Shopping Mall and other Birmingham, United Kingdom Shopping Tips

Name of Shop: Bullring

The Bullring is a large-ish shopping mall right in the centre of Birmingham. There are over 160 shops including Selfridges (one of only four in Britain!) and a large Debenhams store.

The Bullring is less than ten years old so all is still very shiny and new!

What To Buy: Krispy Kreme donuts at Selfridges.


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Theme: Other
Phone: 0121 632 1500
Address: Birmingham City Centre, B5 4BU
Directions: A short walk from New Street Station.
Website: http://www.bullring.co.uk/

Name of Shop: Mailbox

A very glossy & glamorous mall by the canalside. Only for people with large wallets - but normal mortals are allowed to window-shop. Shops include Harvey Nichols, Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss, Bang & Olfusen and many more.

There are plenty of nice & affordable restaurants outside by the canal.

The local BBC studios are also located here.



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Theme: Other
Phone: +44 (0)121 632 1000
Address: Wharfside Street, Birmingham B1 1XL
Directions: In the city centre, near New Street Station
Website: http://www.mailboxlife.com/

Name of Shop: OHO

OHO is an independent organic shop. They sell fruit & veg, meat, cheese, pasta, ... and many more things. It's lovely to browse and look at the fresh produce - very different from a supermarket!

The staff are very friendly and happy to answer questions.



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Theme: Food and Drink
Phone: 0121 427 5533
Address: 81 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NR
Directions: On Harborne High Street, close to the Sainsbury's Supermarket and the Clock Tower Centre.

Name of Shop: Selfridges

Selfridges is one of the iconic British department stores, right up there with Harrods of London and Harvey Nichols.

There are only four Selfridges stores in the UK, and the Birmingham store is one of them.

The store is divided roughly like this:

Ground floor - food court (Amazing! Watch out for the giant bull made of jelly beans. And make sure you try a Krispy Kreme donut. You can also have meal at Yo! Sushi! and much more).

1st floor - ladies wear

2nd floor - cosmetics & gents wear

3rd floor - champagne bar & the really, really designer expensive stuff (shoes & handbags!)

Oh yeah, and the architecture is pretty amazing, too. From outside, the building looks a bit like a giant spaceship that has landed in the city centre!



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Theme: Department Store
Address: Bull Ring
Directions: Part of the Bull Ring shopping centre next to New Street Station.
Website: www.selfridges.co.uk

Name of Shop: Mr Simm's Olde Sweet Shop

This is a wonderful, old-fashioned sweet shop, stacked with big jars of candy. They also have a large selection of not-so-old-fashioned jelly beans and other sweets.

The shop is located in the Great Western Aracade, which in itself is worth a visit.



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Theme: Food and Drink
Address: Great Western Arcade
Directions: The Great Western Arcade is opposite Snow Hill Railway station in Birmingham city centre.