What the papers say
Following The New York Times article, which named Birmingham number 19 in its ‘45 Places to Go in 2012’ shortlist, over 45 articles praising Birmingham’s culinary scene have been generated across international, national and UK regional outlets, worth over £400,000 in media coverage.
A few highlights…
NEW YORKERS BEAT A PATH TO BIRMINGHAM (B1, NOT ALABAMA)
“How do you fancy strolling around Vienna…or taking a rocket trip into space? You’d be better off visiting a curry house in Birmingham, according to The New York Times… As well as its famed “Balti triangle” of Indian restaurants, and three eateries with Michelin-starred chefs – Purnell’s, Simpsons and Turners of Harborne – Birmingham’s smaller cafes, bistros and bustling farmers’ markets are a burgeoning source of local pride.” ROB HASTINGS
WHY THE AMERICANS ARE RIGHT TO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH BIRMINGHAM
“Six months ago…I took my wife, Clare, to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary with a night of romantic bliss…in Birmingham…We spent the night at a place called Staying Cool at the Rotunda…It was chic. It was modern….And the views from our window were spectacular…it could be LA or Sydney. It’s Birmingham. And The New York Times is quite right. It’s a great place. You should absolutely go there in 2012.” DAVID THOMAS
NOT JUST A SPAGHETTI JUNCTION
“There was a time when Britains second biggest city was known for producing such household staples as HP Sauce, Bournville chocolate and Bird’s Custard…Birmingham’s reputation as a food centre no longer rests on its former manufacturing base...Birmingham boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK outside London, with three Turners, Simpsons and Purnells.” NICK WYKE
BIRMINGHAM IS ‘TOP PLACE TO GO IN 2012’
“Before jetting off to Paris, Madrid or Rome, American holidaymakers should consider a trip to Birmingham, according to a new list of places to visit in 2012…The New York Times highlights four restaurants run by local chefs: Lasan, Opus, Edmunds and Loves, as well as three Michelin-starred establishments: Purnell’s, Simpsons and Turners of Harborne. It also mentions Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle, and its no-nonsense culinary heritage – the city is the birthplace of Typhoo Tea, Bird’s Custard and HP Sauce.” OLIVER SMITH
BRUM DEAL: BIRMINGHAM TIPPED AS MUST-SEE TRAVEL DESTINATION FOR 2012
“The New York Times…has placed the home of Cadburys and Aston Villa at number 19 in its ’45 Places To Go in 2012’ feature…the modern Mailbox and Brindleyplace developments – alive with new bars, restaurants and hotels – are the 21st century face of the metropolis. Birmingham is also increasingly noted for its cuisine, thanks not least to the fabled ‘Balti Triangle’ of curry houses…as well as a selection of gourmet options and even Michelin-star-listed eateries.” CHRIS LEADBEATER
BIRMINGHAM AMONG NEW YORK TIMES’ PLACES TO GO IN 2012
“Asking the question "Could Birmingham's second city be first in food?", The New York Times told its readers that Birmingham was named the UK's "foodiest town" by Olive, the BBC's food magazine, in October last year and said a series of top chefs were adding to "an already rich dining scene" which featured the famous curry district the Balti Triangle.”