Is Birmingham a dump?

[urban genie]

Personally, I prefer to be well fed, and much of the ‘top end’ is overpriced, pretentious and disappointing - I would say my dining out ratio is probably 1:10 between the two, but, unlike you it would seem, I think both areas have merit and value.

Unlike industry awards (such as best newcomer, best casual dining experience etc) which are certainly usually awarded on spurious and frequently dodgy grounds I cannot agree that a Michelin Star is awarded on an arbitrary or guff basis. There are strict criteria in relation to food and service that are observed punctiliously when evaluating suitability.

I respect people who operate in both spheres especially those who maintain high standards over a sustained period as this is incredibly difficult to achieve at any level, especially given the current recruitment issues in the industry.

Having worked in 4-5 star hotels in my youth some exec chefs left many jaded as to what their worth is, however, there is a place for all kinds of dining, and I have worked or been at events many years ago where chefs at top places have been in attendance.

Some spend their whole life wanting to achieve such and fair fucks to them some top end food is unbelievably great, I just think all you need is the approval of those you serve, be it a top class starred place or a simple cafe, if the food has a soul and make people full and happy then a cook has done their job

 

[bluemoon32]

Fair enough, clearly we know different people from Tipton and as for being your sweetheart, pics please:-)

Same here, ive never put a Black Country person in over 10 years say they are from Birmingham.
I called a couple of people Brummies & it set them off on a rant about Black Country v Birmingham.....never did it again ha.
Now, Black Country Women are something else, they scare me to death

 

[TueartsOHK]

Last time I was there a homeless young woman / spice addict was begging for 50p outside the Bullring entrance. A large gentleman shouted at her he'd give her the 50p if she sucked his ****.
I know this sort of thing is now common throughout this Kingdom of Rains but it didn't leave a great impression.

The last time I went out in Manchester Centre we turned a corner to go past Central library and there were 3 girls squatted on the steps taking a piss. Sorry I didn’t get any photos but that didn’t leave a great impression either

 

[Deleted member 77198]

Dump is rather strong but I’ve never got the second city tag.

There was an online survey done where citizens from many of the country’s major cities were asked, “What city is Britain’s Second City?”

People from Bristol said Bristol
People from Birmingham said Birmingham
People from Liverpool said Liverpool
People from Leeds said Leeds
People from Newcastle said Newcastle
People from Glasgow said Glasgow
People from Edinburgh said Edinburgh

People from Manchester said London!

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

Yes.

 

[HelloCity]

That accent…

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

It looks an utter dump from the M6, but the centre is quite nice.

 

[Stoned Rose]

It’s a fucking disgrace like the vast majority of the country is.

 

[twosips]

ha yep - but most UK cities are too to be fair

 

[threespires]

Same here, ive never put a Black Country person in over 10 years say they are from Birmingham.
I called a couple of people Brummies & it set them off on a rant about Black Country v Birmingham.....never did it again ha.
Now, Black Country Women are something else, they scare me to death

My mother in law was from the yamyam nation. She was lovely but as mad as a box of frogs, and if you pissed her off....