36 cool shops you may not know about in Birmingham that are definitely worth a visit - Birmingham Live

Take a look at some of our favourite hidden gems

When you think of shopping in Birmingham , it’s likely that Bullring , Selfridges and the Mailbox first spring to mind.

But some of the most interesting shops are not in the most obvious places.

We’ve brought together some of our favourite hidden gems – the cool places tucked away down alleys and in old-fashioned arcades in the city centre and the ‘burbs.

These are the stores selling handmade items, designed by Brummies but loved by people across the UK, or the retailers that go the extra mile to source unusual clothes and art from around the globe so they can sell it from a tiny boutique in Brum.

And they’re the ones being given credit in national newspaper guides and by celebs like Mary Portas.

Check them out for yourself (take a look at opening times first to avoid disappointment).

And do let us know of any other hidden gems we haven’t included.

The People Shop

It bills itself as “Birmingham’s nicest shop!” but you may never have heard of it.

Allison and Christian Sadler are the creative duo behind this lifestyle store and brand – he designs and makes the women’s clothing collection in a studio at the back of the store and she looks after the styling, buying and blogging.

The People Shop also sells homeware, gifts, toiletries, prints and stationary, many of which are handmade, and run craft clubs and creative business mentoring workshops too.

50 Poplar Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7AG

Swordfish Records

This is arguably the best record shop in Birmingham, selling new and used CDs and vinyl.

Years ago, there were many record shops, like Reddington’s Rare Records and Plastic Factory, but sadly they closed down.

Swordfish has withstood the test of time, first opening in Hurst Street in 1979 then moving to Needless Alley a decade later, where owners Mike and Gaz launched their own record label.

In 1996, they moved to a new shop in Temple Street then in 2013, onto Dalton Street, where it remains today.

Over the years, in-store appearances have included Billy Bragg, The Kooks, Razorlight, Mark Ronson, Duran Duran, The Wonder Stuff and Lenny Kravitz.

66 Dalton Street, Birmingham, B4 7LX

Honest Skincare

Beauty therapist Katie Fisher began creating her own 100 per cent pure skincare range after suffering a bad reaction to natural skincare products.

They proved so popular that she launched her own shop in Kings Heath in 2015.

In June 2017, she opened her second shop in the Great Western Arcade, not only selling beautiful-smelling soaps, moisturisers and bath products but also a range of ethical homeware too.

Shop assistant Charlotte Johnson said: “We’ve tried to created a calm atmosphere in the shop with homeware that really fits into our concept too.

“Everything here is ethically made.”

Find out more here

Disorder

This award-winning boutique is recommended as one of the top five reasons to visit Birmingham by The Guardian and TV’s Queen of Shops Mary Portas said it was ‘‘one of the cleverest retailers I have seen in years.”

Garments are made in their Birmingham studio – go there for men’s tailored jackets, fitted shirts and coats, womenswear, art and handmade accessories.

14 Needless Alley, Birmingham B2 5AE

Gosia Weber Handmade

Gosia Weber is a self-taught designer/ maker who creates bags, purses and accessories from discarded, scrap and off-cut leather and upholstery fabrics.

We love these brightly coloured bags as most of them are one-of-a-kind.

She’s often at craft fairs throughout the UK, so it’s best to book to see her at her studio in the Jewellery Quarter.

53A Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HS

Peter Forson Hats

Continuing the Peaky Blinders theme is Peter Forson hat shop.

Launched in 2015 by fashion graduate Daisy Nyamie, Peter Forson hat shop has become the place to go for Peaky Blinders style flat caps.

Named after Naomi's great, great uncle, the shop sells Stetson caps, that are favoured by the likes of David Beckham, and local footballers and celeb chefs such as Glynn Purnell have been in to buy Peaky caps from her.

Daisy says: “I began working in a hat shop on Conduit Street in London and wanted to launch my own shop.

“I came here and fell in love with the Great Western Arcade.

“Since opening, the Peaky Blinder style caps have become very, very popular!”

The store also features hand-selected headpieces from high-end designers including Borsalino, Vivienne Westwood, Stetson and Alexander McQueen.

Find out more here

St Mary’s Hospice Shop

This is no ordinary charity shop

You can strike lucky and pluck a Michael Kors cocktail dress or Ronit Zilkha lbd off the rails at this boutique for £50 or less.

That’s because it’s a “destination charity shop” taking the cream of the clothes donated to the other branches and selling them in this glam shop complete with chandelier lighting.

23 Sycamore Road, Bournville, B30 2AA

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Nostalgia & Comics

This is said to be the second oldest comic shop in the UK.

Launched in 1977, it continues to sell a huge range of comics and nostalgia memorabilia including T-shirts and posters.

They also stock a cult collection of action figures and toys.

Well worth a look ...

14-16 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B5 4EN

JamJar Lights

Three friends – an artist, electrician and fashionista – set up JamJar Lights in summer of 2013, after travelling around europe together in a VW camper van.

Their signature JamJar lights are made from iconic Kilner jam jars but they also sell industrial style fixings, shades and ceiling roses, which are handmade in their “Workshop Below” – in the basement of their shop in Birmingham.

86a Bristol Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 7AH

Chester Drawers

Simone Chester launched Chester Drawers specialising in sourcing and restoring old furniture, following the birth of her son.

It’s now a creative hub offering workshops and gallery space too.

You can pick up a shabby chic cheval mirror for around £55 and a decoupage wardrobe for around £150.

Simone also offers interior design consultation services too.

791 Warwick Rd, Tyseley, B77 6LR

Liquor Store

This is a first for Birmingham – an independent fashion boutique which will soon have its own speakeasy bar hidden in the basement.

Liquor Store , known for its cool denims, jackets and boots, doubled in size in March 2017, moving from the Great Western Arcade to The Grand on Colmore Row.

Owner Phil Hazel has merged his menswear, womenswear and homeware stores into one 2,000 sq ft store set over two levels. There’s also a special leather collection called Barnes and Moore, which is handmade in Rubery, Birmingham.

No.3 The Grand, 27 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BS

Vincent Van Doodle

Vincent Van Doodle was born as a result of Jules Bedwood and Oli Silvester’s dream to make their daughter’s bedroom cool.

He drew and crafted Charles Darwin inspired wallpaper and Einstein coffee cups in a studio in their back garden.

It’s all spiralled from there into an independent art and homeware shop which first opened as a temporary pop-up in the city centre.

It was so successful that it’s now graduated to a permanent shop, allowing the couple more space to showcase their unique wallpapers, cushion covers, mugs and gifts.

LinkStreet, Bullring, Birmingham B5 4BU

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The Designer Dress Agency

People travel from Tamworth and Coventry just to visit this shop.

Over two floors, you’ll find pre-loved Prada, Jimmy Choo and Chloe for a fraction of the original price.

Tasleem Rasul took over the boutique (which used to be called Encore and has been in Moseley for three decades) last year.

She sells womens and menswear and has just started stocking childrenswear too.

You can also sell your old designer gear there too on a sale-or-return basis.

168 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8HJ

Irregular Choice

The bonkers world of Irregular Choice came to Brum in the autumn of 2016, bringing with it embellished heels that look like swans and flamingos, sandals complete with carved red dragon heels and court shoes bearing unicorn figures on the toes.

Before you had to travel to London or Leicester to get your hands on this quirky footwear brand.

Not any more.

LinkStreet, Bullring, Birmingham B5 4BU

Miss Macaroon

This is the place to go to buy salted caramel macaroons.

Rose Ginday, who trained under celebrity chef Glynn Purnell, established herself online first, selling French delicacies to the likes of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

She then opened her first shop in autumn 2016, selling macaroons with irresistible flavours like strawberries and cream, raspberry and pistachio.

What’s more, profits are reinvested to help young unemployed care leavers, offenders and ex-offenders into training and employment.

8 Great Western Arcade, Colmore row, Birmingham B2 5HU

Family Fury

This sneaker / streetwear store and gallery is home to the award-winning artist FILFURY whose work has been exhibited across the globe.

You can find limited artworks alongside clothes and trainers.

It’s also just a cool place to hang out.

Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth

Autograph

Autograph , which has been in the city for over 20 years, was ranked as one of the five finest menswear boutiques in the UK by Esquire magazine.

They sell brands like Vivienne Westwood, Belstaff, Neil Barrett, Thom Browne, Our Legacy, Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten and Officine Generale, together with women’s accessories.

15-17 Ethel Street, Birmingham, B2 4BG

Loki Wine

After a record-breaking 2016, this wine shop is planning to double in size so it can sell even more wine and stage even bigger tasting events.

Loki is the most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham, winning 11 national awards in the past three years.

It already sells more than 600 wines and spirits and offers customers the chance to try up to 40 wines by the glass. They are dispensed from the special wine preservation machines for as little as 69p a glass.

36 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU

Sara Preisler Gallery

Sara Preisler has made jewellery for The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Van Gogh Museum and Selfridges, and the V&A.

Her gallery at the Custard Factory was awarded the status of a ‘Reason to visit England’ by Visit Britain.com, in both 2012 and 2014, and she sells her own collections here as well as some of the UK’s leading designer-maker’s ranges.

Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA

Leverton and Halls

Affectionately named as ‘Bournville’s secret garden café’, this organic deli was started by Dee Leverton as a way of providing an organic fruit and veg box scheme for mums at her son’s school.

Where else can you tuck into al fresco pancakes and coffee whilst doing your grocery shop?

218 Mary Vale Rd, Bournville, B30 1PJ

Bene Culture

Streetwear store Bene Culture opened in Digbeth in the spring of 2016 as a creative hub selling independent and vintage labels along with their own brands.

Vimal, Hemal, and Hasim also put on events, showcasing artists and photographers from the area.

UG13 Gibb Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B9 4AT

Maison Mayci

Started by French brothers Remi and David Faveau, Maison Mayci made it to the final three in the ITV series Britain’s Best Bakery.

Expect beautiful bread, perfect patisserie and moreish macaroons.

There are now two shops – one in Kings Heath and another in Moseley.

8 Poplar Road, Kings Heath, B14 7AD and 148 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8HS

Reuben Colley Fine Art

This is an independent art gallery founded by the Birmingham artist Reuben Colley

The gallery first opened in 2010 in Moseley, then relocated in 2015 to one of Birmingham’s fine Victorian buildings on Colmore Row.

It features a range of artists’ work, including pop art from Horace Panter of The Specials.

85 – 89 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BB

Clink Beer

This boutique off licence and bottle shop opened at the Custard Factory in July 2016, offering more than 200 unusual craft beers from around the globe.

There’s chocolate ice-cream beer from Omnipollo brewery in Sweden, cucumber-flavoured tzatziki beer from Mad Hatter brewery in Liverpool and Wasted, a beer made with croissants and brioche by Northern Monk brewery in Leeds.

6 Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AA

Fair Deal Music

Birmingham’s longest running independent music store Fair Deal Music first opened its doors in the old Bullring in 1987 offering everything a musician could possibly need.

The store moved to its current premises on Smallbrook Queensway in the mid-90s.

And now, to celebrate its 30th year, Fair Deal Music is expanding again by opening a second store on Holloway Head to house its huge range of electric, acoustic and bass guitars and Birmingham’s largest piano showroom.

Fair Deal Music Drums & Pro Audio, 79-83 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4HX

Fair Deal Music Guitar & Piano, 79-83 Holloway Head, Birmingham, B1 1QP

Sims Footwear

Sims claims to be the only independent shoe shop in the city centre, selling everything from Fly London and Dr Martens to Yokono Natural Shoes and Softinos Happy Feet.

Check out some of the quirky designs here, safe in the knowledge they offer a price match guarantee on branded items.

12 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU

Smithsonia

Smithsonia has been an independent gift shop in the city for more than 30 years.

This treasure trove sells all kinds of unusual gifts for that hard-to-buy-for person. There‘s silver jewellery, handmade glass and objets d’art together with greetings cards.

5-9 Piccadilly Arcade, New Street, Birmingham B2 4HD

Loaf

Arguably the daddy of Birmingham’s “real bread” bakeries, Loaf is a labour of love by the aptly-named Tom Baker, who started the venture from his home.

It’s now a community hub and full-time bakery in Stirchley, which doubles as a cookery school too.

Pershore Road, Stirchley, B30 2JL

Cloudo Kids

This husband and wife team behind Cloudo Kids offer high-end designer and exciting independent brands for kids aged 0 to 16.

They travel the globe searching for clothes that “reflect the joyous, happy and creative personality of the company.”

9 Ethel Street, Birmingham, B2 4BG

Chouchoute Chocolaterie

Founded by Pierre Soualah, this artisan confiserie has been introducing Birmingham locals to French sweets and chocolate for more than 14 years.

The shop offers its own handmade range of intensely and deliciously flavoured luxurious French chocolates. A firm favourite is Miel Montaigne – a dark ganache blended with mountain honey.

40 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU

Guitar Guitar

This is said to be the UK’s largest guitar store and yet to find another you’d have to go up to Newcastle, Scotland or London.

The store recently expanded and features soundproof rooms to try out their acoustic and electric guitars and friendly staff who are happy to help you to find the right instrument for you.

You can also part exchange your old guitar for a shiny new one.

104 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, B16 8LT

Projekt21

If you love street and skatewear, this is a very cool shop to visit.

Brands include Grizzle, WKND, Tired and Primitive and they sell clothes, footwear, accessories and, of course, skateboards.

20 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU

Symphony Hall Gift Shop

Grace your walls with posters of old Birmingham or buy Brummie-inspired gifts at the Symphony Hall Gift Shop

You can even buy musical instruments here plus CDs and DVDs too.

Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA

Designer Exchange

After that must-have designer it bag? This is the place to find it.

At Designer Exchange you can buy, sell and exchange authentic designer handbags for a fraction of their original cost.

Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe

Remember Rhubarb and Custards and gobstoppers?

This is the place to go for the sweets you loved as a child, and the ones your kids love now, too.

Try the Black Death Mega Sours, Prosecco and Raspberry Chocolate Bars and Old Jamaica Chocolate Bars.

Unit 34, Great Western Arcade, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QD

Ribble

Founded in 1897, Ribble is one of the longest established bicycle manufacturers in the world – and it recently opened a shop at the Mailbox.

Not just selling bikes, the shop stocks clothing and accessories too.

The only other Ribble stores are in Preston and Cardiff.

10-12 Wharfside Street, Birmingham B1 1RD

Oka

Looking for an alternative to IKEA when it comes to kitting out your home?

Oka , the British luxury furniture and home accessories retailer, recently opened on the Calthorpe Estate, just a mile from Birmingham city centre.

As well as selling gifts, accessories and furnishings, Oka also offers interior design and bespoke services such as made-to-measure curtains and blinds.

20-22 Harborne Rd, Birmingham B15 3AA

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