Things to make you go mmmmm

Eat, drink and be exceedingly merry when you step off your train to Birmingham International.

The armies of shoppers heading for Resorts World Birmingham or excited concert-goers bound for the Resorts World Arena march on their stomachs. You can be sure that thrill-seekers intending to test their nerve at The Bear Grylls Adventure will also work up an appetite on the five-storey climbing tower. Thankfully, there’s plenty of food and drink for thought nestled around the Pendigo Lake.

Day or night, you can be sure to find something to tantalise the pickiest palate. As you walk up to Resorts World Birmingham, you’ll be greeted by the inviting outdoor seated terrace of The World Bar. Linked to the Genting Hotel, the microbrewery-inspired main indoor area serves over 40 craft beers and invites you to design your own gins.

It’s a warm and welcoming space for families with a dedicated kids’ menu until 8pm that includes a party favourite: jelly and vanilla ice cream. Throughout the week, there are live music events and open mics.

Walk to the left of The World Bar on the lower level, enjoying the metallic sculptures in the lake, and you’ll be guaranteed a lively welcome at the large wraparound dining area of TGI Friday’s epitomised by a pink and blue neon Rock ‘N’ Roll skull sign on the wall. There is more family-friendly fare through the glass doors where you can to sink your teeth into favourite dishes from Nando’s, GBK or Pizza Express.

Head up the escalator to the ground floor of Resorts World Birmingham, where you’ll find more food and drink choices as well as the hustle and bustle of shoppers looking for a bargain.

A wooden black bull sculpture, which looks poised to charge at hungry passersby, greets visitors to Miller & Carter. Meat eaters will have to stop themselves drooling with delight at the 30-day aged British and Irish steaks plus there is a welcome gluten free menu to put a smile on the face of Coeliac guests.

On the same floor, the spirit of Italy flows through Zizzi, which has a rather delightful woodland design theme, while Brazilian, Mexican and Latin American food are dishes of the day at Las Iguanas. Patisserie Valerie and a branch of Costa coffee cater to sweetest tooth and visitors who need a well-brewed caffeine boost. Down the right-hand fork of the shopping thoroughfare, Wrapchic embraces the intoxicating spices and flavours of India and Mexico.

Glide up the escalator to the first floor and you’ll can sate your appetite or quench your thirst at the various eateries and bars of the Genting Hotel. Each outlet has a distinct vibe and personality to suit your mood or the occasion. The Sky By The Water rooftop bar and restaurant has stunning views over the lake and surrounding area as you tuck into a menu that fuses contemporary British and French cuisine.

You’ll want to save plenty of space for the desserts created by head pastry chef Darryl Collins, who was a finalist on the 2018 series of Bake Off: The Professionals. The specially curated cocktail menu has a bewildering array of options including a heavenly chocolate martini that will leave you shaken and stirred in the best possible way. The bar also serves beers, fine wines, spirits, unique gin infusions and vintage champagne.

You’ll be in a New York state of mind at the elegant High Line bar and lounge, but if you prefer a more laidback setting to catch up with the action from major sporting events then the Sports Bar is open 24 hours a day inside the Genting International Casino.

Private viewing booths provide a knockout vantage point to scan 17 large HD screens, broadcasting live feeds from around the world. The reasonably priced bar menu including Asian bowls, sharing platters and pasta, plus burgers and hot dogs served with moreish skin-on fries.

Thank goodness Birmingham International train station is only a short walk away for the contented and comfortably full journey home.