Bruno Mars, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham - make a night of it
Pop singer Bruno Mars is playing at the Barclaycard Arena on Monday night. The Ticket has all the best places to go before you enjoy some Uptown Funk at the gig so you can make sure it's a night to Treasure...
FOOD
Take your other half for a slap-up meal at Cielo before the show and they may well be saying I think I want to Marry You. With scrumptious dishes such as corn fed chicken breast, tian of mash potato with green peppercorn sauce or open raviolo of wild mushrooms, sage, plum tomatoes, truffle oil, with Grana Padano followed by tempting desserts including choclate fondant or tiramisu, you'll be needing a Grenade to get out of your seat to the gig.
DRINKS
You'll be wanting some pre-gig drinks to get you up on your feet ready to dance the night away. Head to a bar where you'll have fun Just The Way You Are. All Bar One in Brindley Place is just the destination serving all the usual beer, cocktails and wine in stylish down-to-Earth surroundings. It's a stone's throw from the arena so you won't have to walk too far in those heels. If you fancy a drink in a pub more like your local then O'Neill's on Broad Street is the place to be. It's got plenty of rustic charm and a lively atmosphere perfect for downing a pint or two.
WHERE TO STAY
Don't get Locked Out of Heaven and stay at the Hilton Garden Inn at Brindley Place. The light and airy four-star stopover is a pleasant place to rest your head after a night of 24k Magic. There are two outdoor terraces so if the weather is nice enough you can enjoy the spring sunshine and some pre-gig drinks. Simple yet chic, it's only a five-minute stroll from the venue.
The Jurys Inn on Broad Street is a pleasant little bolthole that won't make too much of a dent in your wallet. The spacious rooms have all mod cons – tea/coffee, wi-fi, aircon – and are super comfy. It even has its own restaurant, The Grill on Broad Street, where you can watch your food being cooked by the team of chefs. Book a room, get glam and amble to the arena.
GETTING THERE
If you're driving, head to Paradise Circus car park near the library which has reasonable rates after 6.30pm but is only a 10-minute walk from the show. If you're pressed for time, parking at the arena is quick and easy but you may pay a little bit more.
If you fancy a few drinks or don't want to be stuck in traffic jams before or after the gig, then there's no need to drive. Trains run direct to Birmingham city centre from across the region making it quick and easy to get there on time.
