It’s thirsty work following our trail of lovable bears around Birmingham, so we’ve come up with our refreshing bear crawl.
Taking in cafes, restaurants and bars close to all the colourful bears, these are ideal places to paws for thought on your exciting journey around Birmingham city centre.
There’s 10 fun sculptures to find this Summer in the thrilling We’re Going On A Bear Hunt trail around the city centre until September 6. It’s for a good cause too, in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.
Download the Birmingham We’re Going On A Bear Hunt trail map here to get started. Below are the bear necessities on all the lovely places to get a tea, ice cream, cakes or something more substantial that’s enough to satisfy even the hungriest of grizzlies.
Starting off at the first bear in Great Western Arcade, there’s Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe to stock up on treats to take with you on the adventure. Fans of this lovely traditional shop include comedian Jimmy Carr, who popped in for sweeties recently.
Grab coffee, cake and other refreshments at Morridge, Oats and Coffee café in the arcade or Coffee Bar Birmingham is next to the entrance in Temple Row with salted caramel brownies, baklava and speciality brews.
There’s also The Good Intent pub, an atmospheric not-for-profit traditional bar by Craddocks Brewery inside Great Western Arcade that sells fine sandwiches from Anderson & Hill deli opposite to eat while sitting down with a drink. For a takeaway, Anderson & Hill not only sells gourmet sandwiches but also scrumptious Italian cannoli treats.
Moving on to Corporation Street’s bear by Cass Art, there’s enchanting bubble tea café Oricha opposite that also sells smoothies in Oreo and Maltesers flavours. Tilt bar is over the road in City Arcade for specialty coffees and a game of pinball.
Over in Grand Central, there’s a wealth of places to take a break by the Luna and The Moon bear. Caffe Concerto tempts with ice creams along with coffees, teas, cakes and soft drinks but there is also Joe & The Juice and eateries including Mowgli, Giraffe, Pho and Wasabi Suchi and Bento.
Piccadilly Arcade is hosting the Jester bear close to charming and cosy Faculty coffee shop with first class coffee and tempting home-made cakes. There’s also York’s Café across the road in Stephenson Street, famous for its Persian Love Cakes and brunches.
Over in New Street near Victoria Square is Biodiversity Bear close to Medicine Bakery’s upstairs haven that feels a world away from the bustling city. There’s also Second Cup Coffee with tables outside for an al fresco drink.
Nando’s, Greggs, Wingstop and new American fried chicken chain Popeyes are steps away too.
By the Mailbox steps is the We Are Bear-mingham sculpture that’s ideal to stop-off at Medicine café inside or Malmaison for a sophisticated food and drink break.
There’s a wide range of restaurants at the back of the Mailbox overlooking the canal from Cote to Zizzi and Miller and Carter.
Both the bears in John Bright Street and the Station Street steps are close to The Stable for its renowned pizzas or a refreshment, Cherry Reds cafe bar with everything from coffees and soft drinks to cakes and burgers in the daytime and Jamaican eatery Turtle Bay.
There’s two bears in the Bullring. The nearest to the bull and The Lego Store is close to new EL+N café in New Street with its pink interiors that have made the brand one of the most photographed cafes on Instagram.
There’s also Muffin Break, Five Guys for milkshakes and more and Bill’s en-route to the final Spectrum bear outside Selfridges.
Head into the department store for a well earned cake, drink or even sushi or an all-American hot dogs or burger at Ed’s Easy Diner, all within the vibrant Selfridges food hall.
Download the We’re Going On A Bear Hunt trail map here to start your free adventure around Birmingham.