Eating (and Drinking!) Your Way Through Birmingham

Birmingham. The second city of England. Known as an industrial hub, I was delighted to learn that the food and drink scene in Birmingham is taking off in a big way! It's got Michelin starred restaurants, unique pubs and eateries, and lots of great food festivals. Next time you find yourself in the United Kingdom, grab a train ticket, book a hotel, and check out some of these cool foodie festivals in the West Midlands.

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Birmingham Chili Festival

This is one of the hottest festivals around. Check out chili inspired food, drinks, and trinkets at the various stalls. There are tons of great foods to choose from, from rum-and-chili cakes to chili pancakes to chili chocolate. There are also classes where participants show of their best recipes that involve chilies. The highlight of the festival is the chili eating contest, where the contestants try to last ten rounds of trying some of the spiciest chilies known to man. 

The Chili Festival is July 19th and 20th, at Brindlyplace

Ciderfest

It doesn't get more English than a good pint of cider, and this month-long festival pits four Birmingham pubs against each other to crown the cider cocktail champion. Cider has come a long way since Strongbow, and these venues are going to prove it's more than just a fluff beverage for teenagers (at least that's what my friends from the UK have told me). 

Ciderfest takes place throughout the month of July 

The Birmingham International Food Fair

International food festivals are my favorite. There's paella. There are ostrich burgers. There are delicacies that you're not sure what they are, but maybe it's better that way. The Birmingham International Food Fair boasts over 140 stalls filled with tasty treats from Iraq to Spain to South Africa. Come with an empty stomach, because you'll be wanting to try as much as you can. If you can't find something you want to eat here, there's something wrong with you.
The International Food Fair is the week of the 14th-26th of August

Midlands Whisky Festival

Whiskey makers from the entire island descend on Birmingham in September for the Midlands Whisky Festival. Over 200 different types of whiskey are featured, so be sure to pace yourself if you're a whisky fanatic. Enjoy some bagpipes while you swill your dram, or participate in a masterclass and learn about the art of distilling a good whisky. This festival brings in the serious whisky fanatics, so be prepared to rub shoulders with some whisky hot-shots.
The Midlands Whisky Festival is held on September 28th

From whiskey to chilies, you're sure to find a food paradise in Birmingham!