Palm by H2O

Palm by H2O pitches itself squarely at the special-occasion crowd: gold-leaf accents, neon lighting, banquette seating, and mood lighting that reviewers consistently describe as giving the room a Dubai lounge feel. The space has an upstairs and downstairs, each with a distinct dining or shisha area, making it workable for everything from a birthday group to a date night.

The menu leans into desi-influenced sharing plates to start, malai boti, seekh kebab, dynamite shrimp in their signature sauce, and samosa chaat, before moving into more substantial mains built around steaks, mixed grills, and burgers. The chapli kebab and fillet parmo have both drawn recent praise online, and the mixed grill platter is a solid group order. Sides of palm chips and garlic bread round things out without overcomplicating the spread.

Desserts are a genuine draw: the Dubai kanafa and cookie dough with ice cream are the ones that keep appearing in reviews. The drinks list is alcohol-free throughout, with mocktails and fresh juices carrying the load, the peach berry mulan mojito gets mentioned repeatedly. Shisha is available and a big part of the evening experience here.

Cotteridge Park

Cotteridge Park is a community-managed Victorian park spanning 22 acres in the Bournville & Cotteridge ward. It hosts CoCoMAD, a free annual festival (typically early July, 12pm-7pm) celebrating independent music, art, dance, science and circus. The festival features live music stages, food and craft stalls, children’s activities including folk instrument making and tree climbing, face painting and jewellery-making workshops. The park itself offers basketball and tennis courts, a skateboard park, play areas, an amphitheatre and a community building (The Shed). CoCoMAD is free entry but powered by donations, sponsorships and volunteer labour. The festival welcomes picnics but no BBQs; there is no car parking. Access is via walking, cycling or public transport from Kings Norton or Bournville stations.

Joey’s Smokehouse

Joey’s Smokehouse brings American low-and-slow BBQ to Digbeth with house-smoked brisket, beef ribs, lamb chops and Texas-style sausages, finished with signature rubs and homemade sauces. The menu spans meaty mains (short ribs, pulled beef), burgers piled with smoked brisket, and generous platters like the Pitmaster Feast, plus sides like mac and cheese and burnt ends. It’s a fully halal venue but welcomes bring-your-own drinks. Expect queues at weekends-staff seat walkers quickly, though the place runs hot with demand. Perfect for meat lovers and those after TikTok-famous tenderism.

Chance and Counters – Birmingham

Chance & Counters is a 2,500 sq ft board game café and bar in the heart of the Custard Factory, a restored Victorian complex at the centre of Digbeth. By day it’s a casual café serving speciality coffee, milkshakes and lunchtime classics; by night it transforms into a vibrant bar with craft beer, cocktails and fine wines. The extensive food menu features smash burgers, loaded fries, tacos, wings and homemade chilli, with dedicated vegan and gluten-free options. The venue stocks over 600 board games, with a team of knowledgeable staff (Game Gurus) ready to recommend titles, teach rules and help set up games. It’s equally welcoming for solo players, couples, families and large groups, with plenty of booth seating and communal tables overlooking the river.