Y40von's Qype profile

I've been to Poppy Red a few times on Fridays and Saturdays but went again last Thursday with some friends from work. It was just as good on a Thursday as it is at weekends. There's always a good atmosphere there and everyone looks good without looking like they're trying too hard. The music is the best - there's a live DJ playing a good mixture of old school classics and modern dance music.

This street market has been returning to Birmingham for quite a few years and every year it gets bigger and bigger. It gets here from November and finishes just before Christmas.

There's more than 80 stalls selling mostly food and drink but there's also some unusual jewelery - especially the silver jewelery that looks really funky. There's also trendy hats, candles, old fashioned wooden toys and lots of other things that would make great gifts. The best thing about this market though is the traditional food for sale and the prices are on par with local shops. I recommend you have a bratwurst (sausage) that costs £2.50 and is lovely, nicely washed down with a glass of Gluhwein (mulled wine).

Italian boutique with an interesting selection of clothes. Think of Nancy D'Olio (Sven Foran Erikson's missus) she looks like she got her clothes from here. Yes, it's over the top and its not the sort of clothes you'd wear day to day, but if you're going to a wedding or a Christmas ball this is the ideal place to shop. Lots of floaty fabrics, sequins and fake fur. You can get an outfit and matching shoes for about £120.

I'm a big fan of Ikea. It's a big store with a huge selection. A lot of the things you didn't know you needed until you got to the store but its a good place to browse in. Lots to look at, some of the things are very innovative, some practical and the prices are always reasonable. On the downside if you buy something that needs fixing they don't always get it right with supplying the right size nails, screws or wall plugs and it gets so packed at weekends and some evenings that you can't get to see the products on display. It's best to good mid-week, then after you've leisurely browsed/shopped you can have lunch in the restuaurant which has typical Swedish and British food and is really good value.

I've been there a few times for Sunday lunch but for a change went on a Saturday evening and was in for a treat. There's the usual huge selection of soups, starters, main courses and deserts but in the evenings they also have Teppenyaki so you choose the raw ingredients and they cook it in front of you. If you're still not full up you can indulge in dipping marshmallows in the chocolate fountain....delicious.

For two of us with a bottle of wine and water our total bill was under £35.00. It's best to book as it gets packed.

I've been past this place many times and not realised its a garden centre as well as a store that sold fish & aquariums.
It's a bit of a hidden secret but just what's needed in Oldbury. Its a good alternative to Homebase and B&Q, not as big but its cheaper and also sells items that they don't sell such as gardening books. Also has a cafe.

I've been there a few times and I always have a good time there. Some bars in the Arcadian only let people in who dress the part but luckily for me and my crowd the Indi bar aren't hung up about that. The door staff are friendly and there's a live DJ playing some really good music. Some of the drinks can be pricey but there are promotions on which is great if you like bottled beer.
The seating area is comfy but you won't be sitting for long - the dance floor is big enough to cater for all. Without a doubt one of the best bars around.

I've heard that this is one of the oldest Indian restaurant in Birmingham and you can guess that from the decor.
It's standard Indian cuisine which is reasonably priced but the restaurant doesn't get the crowds it use to. I've been there quite a few times over the years. The last time I went was in August and other than the 3 waiters, me and 3 friends were the only ones there. We didn't have a starter just balti's with naan bread and lots of drink and the bill averaged £16 each. The food was ok and the service quick - they also booked a taxi for us which suprisingly turned up within 5 minutes. It's ok there but there's so much choice now it's not somewhere you'd rush back to.

My local newspaper featured Xaymaca (the X is silent) and had a promotion where 2 could eat for the price of 1. I had heard of Xaymaca before so jumped at the chance of going there. It's very near to Birmingham City Centre so didn't take us long to get there. Colourfully decorated, designed to remind you of Jamaica. It's best to book beforehand as it can get very busy as they can cater for large parties but the night we went wasn't too busy. The menu wasn't as extensive as I expected but I still had a choice of standard Jamaician food to choose from but my partners, who's a vegetarian wasn't spoilt for choice. This was made up for by the staff being very attentive and the owner coming round later in the evening to greet all the diners. The food was good, portions were just the right size and with the warm atmosphere I'll be there again.

This is linked to the Hippodrame. It's a very modern looking building just round the corner from the theatre. Over the years I've done classes there the most recent one being Salsa on a Saturday afternoon. There's a huge range of classes on offer most for adults ranging from ballet and capoeira to musical dance but most of the classes on a Saturday are for children. Prices vary but a lot of them are £5 for an hour. The staff are helpful and the facilities good. They could do with a cafe or refreshments area for the public to use if you've arrived early or are waiting for someone. My only moan is that whenever there's a big production going on at the Hippodrome you should expect your class to be moved or cancelled so that the theatre performers have somewhere to rehearse but besides that I think the location's good as is the standard of the instructors. I've never attended a class there and not got fit and enjoyed it.