8 Things We Love About Birmingham

Us and Birmingham go way back. All the way back to the 19^th century in fact, back when two Brummie businessmen merged their breweries and christened the union Mitchells & Butlers after their respective surnames.

There have been a few changes here and there since then but one thing that has remained consistent is our attachment to the Second City. A city renowned for its multiculturalism, it’s industrial pedigree and of course for having more canals than Venice (a fact any proud Brummie loves to share…), it is also here on Fleet Street that you’ll find our Head Office where our corporate teams provide support to our 1600+ businesses across the nation.

As we begin to welcome employees back to the office, we thought we’d share exactly what we love about Birmingham and working in the heart of the city.

1.       We’ve already said it but…more canals than Venice!!

 Mainly built in the 1700s and 1800s, our canal system was once one of the most bustling in the world. Today they’ve been protected and restored to provide vibrant social spaces and peaceful urban walks, one of which starts quite literally on the M&B doorstep – perfect for getting some fresh air on a well-deserved break!

2.       The accent and the lingo

 Unfairly ridiculed for way too long, the Brummie accent and dialect is instantly recognisable (if not immediately understandable…!) From cobs, to gambols through to being lovingly called ‘bab’, the dialect might be hard to get your tongue around but there’s no friendlier sound than your fellow Brummies.

3.       The nooks and crannies…

 Birmingham’s reputation of being a concrete jungle is a thing of the past. Over the past few years, the industrial setting has taken on a new life as independent businesses are booming and setting up in the factories and warehouses once used for the 1000 trades the city is famous for. Looking for some swanky bars and upmarket dining? Head to the Jewellery Quarter. Prefer some street food and pop up bars? Digbeth is the place for you. Your post-work social life is about to get so much better.

4.       It’s easy to get from A to B

 The huge investment in Birmingham over the past decade has meant transport infrastructure has taken a huge leap forward. The new tram network is expanding by the day to reach new areas of the city and Birmingham New Street is less than a 10 minute walk away. Got some time before your train? Well, you can walk past at least 5 of our businesses on that walk including our famous Bacchus Bar.

5.       Spot of Lunch

 Getting out of the office on your lunchbreak is a proven way to free up some headspace. Fortunately, we’re spoilt for choice for places to enjoy an al fresco midday bite. If people watching is your thing, the newly invested Centenary Square is the place to watch the world go by. Prefer inner city greenery? St Pauls Square gardens offers some ideal reflection space. Something in between the two? Then you’ll want Pigeon Park – all just a 5-minute walk away!

Not forgetting of course, our famous Floozie in the Jacuzzi – every Brummie’s favourite fountain…

6.       Global Goals

Birmingham may be the Second City of the UK but us Brummies have seen it develop to become a city ready for the global stage. It’s twinned with the likes of Milan, Lyon and Chicago and will host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 creating buzz and opportunity as well as giving people all over the world the opportunity to see what it has to offer.

7.       Its history is everywhere you turn…

Historic Birmingham has come into the mainstream in recent years thanks to Peaky Blinders but take a short walk out of the office and you’ll start to see the industrial settings come to life. With the wrought iron windows of former factories and brick railway archways, it’s easy to imagine you’re walking the streets of the Shelbys (there’s even a Peaky Blinders walking tour which will take you to some of the more famous spots!).

8.       It’s fast becoming the Culinary Capital of the UK

 As it stands, Birmingham has 5 Michelin star restaurants, more than any other city outside of London, so we’re in good company when it comes to feeding the residents of our city. Home of the Balti and a veritable melting pot of cultural cuisine thanks to the diversity of its citizens, you will never run out of new places to try. M&B businesses number well over 100 in Birmingham and its surrounding areas so you’ll be spoilt for choice as to where to spend your 33% Dine with Us Discount!

As you can probably tell, we’re really proud to be based in Birmingham – it’s a city that reflects the ethos and values of our company. It has a long and interesting history, it’s full of friendly, good-time people and there’s always somewhere new to go and something new to try.

So if you like the sound of getting to know our Second City better, check out our Head Office opportunities. Or, if you want to find out more about what we have to offer you in return, why not take a look at all the benefits we have to offer?