I have a soft spot for the Symphony Hall. I have been coming here since I was a child and my uncle…read moreand aunt would take me to see classical concerts and since then I have been visited it a lot over the years. I think the hall itself is beautiful, I am as in awe now as I was as a kid. The sound is amazing (mostly because of how it has been built and designed) and offers so many amazing concerts from classical, pop, folk etc. My only complaint is that you cannot take drinks into the hall. There is a bar where you can buy a drink up until showtime and yet they don't inform you that you cannot take it into the auditorium.

I was invited to the grand opening of the Heineken bar at Symphony hall this week and thought it…read morewould be rude to refuse. So I grabbed a couple of friends and headed down after work. The bar is located on the third floor entrance but is usually only available to Symphony Hall ticket holders. It's a nice open space from which you can see views of the city. The Heineken is served at minus 1 degrees which is very refreshing. They also serve limited wine options and a couple of other drinks. Bostin Brass played a great set during the event and there was a nice relaxed atmosphere. If you are going to see a show I would recommend that you have a look. Why not?

I'm all for getting to wonder around a castle and find the hidden pathways items of the time period…read moreand the history because right here it's full of it! First off if you plan on coming here on the weekend like my visit was then Rope Drop it because about 2hrs into my visit it was super busy and I was able to get the majority of it done without dealing with the crowd which in my opinion made my experience totally worth coming here! So thankfully I choose to visit inside the castle and see all the items on display as well as the different rooms they have set up to different people who lived here showcasing how they lived and what their setup was making for a total history vibe! The castle also features a few shows such as jousting a bird show a catapult demonstration and more of them I only caught the catapult demonstration as my time was limited here so I made the best of it and decided to go explore the rest of the castle. So when I went exploring I decided it would be a good idea to walk up to the wall and up the spiral stair cases and let me say right there was a total workout as these stairs are beyond small and super winded as well as closed in so bring some good shoes your gonna need them! After climbing the stairs I reached the top of the castle and then chilled for a bit to take in the beautiful views it had to offer by this time I was able to look into the courtyard and see just how crowded it was getting knowing I made the right choice to come up here I ventured further found a few other spiral stairs that lead to different parts of the castle by the end of the second one I didn't see anyone and I was totally alone again and let's just say that was a total vibe as I felt hidden in such a massive structure and I just kinda geeked out for a minute about how cool this entire experience was! Overall very cool castle and experience hopefully I get to come back here again someday as it really just felt magical in it's own way!

It's a tourist-centric experience in a country full of castles that may offer a more…read morehistory-focused and much less expensive day out. £24 a ticket, no matter the age and then and additional £6 to park...regardless of the time of day. If you enter at 4PM you get an hour of the place for that price. Listen, the Falconer's Quest (birds of prey show) is enjoyable - but is that alone worth the cost? Maybe. I will leave it up to you.

An atmospheric glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who helped make Birmingham the city it…read moreis today. On a fascinating guided tour, we stepped back in time at Birmingham's last surviving court of back to backs. These houses were built literally back-to-back around a communal courtyard. Moving from the 1840s through to the 1970s, we discovered the lives of some of the former residents who crammed into these small houses to live and work. With fires alight in the grates, and sounds and smells from the past, experience an evocative and intimate insight into life at the Back to Backs I would certainly recommend the guided tour which brings the houses and characters to life. Make yourself at home, warm up by the fire and make sure you visit the adjoining sweet shop for even more nostalgia.

Really facinating!! The tour takes you around these tiny houses and the guide gives you all sorts…read moreof info. You can touch the stuff too, so its not so museum like. The yard has the old toilets and wash house and then there is a little discovery centre type thing inside. There is also an old sweet shop which is open to anyone. There are some steep steps and low ceilings. Very interesting and well worth a visit. There is something available for those who cant do the steps.

Ohhhh, well now. This is exciting. The first thing I love about Birmingham Open Media is the fact…read morethat it's known as BOM Lab. I'm sorry, but it's so great to see peoples faces when you tell them your popping there... A mixture of stress and confusion contorts their features until you explain what IT ACTUALLY IS. So, BOM opened fairly quietly in November 2014. It's a collaborative space with a focus on art, technology and science. A very cool mix indeed. One of their current focuses is "Hacktivism" (ethical hacking to prove the flaws to public system) and they've got a great exhibition on around that at the moment. The BOM centre comprises of a coffee shop (http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/urban-coffee-company-birmingham-5), photography studio (currently hired by Fotofilia http://www.fotofilia.co.uk/), an open gallery space, co-working space and several different rooms which can be hired out for events, showcases and festivals. It seems to attract an interesting, arty crowd (as you might expect) and has a chilled out and friendly vibe to it. It's very unpretentious in terms of design and the interior features bare wood and cream coloured neutral walls (perfect for showcasing art). This is a great area for the centre to take over. Just around the corner from the Bullring, but with very little around it - I recommend you pop in once in a while and check out the exhibitions and grab a coffee for a chilled and arty experience...

BOM is a new space for art, technology and science. It launched on Friday night (14/11/14) with a…read morebang. The aroma of emotion paint wafted over people happily sipping Prosecco. Attendees were invited to walk around the space to see the fruits of their hard work. In many areas the space still feels like a blank canvas, ready for transformation into a bustling community hub. Downstairs is Fotofilia's large photography studio, whilst upstairs there's a bank of laptops, a dark room and a chill-out space with beanbags. For the opening night they also had Birmingham Camera Obscura on hand showing off their mobile low-tech, pre-photography 'optical device'. The ground floor boasts exhibition space as well as Birmingham's latest addition to the Urban Coffee chain (bringing UC up to 5 in total). It is early days for BOM, so it is difficult to see how the space will develop, and be used. In their upcoming programme they have live hacks, 'Maker Mondays', kids workshops, talks, and a 'Crap Camera Challenge'. I'm sure there will be a whole plethora of future events. What really makes this place stand out is its location. It's the kind of space one would expect to be in deepest Digbeth, down a back street surrounded by industry or empty former industry units. BOM have secured an old shop unit just around the back of the Electric Cinema and New Street Station's grand new (soon to be open) entrance on the corner of Station St and Hill St. It's location will certainly attract locals, as often it can feel like a daunting trek down to Digbeth when one is having pre 'art show' drinks at a bar on John Bright St. BOM won't suffer from this as it is just around the corner from major transport links, thus will benefit from people being able to 'pop-in quickly after work'. Although will they suffer from being slightly distanced from Birmingham's close art scene in Digbeth? Probably not, but it's interesting to speculate. I will certainly be back to check out some of the forthcoming events.

This place brings back a lot of memories for me. I've been to dances,christenings, weddings,…read morecelebration of life there. It's now under new management. No alcohol. Last night i attended a fantastic musical evening. Poorly attended because of weather, they missed something. A roomful of stalls, colourful beautifully decorated tables. Friendly helpful staff. Delicious food. Reasonable prices. Negotiable. Bookable for events. 2 floors. Stairs but no lift to first floor.

This is a great place to hold any sort of special occasion as it caters for the most part in all…read moreaspects, having sufficient spacing and seatings and has a first floor. It is like the only sort of commercial enterprise in its immediate surroundings which proves it is excellent and unrivalled.

My husband and I held our UK wedding reception at Saint Mary's Guildhall. It is the most beautiful…read moreplace ever with such a rich history! No wedding decoration is required, as the Guildhall is so ornate as it is! We had an enjoyable experience working with the catering staff as well. Everyone was very kind and helpful, especially as most of the interaction and planning was done via email. Would highly recommend this location for an event. I also refer all family and visitors to visit this place during open hours and learn the history and stories that go along with it.

This is a fantastic medieval gothic guildhall, we had our wedding here and they were really…read morehelpful. During the day, the crypt is a cafe but this can be hired for parties or for wedding services (the Registrar comes over). The main guildhall is accessed by a large flight of stairs (with a wheelchair lift also) and is open during the day so that you can see the wonderful woodwork etc but again, this can be hired for parties with a very basic sound system in the minstrals gallery (it broke down on our wedding night though). Being owned by Coventry Council places some limitations such as not being able to bring in caterers but the food was delicious and good value. There is a small bar so I would recommend ordering plenty of bottles for tables etc to avoid guests queueing too much and the downside is that the toilets are down the stairs and through another set of doors. The atmosphere makes up for this though!

Been to The Patrick Centre before to watch my daughter do a Street Dance performance when she…read moredanced at Dance Xchange. That must of been about 6- 7 years ago now. So it really was a delight to have the opportunity to go back this week. I was lucky enough to win a ticket to see Mark Bruce's #Dracula on Thursday 16th October 14. Planned on taking a few pictures but the ususal rules applied re flash photography. Tucked inside the grandure of Birmingham Hippodrome shairing the same welcoming reception area and bar space the excitement before the show builds. When its time to take your seats you walk into a theatre that is inviting in the sense that actually do feel part of the performance because of the size of the studio. I decided to sit on the front row. Less than 5 minutes into the performance I began hiding my face in my scarf as Dracula emerged on stage looking hauntingly devilish under the darkness and very dim lighting. (I had to self talk myself into - this is a show Shaz, its not real hahaa) oh the power of the mind! I was gripped! The music, the choreography, the make up, the story line, the acting and the singing was wonderful. The scenes where the vampires feasted on the necks of their victim was really done well as 'fake' blood dripped from their mouths and chests and splashed all over the stage (front row bonus). The dancers/actors were all at arms length, I really felt part of the story. As mentioned above the studio is a lovely size, the access to the facilities of Birmingham Hippodrome and the link through to Dance Exchange makes this a unique establishment sited in the midst of the bustlin Hurst Street.

So I must admit that I haven't yet watched a performance at Dance Xchange - which I will rectify -…read morebut I attend a ballet class there every week and I love it! I did ballet for about 13 years, so, after 6 year break, I attend the improvers class. At £6 for 1 hr 15, which often runs over, it is very good value for money. The teacher Andrea is just amazing. She points out such simple little changes in my dancing that make a world of difference, and I have never done better pirouettes! There are also teenage, beginners and advanced classes, so anyone can give it a go. Above all, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, so it is the perfect un-intimidating place to try something new!

The Blue Orange Theatre is truly a treasure in the JQ. It's a small community led theatre that puts…read moreon top productions, comedy nights and workshops showcasing new and classic texts. I might have missed it, if it wasn't for a good friend noticing they had Misery on in 2011. I bought a ticket with trepidation, not knowing at all what to expect. What I got (for the paltry price of £10) was a spellbinding treat of mindblowing proportions. The actual theatre itself is very small and lends itself to productions where the audience are put in the thick of the action. Since attending Misery, I have been to see Dracula and Jekyll and Hyde (both fantastic). There is a bar with offerings of real ale (£3 a bottle), spirit and mixers and wine. The small seating area is bijoux with artwork adorning the walls and warm, welcoming staff guiding you into the venue. It's clean and fresh and doesn't feel at all corporate. The way the shows use the space is very clever indeed, with it not lending itself to complicated set changes and fancy effects. My best advice is to keep an eye on the listings. Many of their big plays have a "pay what you can" night. Tickets for these nights cannot be pre-booked, but you turn up and literally pay what you can afford to get in. If you're a bit skint, it's the perfect way to get a slice of culture and not break the bank. Also check out many of their free nights which are a great way to experience the venue.

I've always been of opinion that the smaller the theatre, the rawer the talent and that's never…read morebeen more true than at the Blue Orange Theatre. We went for the first time to watch Treasure Island which was a play by Richard Louise Stevenson. The script was informative and the acting enjoyable. Although it's only a small theatre, there was a warm and friendly atmosphere which I believe came from the sheer passion from the actors clearly doing something that they loved. I picked up a leaflet on the way out that was promoting a number of their evening acting classes and regular workshops; something I wasn't aware was available in the Jewellery Quarter. I may give it a try and become a big star! If so, you heard it here first, darling.

As I'm sure a large majority of people, I have regularly wandered past this building, never really…read morehaving any intention to go in, despite my curiosity. Last week though I decided to head on in for the first ever time. Being a History student at University, the hall of memory immediately appealed to me. In honour of those who have lost their lives fighting for this country in past wars, the hall offers a humbling atmosphere, for people like myself to silently pay their respects. The haven for this fantastic opportunity is beautiful building, one definitely worthy of its interior and significance. If you do make a visit, be sure to sign the visitors book and note down anything in particular you feel necessary after your look around.

I'd always walked past this stone dome on Centenary Square without much of a clue about what was…read moreinside it. My curiosity finally won out and I went inside for the first time last year. It is a humbling place to visit and very peaceful. There is a large marble shrine in the centre, which holds a glass case containing the books of remembrance for the first and second World Wars. The name of every known Birmingham citizen who died fighting in those wars is listed in these books. There is also a Roll of Honour for those who have died in wars since. It is terribly sad. This beautiful building, with its stained glass, marble and bronze statues makes a fitting tribute.

I came in here for an early breakfast a couple of days ago. I sat down to the Lion King soundtrack…read moreblaring in the background. By the time 'The Circle of Life' had finished I was ready to end mine. The breakfast was cold and the plate was chipped and smeared with grease, my extra portion of black pudding looked like a brain tumor. The yolk in my egg was yellow like the poor old souls' teeth that sat adjacent to me. The décor was dirty brown, and tanned by nicotine from the time we could smoke in pubs. It wasn't the food though, I was here at 9am and the patrons were drinking in full force. If ever you want to give up alcohol because you have a problem or for health reasons, then instead of the 12 steps I would recommend spending a mornings hour in The Goose. The depths of human depravity that can be seen here are quite inspiring. If you have given up on love, life and music then The Goose is perfect for you.

Full of the near-dead, the unemployed and the very low-waged, every face in here tells a sorry life…read morestory. In the weekdays, single old men stare out of the window onto the bird poo caked exterior paintwork wondering where it all went wrong. Puffy-faced red-nosed men in their fifties stumble out at 5pm staggering blind-steamed drunk back to whereverland. On weekend nights women with bodies from Baywatch and faces from Crimewatch stand out the front smoking Mayfair cigarettes in their supermarket clothes. Men fresh out of prison are welcomed back to society with a round of pound-shop priced drinks. Does The Goose have any redeeming features? The prices of the food and the drinks are staggeringly low-priced but the quality of the food ain't great. You get what you pay for, so the old adage goes. I've no doubt that The Goose fulfills a role the community and it's where some call home, but I wouldn't even wait at the bus stop out side it.