Best of Birmingham celebrated in a new city guide hailed as ‘a new chapter’ for the city

There’s so much going on in Birmingham with amazing Christmas celebrations everywhere you look, exciting plans for a new landmark with Birmingham Powerhouse, the celebrated legacy of local hero Ozzy Osbourne and a Peaky Blinders movie on the way.

And now a vibrant 148-page City Guide has launched to capture the very best of Birmingham and to present an inspiring, forward-looking vision of the city. 

Free to pick up and beautifully curated, City Guide combines striking photography, engaging editorial features and spotlights on standout local businesses, cultural institutions and neighbourhoods. 

Led by local business figure, Andrew Riley and developed in collaboration with prominent city stakeholders, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to champion Birmingham’s strengths and showcase the energy, creativity and positivity that define the city today. 

It is backed by former West Midlands Mayor Sir Andy Street and Birmingham Royal Ballet Director Carlos Acosta.

Despite all the exciting developments, Birmingham was recently placed 29th in a national YouGov perception survey, reflecting ongoing challenges in how the city is viewed (surely those bin strikes will end at some point). 

Andrew said: “This guide aims to shift that narrative by offering a confident, authentic portrait of Birmingham and highlighting its cultural vibrancy and thriving communities.”

With a circulation of over 75,000, the team behind the guide say it will be distributed across hotels, receptions, concierge desks, residential buildings, cultural venues and a citywide and regional network of display stands. 

A digital edition will extend its reach online, supported by a year-long content marketing programme. 

Major cultural and business partners - including leading theatres, hotels and arts organisations - are supporting the rollout to ensure the guide reaches both residents and visitors.

Andrew, who is also founder of STYLE Birmingham, added: "I’ve always loved Birmingham. It’s the city I gravitated to in my twenties, the place where I built my business and I’ve always been puzzled by the persistent battle around its perception. 

“Over the years, I’ve seen Birmingham at its highs and lows, but what I see today is a city bursting with culture, creativity and opportunity, far removed from the outdated views still held by some. 

“This guide is my way of challenging those misconceptions and celebrating the Birmingham I know. With such strong backing from our arts and business communities, this project gives the city the spotlight it deserves."

Sir Andy Street, who chairs Birmingham Repertory Theatre, said: "I’ve always been a proud Brummie, but this guide reminds me just how special this place is - vibrant, surprising and even a touch edgy. 

“The collaboration which has gone into the guide is outstanding and the pride in this city runs through every page. It’s perfectly timed and I applaud Style Birmingham for putting it together."

World-renowned dancer and artistic leader Carlos Acosta CBE, penned the foreword to the guide, sharing his admiration for the city: "Birmingham holds a unique place in my heart. It is a city of culture, diversity and spirit. This guide celebrates all that is exceptional here and shares it with the world."

The project is supported by an extensive coalition of city stakeholders, including Edgbaston Village, Paradise, Brindleyplace, The Gay Village, Chinatown, Central BID, Westside BID, MODA, The Hoteliers Association, The Cube, Delicious PR and Midlands Air Ambulance as the official charity partner. Arts partners include The Rep, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet, CBSO, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and The Alexandra, Birmingham.