineau Place.

A long‑standing Birmingham salon, Christodoulou's, faces potential displacement following the closure of House of Fraser as redevelopment plans progress for North Western Arcade and surrounding buildings. The owners report receiving notice to leave without relocation support from Legal and General, raising concern among loyal customers and the community. Developers and Birmingham City Council are preparing mixed‑use regeneration proposals, with officials stating that discussions with remaining tenants are ongoing and no immediate changes are planned.

New hospitality developments in Birmingham include a large Slim Chickens branch opening in Grand Central and progress on a new restaurant in the former Fuel juice bar site. While closures continue, including Baked in Brick in Digbeth, its Bakehouse shops will remain open. Chef Jonny Mills is preparing to launch Sael in the Jewellery Quarter in early August, generating anticipation for his foraged-ingredient-focused cooking.

House of Fraser’s former Rackhams building in Birmingham has closed and is slated for demolition as part of a major city-centre redevelopment. Birmingham City Council’s Central Heart prospectus outlines plans to transform underused retail and office space into a mixed‑use neighbourhood centred on Cherry Street. The site’s owner, Legal and General, and developer Sphere Group aim to create up to 600 homes and extensive commercial space, with public consultation on proposals expected later in the year. Wider area changes are aligned with the future arrival of HS2 services, projected between 2036 and 2039.

Several overlooked Birmingham landmarks are explored through their lesser-known histories, including the River Rea as the city’s origin point, the former motor racing circuit around Haden Circus, a historic tobacconist once appointed to Prince Albert, the long-closed ABC New Street cinema, and the large concealed Rotunda Relief artwork awaiting potential rediscovery once scaffolding is removed.

A new independent record shop, 3 Phase Records, opened in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter with unexpectedly high turnout, including collectors travelling from the Isle of Wight and across the UK. Founder Tom Berry, who built the business online before finding a Grade II‑listed building for the store, offers more than 5,000 vinyl records spanning electronic genres and rare collectibles. The shop features listening stations and merchandise and joins Birmingham’s tradition of respected independent record shops such as The Diskery, Swordfish Records and Ignite Records.

Several overlooked Birmingham landmarks are highlighted for their hidden historical significance, including rare Edward VIII postboxes, remnants of the old tramline, skylights to a former wartime morgue, relocated burials from St Martin’s churchyard, and an emblem marking the former salon of famed hairdresser Raymond Bessone.

A new inclusive sports fan zone is launching at The Art Quarter in Digbeth ahead of England’s World Cup match against Norway, offering a big screen, Halal food court, prayer rooms and a family‑friendly setting. Supported by Birmingham City Council, the venue aims to reflect the city’s diversity and serve as a permanent community hub for major sporting events. Organisers plan future screenings of football, boxing, cricket, Formula One and cultural events.

More than nine Birmingham food and drink venues have closed in the month since Andreas Antona warned of an impending wave of shutdowns, with additional small businesses likely affected. Staff at The Billesley were shocked by an abrupt closure with little communication. Hot weather has driven demand for cold drinks, with new beverage options from Blank Street and Bird and Blend highlighted. The Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival reversed its no‑pop rule ahead of the heatwave. Local updates include a new floating restaurant, a sudden cafe closure, a pub refurbishment and a renewed McDonald's planning bid in Stirchley.

Staff at The Billesley pub in Birmingham learned from customers that it had been shut hours before management informed them, leaving long-serving employees distressed over the abrupt closure. Brewery Greene King boarded up the Hungry Horse venue early Monday morning and later confirmed trading had ceased as it reviews the site's future while seeking to relocate staff. Workers expressed shock, frustration and concern over job security, criticising the lack of warning from the company.

A long-vacant unit at Selly Oak’s Battery Retail Park is being refitted for a new Bensons For Beds store, replacing the Poundland that moved last year. Surrounding retail units and an additional empty former Homebase site are noted, while major redevelopment continues nearby with construction of the Triangle project, which will provide student housing and commercial space by 2027.

A New Balance store is opening in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre on July 10, taking over the former AllSaints unit. The announcement prompted excitement from followers, including enthusiastic responses on social media. The opening follows a series of new additions to the Bullring this year, with more retailers still to come after AllSaints relocated to a larger space in 2025 while continuing to trade in Selfridges.

A board game café in Moseley called The Double Six closed abruptly after struggling with increasingly difficult economic conditions. Owners Simon Griffiths, Paul Byerley and James Sedgwick said they invested significant time, money and effort but could not sustain the business. They thanked staff and customers for their support and urged residents to back local independent businesses to prevent high streets from becoming homogenized. Messages of sadness and appreciation from customers followed the announcement.

A review of Paul S. Cadbury’s 1952 predictions for Birmingham highlights which forecasts came true, including population changes, demolition of older housing, growth in parks, expansion of Birmingham Airport and development above New Street station. Some areas, such as the rise of entertainment districts and city-centre traffic reduction, partially align with his vision, while predictions about new cathedrals and an older population did not materialise. The article reflects on the city’s evolution to 2026 and how closely modern Birmingham matches Cadbury’s expectations.

A new branch of The Boiler Room is preparing to open on Waterloo Street in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, replacing the former Sommar Bar. The independent brand, already established in Leamington Spa, highlights its focus on atmosphere, quality drinks and service, and has renovated the venue with new frontage, Victorian tiles and marble flooring. An exact opening date has not yet been announced, but the bar plans to offer 16 draught lines and four cask beers as part of its launch.

A hidden mosaic emblem on New Street in Birmingham marks the former site of Raymond’s hair salon, owned by famed hairdresser Raymond Bessone, mentor to Vidal Sassoon. The emblem, featuring scissors, a crown and the letter R, survives from the 1950s salon that once attracted glamorous clientele and remained open until around the 1980s. A tip-off from a local hairdresser sparked renewed interest in the forgotten landmark, prompting a reflection on Birmingham’s overlooked history and a call for readers to share more memories of the city.

Toy retailer The Entertainer is holding free Panini World Cup sticker swap events at its Merry Hill and Bullring stores every Tuesday and Thursday until July 16, offering collectors a chance to trade and complete their albums. The swaps, open to all collectors, accompany a range of football-themed products and come as excitement builds for England’s upcoming Round of 16 match against Mexico, ahead of Birmingham hosting a major fan zone if the team advances.

Birmingham venues, including TOCA Social in the Bullring, will open late to screen the England vs Mexico World Cup Round of 16 match, with ticketed options offering drinks, games and entertainment. Additional fan zones across Digbeth will also show the match, and Birmingham is set to host Europe’s largest fan zone at the Utilita Arena if England reaches the quarter-finals.

Birmingham’s Utilita Arena is set to host Europe’s largest World Cup fan zone for up to 10,000 people if England defeat Mexico in the Round of 16. Organised by 4TheFans, the event will feature live match coverage from Miami, appearances by England football legends, entertainment and special effects. Tickets start at £7.50 with a free beer and a money‑back guarantee. Premium seating is also available. If England advance, the Quarter Final match will kick off at 10pm, making it accessible for local venues to screen as well.

Several Birmingham venues including Mama Roux, Luna Springs, Hennesseys Bar, Snobs, the Goose and the Old Crown will screen England’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time. Most venues require advance tickets, some include drinks on arrival and others offer free but non-guaranteed entry. Doors typically open late Sunday night and closing times vary, with some pubs managing capacity through ticketing and time restrictions.

Tens of thousands are expected in Birmingham city centre for the returning Colmore Food Festival, featuring numerous acclaimed food and drink vendors, chefs and entertainment. The free event runs July 3–4 with taster-sized dishes and capped prices, following last year’s strong turnout boosted by major city events. The expanded vendor lineup and favourable weather are anticipated to draw large crowds again.

Updates highlight recent changes in Birmingham’s city centre shopping district, including new openings, closures and upcoming developments around Bullring, Grand Central and New Street. The reporter shares ongoing insights, encourages residents to follow local coverage across platforms and teases further details such as a review of the new Vyve coffee shop and the opening date for a new sushi restaurant.

Metallica supported Birmingham fans during their M72 World Tour by placing official logos in the city directing people to exclusive band-designed T‑shirts available to blood, plasma, and platelet donors at the NHS Blood and Transplant centre on New Street. The initiative aims to boost donations amid low blood stocks, particularly for O negative, B negative, and Ro subtypes. Metallica and their All Within My Hands Foundation partnered with the NHS to raise awareness and encourage new donors, complementing broader charitable efforts made during their tour.