Great Western Arcade

18/09/2026

"You get to try and buy a whisky you actually like, rather than blindly hoping for the best."

That's how someone described what The Whisky Shop Birmingham does differently.

You go in, you talk to someone who actually knows what they're talking about, and you leave with a bottle you'll genuinely enjoy, rather than guessing from a label.

They have a huge range. Scotch, Irish, Japanese, world whiskies. A membership programme. Tasting events. And staff who'll remember where you're coming from.

The Whisky Shop, Unit 9, Great Western Arcade, Birmingham.

Worth a visit this autumn.

17/09/2026

Peter Forson Luxury Hat Shop inside Great Western Arcade and one of those places that genuinely surprises people when they find it.

Flat caps, fedoras, Stetsons, Panamas. Daisy, the owner, says Peaky Blinders fans travel from around the world for the baker boy caps.

There's something for everyone in here - classic, modern, formal, or something you've never seen before. Unit 17, Great Western Arcade.

Peter Forson Hat Shop, Unit 17, Great Western Arcade. Worth a look.

16/09/2026

The Autumn Edition Cheese & Wine Tasting is this Friday at Loki Wine, Great Western Arcade.

Seven seasonal wines. Artisan cheeses. Expert pairings. A Friday evening done properly.

£45 per person. 20 spaces.

Loki Wine

Loki Wine Merchant & Tasting House
36 Great Western Arcade
Birmingham
B2 5HU

Phone: 0121 212 9440 | Email: [email protected]

07/09/2026

Welcome to the -ber months 🍂

There’s something about those first cooler mornings that makes you want to slow down a bit, put the Uggs back on, find a proper coffee… and eat something warm.

Which can only mean one thing: porridge season is back.

Morridgeuk at 14 Temple Row feels made for this time of year. Cosy, comforting, tucked just far enough away from the rush of the city centre to feel like a little escape.

One Google reviewer said:
“You really get transported to somewhere else when you come here.”

And honestly, that feels about right.

📍 Morridge oats + coffee, 14 Temple Row - right by the Great Western Arcade entrance.

04/09/2026

You probably don’t expect to find a pub like this inside Great Western Arcade.

The Good Intent is tucked away across two floors, with dark wood, quirky details and views out over the arcade from upstairs.

One visitor described it as feeling “like a fancy pirate ship - in the best way” - which is strangely accurate.

But the best bit isn’t actually the decor.

It’s a not-for-profit pub, founded by Craddock’s Brewery, so the money made here helps support local charities.

There are six handpumps, Craddock’s ales and a changing selection of guest beers - but it’s the combination of the setting and the story behind it that makes this place feel a bit special.

One recent visitor said you should come “just for the decor and setting.”

We’d probably add: stay for a pint while you’re here.

📍 The Good Intent, 32–33 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham
Two minutes from Snow Hill station. Open from 12 pm.

01/09/2026

You know those little places you walk past a hundred times and then, when you finally try them, wonder why on earth you didn’t go in sooner?

Mi Banh Mi in Great Western Arcade feels a bit like that.

Tucked away in the arcade, it’s serving fresh Vietnamese banh mi, proper egg coffee, and plenty of vegetarian options - without the kind of prices that turn lunch into an occasion.

One customer called the lemongrass tofu and egg banh mi their absolute favourite lunch in Birmingham city centre.

And honestly, that’s the sort of recommendation that makes you want to go and see what all the fuss is about.

It’s small, easy to miss, and exactly the kind of independent spot that makes Birmingham’s food scene so good.

📍 Mi Banh Mi, Great Western Arcade, Birmingham

29/08/2026

27/08/2026

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious… and very nearly here! 🌂

This is your final reminder - Mary Poppins arrives at Great Western Arcade this Saturday, 29 August, 11 am–3 pm, and it's completely free.

Even though the word is quite atrocious, one thing's for certain: it's going to be a practically perfect day out.

Come along for live appearances, magical photo moments and a whole afternoon of family fun beneath our beautiful Victorian glass roof - the loveliest way to spend your bank holiday weekend.

No tickets, no fuss. Just say it loud and clear, and pop in. ✨

📅 This Saturday, 29 August
🕚 11 am – 3 pm
📍 Great Western Arcade, Temple Row, Birmingham
🎟️ Free entry

Bring the family, bring your best singing voice - we'll see you there! Spit spot. 🌂

25/08/2026

The wine shop owner asked me about my evening plans before recommending anything.

Not the 'popular' shelf. Not the safe pick.

He asked what I'd be eating, where I'd be, what mood I was chasing - and sent me home with a bottle I'd never heard of and absolutely loved.

Loki Wine at Great Western Arcade, Unit 35–36. This is what buying wine is supposed to feel like.

What's the best thing a local shopkeeper has ever recommended to you?

23/08/2026

A spoonful of magic this bank holiday weekend. 🌂

Mary Poppins lands at Great Western Arcade - Saturday 29 August, 11am–3 pm.
Free entry, live appearances and magical family fun for all ages.

A practically perfect day out. See you there! ✨

📍 Temple Row, Birmingham