Things to do around NEC Birmingham

[Pistom]

I wonder if anyone can give some help or advice please?

I've got a group of 7 overseas European colleagues flying in to Birmingham in a few weeks who are bringing wives/girlfriends and I've been tasked with entertaining them in the evening after they've spent a day schlepping around the NEC.

They're staying at the Premier Inn which really has nothing immediately around it but I'm thinking of doing things like 1 night 10 pin bowling at somewhere like the Hollywood Bowl before eating maybe at TGI Fridays, then another evening taking them somewhere into Birmingham with a bit of nightlife and a curry.

Can anyone help with suggestions? I'd prefer somewhere close to the NEC. As there is will only be 8 of us, we could get about in taxis reasonably well or maybe a minibus to move us about?

[worsy]

Birmingham Intl train station is close if you need to get into town.

[RizzoTheRat]

The National Motorcycle Museum is good, but with a mixed group including partners probably not of interest to everyone.

As above it's only 10-15 minutes on the train to central Birmingham, and Birmingham is the home of curry.

[super7]

Warwick or Stratford-upon-Avon.... both 20mins away

[Muzzer79]

Get on the train at the NEC and go into Birmingham Central, where the UK's second largest city is your oyster

The train costs about 3 quid each and takes about 10 minutes

If they're European, do not take them to TGI Fridays

[butchstewie]

Warwick is a waste of time even in daylight and Stratford is probably not up to much at night.

Birmingham New Street is ten minutes on the train.

I'd just go there and find something in town.

[super7]

butchstewie said:

Warwick is a waste of time even in daylight and Stratford is probably not up to much at night.

Birmingham New Street is ten minutes on the train.

I'd just go there and find something in town.

Fair enough...... if you say so. Personally think Birmingham is a waste of time... Even at night....

[InitialDave]

super7 said:

Warwick or Stratford-upon-Avon.... both 20mins away

I agree on Stratford, but you'd be doing bloody well to get there in 20 minutes!

I wouldn't bother with the NEC area. As others have said and as above, Stratford or just go into Brum.

[butchstewie]

If I wanted a nice pub I'd probably say just some homework before hand and pick one in/around Solihull there are loads of villages.

But curry and a bit of nightlife? To me that has just get the train to town written all over it.

Or drive to Ladypool road.

Each to their own

[super7]

So a group of European Colleagues and their partners/girlfriends are coming to the NEC? Do they really want to come to the UK and go for a Curry and a drink in a bar down Broad Street? Is that all the British culture that can be offered to them?

Went to Frankfurt a number of years ago with Wipro. Evening meal was booked in an Indian restaurant!! I was looking forward too a few Steins and a plate of German food... most disappointed.

[heebeegeetee]

There's the F1 arcade, a session could be booked there. They do food, but opposite is Albert's Schloss, which can be good fun. Just down from their is the upmarket Indian Restaurant Dishoom. All within walking distance fo New Street, though that wouldn't be great if pi**ing down... though that's a problem for anywhere north of Spain in the winter.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zkpZetpqA1tq9vLH6

I see Dishoom is on a score of 4.8, which is obviously is really quite good.

[Shooter McGavin]

There's very little "around" the NEC because it was designed decades ago just as an exhibition centre. If it were being constructed today it would include a plethora of leisure options like at The O2 or Battersea Power Station.

As others say, jump on the train to New St and go from there.

[heebeegeetee]

There's also the St Paul's Square area, with restaurants, food hall type thing, and music, though all will need to be pre-booked. Saint Paul's hotel restaurant is nice. Too far to walk, but at least taxis can get get literally door to door.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6oRqbu2eJt764Jcd7

[Bonefish Blues]

Would browsing the Christmas Market in Birmingham be too much of a busman's holiday for European colleagues? Open from 1st November. Then on to a restaurant as others have said.

[RizzoTheRat]

super7 said:

So a group of European Colleagues and their partners/girlfriends are coming to the NEC? Do they really want to come to the UK and go for a Curry and a drink in a bar down Broad Street? Is that all the British culture that can be offered to them?

Went to Frankfurt a number of years ago with Wipro. Evening meal was booked in an Indian restaurant!! I was looking forward too a few Steins and a plate of German food... most disappointed.

Hence why people are recommending traditional British food, the Balti was invented in Birmingham

[Pistom]

Some great suggestions here and all a big help thank you.

[geeks]

heebeegeetee said:

There's the F1 arcade, a session could be booked there. They do food, but opposite is Albert's Schloss, which can be good fun. Just down from their is the upmarket Indian Restaurant Dishoom. All within walking distance fo New Street, though that wouldn't be great if pi**ing down... though that's a problem for anywhere north of Spain in the winter.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zkpZetpqA1tq9vLH6

I see Dishoom is on a score of 4.8, which is obviously is really quite good.

This would be my plan too

[Squadrone Rosso]

Short train ride in to Coventry. Absolutely brilliant Transport museum there.

https://www.transport-museum.com/default.aspx

[Bonefish Blues]

Squadrone Rosso said:

Short train ride in to Coventry. Absolutely brilliant Transport museum there.

https://www.transport-museum.com/default.aspx

OP wants an evening activity I believe.

[QuartzDad]

Looks like there is an escape room at Resorts World. Or take them all to the casino, could make for an interesting expense claim.