Birmingham: It’s Not Shit: 50 Things That Delight About Brum
In this funny, revelatory and occasionally even nostalgic collection, the team behind Paradise Circus explore the places, people and Brummie ephemera that delight us about the second city. It lays out the ineffable reasons why we say ‘Birmingham: it’s not shit’, and then effs them. Meet at the ramp and Jon Bounds, Jon Hickman and Danny Smith will dally down Dale End and take you up The Ackers. Discover Aston Villa’s sarcastic advertising hoarding, learn why Snobs could literally be magical, and dig up what might or might not be buried under Spaghetti Junction. Cover by Foka Wolf. “If you think it’s looking dark over Nechells Green and your face is as long as Livery Street and, if you can forgive me for getting all kippers and curtains, this book will hearten you.” Stephen Duffy of The Lilac Time.
www.amazon.co.uk/Birmingham-Shit-Things-Delight-About
’tis the season to try VR!
VR can be enjoyed by everyone and anyone. There are some terrifying Zombie war-zones and sci-fi worlds to explore in this amazing arena beneath the former NIA. Also, perfect for younger players or VR first-timers, Engineerium offers social, puzzling, topsy-turvy fun for the entire family! Suitable for ages 10+. Gift vouchers can be used as part or whole payment against any experiences and at any store and at anytime. Your gift card will also reward a child, who qualifies for free school meals, with a place on one of the online coding workshops (www.juniorgamecreators.co.uk) – an extraordinary Christmas present!
Digbrew Co. Merch, Beers & Tours
Tucked down a back street in deepest Digbeth, there exists a weekend meeting place for young and old, a converted factory unit, with large vats full of delicious beer which are served to thirsty punters every week.. welcome to Dig Brew Co. Dig Brew Co. is a craft brewing project based in Digbeth,. The brand works tirelessly to create inventive tasty beers which are exported to the Dig Brew hand pumps for weekend consumption, but also to other drinking establishments, along with canned versions and an opportunity to display some cool artwork. There are Tap Room Vouchers, canned and bottled beers, beer dundles, mini kegs, tour experiences, merch and more online. Check it out, unique and artsy.
digbrewco.com/collections/gifts
The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume One
Birmingham may be England’s second city but when it comes to reggae music, there are plenty of reasons for it to claim first place. Perhaps no band has done more for British reggae than Steel Pulse whilst Musical Youth, not only found chart success but took reggae to the nation’s children in a way no other band could, not forgetting UB40 who also experienced huge international success. These bands didn’t exist in isolation, Birmingham and the other towns and cities that make up the Midlands were a powerhouse of British reggae. Finally, it’s time to shine the spotlight on some of the lesser known acts that spent years performing and recording without achieving those levels of success. “The Midlands Roots Explosion Volume One” from Reggae Archive Records, is the first in a series of compilations that hope to showcase some of the unreleased, forgotten and barely known musical gems from what was such a vibrant scene. It’s only appropriate that the first volume leads off with the band that put both Handsworth and Birmingham on the musical map, Steel Pulse.
reggaearchiverecords/the-midlands-roots-explosion-volume-one
Foka Wolf Prints
Foka Wolf has been growing in popularity in recent years and it is easy to see why. His Local humour is resonating well with Brum’s ever burgeoning renaissance of the independent and cool, he’s also being recognised nationally too for some hard hitting public service announcements. Check out his online shop which offers ‘Information to confuse people with’ via some funky prints, there is more to Foka Wolf than mere wit.. he’s an ace artist primarily and his art makes for the perfect Chrimbo pressie… framed if pos. Follow: https://www.facebook.com/fokawolf
Indian Streatery Gift Card & Merch
The Indian Streatery is home to a family of foodies who started as street food traders. They worked the street food scene in Birmingham and around the UK and became firm favourites at the city’s Digbeth Dining Club under their street food name The Indian Rasoi. Serving up a traditional, authentic, menu with a concept that bridges the generations, sticking to their street food roots with a team of all female chefs, The Indian Streatery gift cards will open up a world of exciting melting pot of Indian cuisines and Brummie charm. There are some great gifts too, from branded tote bags to Indian Streatery Mango Pale Ale, beer glasses and tee shirts for the truly converted!
www.theindianstreatery.co.uk/online-store
Bodega Gift Vouchers
Do you love anyone enough to share your nachos? No, us neither! But we can think of plenty of people worthy of a Bodega gift voucher so they get their own! Gift Vouchers are redeemable at Bodega Cantina & any of their venues for 1 year after your purchase date. Your Gift Voucher will be delivered by email and opens up a world of cheesy goodness and.. pretty awesome cocktails in the centre of town. Brum’s fave South American diner.
www.bodegacantina.co.uk/gift-vouchers
Brumhaus Art
A striking use of patterns, shapes and rediscovered architecture. Based in Birmingham, UK. Brumhaus is the creation of UK artist Alexander Edwards. Inspired by architecture and design; he adopts architectural patterns and geometric shapes to form unique compositions. His work captures both city skylines and iconic buildings, from the historic to the brand new. Every house, apartment, bungalow and tower block should have some Brumhaus Art.
Commemorative Single for The Night Owl club
Official commemorative single for The Night Owl club opening in 2015, limited edited Second City Soul 45 for collectors only. The Night Owl by Bobby Paris 7 inch record £10.00. Or.. Who needs Fred Perry when you have a Night Owl black polo shirt in your wardrobe? 100% cotton and features a 6mm embroidery of Night Owl logo on the left side of the chest, complete with a mod-style white tipped color. It goes without saying that you will be looking sharp in one of these as the warm summer months draw closer. Available in sizes S,M,L,XL. £18.
Alpha Works Office Memberships
If you know someone who is a business start-up, runs a small or medium sized business, or who just needs some quiet space to work from for a few days.. Alpha Works on the 21st floor of Alpha Tower in the heart of Brum is an ideal setting. Guests can work in a flexible collaborative environment, take a look at the different memberships they offer, from one day passes to monthly subscriptions, there is something available for everyone. A cool inspirational gift for the New Year.
Attic Brew Co. Brewery tours
Attic Brew Co. are Stirchley’s jewell in the crown. A local brewery which has grown in stature offering a wide array of delicious beers, bar and DJ events. There will be several brewery tour dates in January and then one per month after that, so the lucky recipient of your generosity can choose a date that suits them. Attic Brew also have a wicked little gift shop too, we recommend.. Attic Brew Co. branded socks.. the socks your sock drawer never knew it was missing.
atticbrewco.com/collections/merch
Dishoom Cookery Book
Dishoom: From Bombay with Love, is an eccentric and charming cookery book, with over 100 recipes for the Bombay comfort food and drink that they love. Through the course of the pages, you will be taken on a day-long tour of south Bombay. Starting at breakfast, through to lunch, dinner and nightcaps, Dishoom share recipes for beloved dishes such as Masala Chai, the Bacon Naan Roll and House Black Daal. There’s a great CD to be purchased too, check the website for more gifts. Bombay’s finest export to Birmingham via Landaan enit.
dishoom.com/dishoom-cookery-book
The Floodgate Activity Vouchers
The Floodgate is an experiential craft beer and cocktail activity bar located near the Custard Factory, Digbeth. Experience an action-packed, fun-filled adventure to a backdrop of music, graffiti and an explosion of colours. At The Floodgate you can get an immersive experience at every turn with some friendly competition of Baseball, Curling and PitPat Table Golf, tasty street food and funky cocktails. Gift vouchers for The Floodgate make for a great activity present to be enjoyed at your leisure.
Wine Freedom Gift Box
Digbeth’s best hidden secret and Brum’s coolest Wine school, restaurant, shop & wine bar. Send a gift box of natural wine to friends and family this Christmas. Wine Freedom have a growing range of mixed cases, each hand-picked to suit many palates. Each gift boxed up for a Christmas surprise.
Indico @ Home eVoucher
Meal Kit eVoucherGive the gift of no cooking to a loved one. Purchase an Indico @ Home eVoucher, valid for all our succulent Meal Kits online only. From £50.00. And of course gift cards for your loved ones to enjoy at one of our Indico restaurants start at £20. Only available for restaurant dine-in experiences. You’re Footsteps Away from the Streets of North India! Slip off your sandals and roll up your sleeves, the streets have never felt this warm. Welcome to the bustle, the spectacular artistry, and the vibrant flavours of Punjab. Brum’s most colourful and indulgent Indian Restaurant brand.
www.indicostreetkitchen.com/shop
Journey to Narnia with The Alexandra Theatre
Direct from London, the smash hit production of C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, voted the nation’s favourite book is coming to a theatre near you… The Alexandra, to be precise! From the 8th to 12th March 2022, a great absorbing gift for all the family in one of the country’s fave theatres! Tickets: https://atgtix.co/31AN6lN
New Japanese Bar Tasting Evening
The award-winning team behind The Pineapple Club has announced that they will be launching their first event in the anticipated lead-up to the opening of Shibuya Underground, a cocktail and sake specialist bar in the city centre. This will take the form of a food and drink pairing evening with Birmingham based Kodawari! Tickets for the event are £85 per head and on sale now (with only a limited number 50 available)** A physical ticket will be posted out to you for this event ** Extremely cool gift for anyone with a penchant for Tokyo.
www.pineapplebrum.co.uk/shibuya-x-kodawari-food-drinks-event
Brum Forever Crewneck
Paying homage to one of Birmingham’s greatest exports, our Brum Forever Crewneck is one for Black Sabbath fans and proud Brummies all over the world. Purple print on a black sweatshirt. Hand printed in Birmingham. 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled polyester. Provide is inspired by the people, the history and the industries that have shaped, and continue to define Birmingham. Provide collaborate with all sorts of artists, designers, makers and doers across the Midlands to create products that celebrate the region and promote its emerging creative talent. Their most popular product is Brum Box; a limited edition package containing a T-shirt, art print and extra gift that is only available 5 times a year.
Lasan Gift Card
Lasan Gift Cards are the perfect way to put bring some Christmas spice and joy to the hearts of the special people in your life who love curry! You can buy your gift cards at the restaurant or have them posted to you by recorded mail (within 3 working days), and then share in their delight as the recipient unwraps a wonderful dining experience. Birmingham’s most famous fine-dining Indian Cuisine brand in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
Signing Off Album by UB40
Signing Off is the seminal debut album by British reggae band UB40, released in the UK on 29 August 1980 by Dudley-based independent label Graduate Records. It was an immediate success reaching number 2 on the UK albums chart, and made UB40 one of the most popular reggae bands in Britain. The politically-concerned lyrics struck a chord in a country with widespread public divisions over high unemployment, the policies of the recently elected Conservative party under Margaret Thatcher, and the rise of the racist National Front party, while the record’s dub-influenced rhythms reflected the late 1970s influence of West Indian music. The passing in 2020 of notable band members Astro (Terence Wilson) and Brian Travers make this a hard one for UB40 fans and both leave behind a legacy of incredible music and art. No true Brummie should be without this album!
www.amazon.co.uk/Signing-Off-UB40-CD
www.discogs.com/release/409773-UB40-Signing-Off-Vinyl
Jewellery Making Voucher
A magical gift for someone this Christmas. Give a loved one, or friend, a voucher to enable them to attend one of the best Jewellery and Ring making workshops in the UK. Each gift voucher comes with a beautifully printed card so you can include your own message. Your voucher will be sent in the post along with a unique code the recipient can use to choose and book their own date to attend. All vouchers are sent by royal mail signed for and we aim to post within 3 working days of receiving the order.
thequarterworkshop.com/gif-vouchers
The Snowman at The Rep
Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake’s classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty-five years ago, going on to become the West End’s longest running Christmas show. Presented by The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, based on the book by Raymond Briggs tickets to The Snowman between Thu 6 Jan–Sun 9 Jan 2022 would make an ideal Christmas present. Tickets: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/the-snowman
Stable Pizza Gift Voucher
Give the gift of pizza with Stable Dough to spend at one of the cool restaurants or a unique cider experience that will uncover what the Stable are famous for. A Pizza for one (£10) or Sourdough for two (£25) and a host of other offers from this West Country brand who bring the countryside into the heart of the city.
The Big Birmingham Bake voucher
Looking for something fun to do or gift to someone special this festive season? The Big Bakes offers sessions in two award-winning tents in London (The Big London Bake) and Birmingham (The Big Birmingham Bake), each with 12 stations, and all the ingredients and equipment needed to share the joy of baking with all. No baking experience required! And no washing up required! Tickets are available online, get in there quick! Sessions are led by trained patisserie chefs, run for 90 mins and bakers team up in pairs to take on the theme of the month. This year’s special festive bake, the Woolly Winter Hat Cake, is currently running and will finish on 31st January.
Tan Rosie Caribbean Hampers
The name ‘Tan’ is an affectionate name for ‘Aunt’ in the Caribbean – Aunty, Tanty, Tan! ‘Rosie’ is Monica’s grandmother who inspired her to cook, she was known as ‘Tan Rosie’ throughout the family and beyond. Monica is a seasoned cook with a strong Caribbean heritage. She started cooking from an early age in her home country of Carriacou. Since moving to England in the 1960’s she has always tried to mix Caribbean cooking with different cuisines. Tan Rosie offer cookery classes, and create some spicy hand-made Caribbean treats for your home cooking. From jars of sauces to cookery kits. Purchase some of mini recipe kits with your choice of hamper! Meat & Fish or Vegan recipe card kits available. Have yourself a Caribbean Christmas.
