We know Birmingham is a brilliant city.

But our credentials have received a massive boost after the inclusion of Stirchley as one of the trendiest areas in the country.

Conde Nast Traveller named Stirchley in its coolest neighbourhoods in the UK list - almost two years after BirminghamLive highlighted the district as the most up and coming area in Birmingham.

The June 2020 edition of the magazine praises Stirchley for a "growing restaurant scene to watch".

Due to the current strict social distancing measures which has seen the hospitality industry grind to a halt, the travel magazine acknowledged it was looking to "more social times ahead".

Adrian Gallo co-owns new Alicia's Micro Bakehouse with his brother Martin
Adrian Gallo co-owns Alicia's Micro Bakehouse in Stirchley which gets a mention in the Conde Nast Traveller

Other UK areas named in the list include Manchester's Ancoats, Mabgate in Leeds, Aigburth in Liverpool and Sheffield's Sharrow Vale.

Of Stirchley, the guide says:  "Until recently, the only thing notable about Stirchley was its proximity to Cadbury World.... Stirchley seems to have grown out of nowhere, though, with its main drag, Pershore Road, a pick-and-mix selection of quirky boutiques, tap houses and restaurants... "

However Stirchley has long been on BirminghamLive's radar.

Back in October 2018 we published a feature on why it had become the most up and coming places to buy in the city.

Since then, there has been an explosion of cool bar and restaurant openings such as the acclaimed Couch -  voted one of the best 20 bars in the world by The Telegraph.

The Pershore Road drinking hole is currently selling their expertly made cocktails pre-mixed and delivered to your door in bottles.

Other recent openings - before lockdown - included Cork and Cage on the area's 'beer mile' which had been offering natural wine, craft beer and real cider.  It is currently closed.

Acclaimed Couch in Stirchley
Acclaimed Couch in Stirchley

Both bars are name checked in Conde Nast Traveller.

The magazine states: "One way of exploring the area would be to navigate the Stirchley beer mile, stopping in at low-lit Cork and Cage for sours and layered Turkish menemen, and the Wildcat Tap for a pint of Burning Soul’s Ice Cream Pale.

"But above all, Birmingham is increasingly defined by its food scene. In this district, that means BBQ-pork-shoulder bun cha at Ming Nham’s Eat Vietnam, and delicate sourdough pizzas at Alicia’s Micro Bakehouse. The place once known as the city of a thousand trades is still keeping busy."

To check the Birmingham restaurants and breweries offering delivery or click and collect takeaway please click here.