Area Chinatown 2011

Southside 商務區 唐人街指南

Chinatown Guide

Southside商務區 唐人街指南

伯明翰唐人街位於Southside商 務區的中心，所處的Ladywell步 行街和周邊地區是眾多商務集中 的地方。自從二次世界大戰後大 批香港移民來到英國，這裡就成 為中國文化的中心，而今更是伯 明翰的一個最豐富多彩和充滿活 力的部分，聚集著來自全球各地 的商家。每年的中國新年慶典以 及最近開始的中秋節慶祝活動都 在此區舉辦，活動期間，遊客可 以盡興觀賞穿過Southside各街 道的舞龍表演。 Southside唐人街指南向您介紹 伯明翰最多元化的城區，無論 您是新遊客或是故地重遊，這 個冊子都會給與所有你所需要 的信息。 你會發現唐人街是個外出就餐的 好地方，它擁有正宗的中餐及其 絕對不同於伯明翰其他地方的風

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味。無論是點心午餐或百人自助 餐式的生日宴會，種類繁多的餐 館一定有你喜歡的口味，還有各 式麵包店，咖啡館和專業零售商 的各類新鮮產品供您採購。這裡 還是一個開展商務的好地方，有 大量成功的專業服務及法律服 務，一流的會議場地和各種檔次 的酒店。 唐人街是Southside的樞紐，伯 明翰首屈一指的休閒度假旅遊目 的地。這裡有Hippodrome劇 院、原Rep劇院和電影院，同時 還有不少夜間酒吧，俱樂部，卡 拉OK和音樂場館，包括O2學院 和Glee俱樂部等。 Southside商務區歡迎您到唐人 街，並請使用本指南來瞭解這個 地區及其精彩紛呈的業務，相信 你會流連忘返！

Birmingham’s Chinatown lies in the centre of Southside Business District with most businesses clustered around Ladywell Walk and the surrounding area. This part of the city has been the heart of Chinese culture since mass immigration from Hong Kong in World War II and is now one of the most colourful and vibrant parts of Birmingham, packed with businesses from all over the world. The area plays host to the Chinese New Year Festival every year and more recently, the Chinese Moon Festival, where visitors delight in the Dragon Dance as it passes through the streets of Southside.

Southside’s Chinatown guide will introduce you to Birmingham’s most diverse city district and has all the information you need whether you’re a new or repeat visitor.

You are sure to find Chinatown a great place to dine out, authentically Chinese and definitely different from anywhere else in Birmingham. Whether it is dim sum for lunch or a birthday banquet for 100, there is something for you in the amazing range of restaurants plus fresh produce to take home from our bakeries, cafes and specialist retailers. It is also a great place to do business, with plenty of successful professional and legal services, excellent conference venues and a range of hotels for all budgets.

Chinatown is the hub of Southside, Birmingham’s premier leisure destination. Southside is home to the Hippodrome, Old Rep and Electric Cinema, plus a host of late night bars, clubs, karaoke and music venues, including the 02 Academy and the Glee Club.

Southside Business District welcomes you to Chinatown, so please use this guide to discover the area and its wonderful businesses, we know you will return.

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Autumn Festival 13th September, 2011 Arcadian Centre, 5.30pm-7.30pm Also known as the Moon Festival, autumn provides a time for great celebrations in the Chinese Calendar. And it’s celebrated in Birmingham’s Chinatown too, on 13th September, as it is one of the most important holidays for family and friends in the Chinese year.

Wei Du of Ming Moon restaurant says: “Moon Festival is very special to us and to the whole family. This year we will serve special Mooncakes at Ming Moon.

They’ll be very tasty! The price starts from £15 for four pieces and customers can look forward to special decorations here too: we will put lanterns up to mark the occasion.”

Historically, the festival goes back 3000 years to moon worship in China’s Shang Dynasty, who ruled in the north-eastern regions in the Yellow River Valley. The festival happens on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese Calendar.

In the UK this falls in either September or early October, and it’s when the moon is fullest.

Traditionally, the food of the festival is the Mooncake, a hand-sized round or rectangular pastry with a thick filling of lotus seed paste and a crust containing yolks from salted duck eggs. They’re usually eaten with Chinese tea.

The festival includes brightly lit sky lanterns, incense and Fire Dragon dances.

Sometimes revellers collect dandelion leaves and distribute them – a vibrant and personal touch. Either way, it’s a time to admire the moon and indeed the yummy Mooncakes.

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Name: Alison, Student What brings you to Chinatown? Here for lunch 09

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Name: Daniel & Vicky, both Students What brings you to Chinatown? Just hanging out.

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Name: Unknown What brings you to Chinatown? He was so busy been stylish & having a good time he didn’t have time to answer

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Delicious Dim Sum It’s simple mathematics. For hungry bellies, small waistlines and big smiles, head to Chinatown for Dim Sum; sizzling small portions to snack on and get your mouth watering. You can choose from a listed selection of 69 at Chung Ying Garden (although the total selection you can choose from is around 115).

The Turnip Paste (pictured bottom image) provides an unusual taste and exotic twist on a basic vegetable. Served up in diminutive fried squares it looks as good as it tastes. A special of the restaurant is Pan Fried Baby Octopus, served in a generous portion. It’s fantastic for fish lovers and great shared among friends too.

Dim Sums start from as little as £2.90 each. Legend has it that “Dim Sum” actually means “touch the heart”. James Wong, General Manager of Chung Ying Garden and Restaurant tells us a little about Dim Sum: “When you take Dim Sum you can also take Yum Cha – meaning “to drink tea”.

Dim Sum was discovered by an Emperor hundreds of years ago. He used to have great feasts everyday for himself, his court and his concubines.

However, one concubine once commented that the feasts were so big, they did little for her waistline. So the Emperor ordered his chef to create smaller portions for her. The portions consisted around 3-4 tiny pieces but still packed with lots of flavour. They’re very visual too – always looking pretty. It’s referred to as “touch the heart” because when the Emperor ordered smaller portions for his concubine, he was hoping to touch her heart.”

Naturally everyone copied the Emperor and Dim Sum is still very popular today. Try some for yourself. It’s simple maths: tasty Sums equal satisfied bellies, slimmer waistlines and smiley faces!

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That moment when the kitchen doors open and your food is delivered to your table sizzling hot; there’s plenty to whet your appetite in Southside’s Chinatown.

Conveniently located close to New Street Station, the theatre district and Arcadian’s nightclubs and bars, local Oriental cuisine provides memorable moments and more than just good food. Whether you opt for an exquisite, pipinghot sit-down meal at the Chung Ying Cantonese restaurant, or fresh pork buns from the Wah Kee Bakery, all your appetite desires will be catered for in this vibrant part of the city. For smaller budgets there are tasty buffets in many outlets, or you can partake in some after-meal karaoke at the grand Ming Moon restaurant. Visit one of many delightfully delicious restaurants, cafés or bakeries for mouth-watering moments you’ll never forget.

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BUFFET STYLE Big Wok 5 Wrottesley Street, B5 4RT www.bigwok.co.uk Noon-11pm 7 days a week Lunchtime buffet £5.99 over 60 dishes - noon-5pm Evening Grand buffet £9.99 over 80 dishes - 5pm-11.30pm This Chinese buffet offers a wide selection of dishes whatever time you go but during the Grand Evening Buffet you can also take advantage of the Teppanyaki service and Sushi Bar. Caribbean Buffet Restaurant & Takeaway Unit 2, 17 Thorp Street, B5 4AT 0121 622 5573 www.cuizene.co.uk Mon 11.30am-3pm, Tue 11.30am3pm & 7pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-5pm & 6pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-5pm Lunch: Adult £6.99 / Child £4.99 Evening: Adult £12.99 / Child £6.99 Hot and cold traditional Caribbean dishes include curried mutton, Ackee & Saltfish, Rice & Peas, Dumplings and much more.

Golden Pond Arcadian Centre 0121 622 3688 Mon-Sun 12pm-11pm Go for their à la carte menu or if you’re really hungry then there is a great ‘Eat as Much as you Like’ option. Rather than a buffet you choose from a comprehensive menu and the food is prepared and cooked fresh - just order what you can eat.

From BBQ Spare Ribs and Crispy Seaweed starters to Deep Fried Stripped Beef with Szechuan Sauce or Sliced Pork with Mushrooms in Spicy Thai Sauce - there are plenty of Veggie options too. The offer is available for two or more people. £11.80 per person (children aged 3-9 years £5.90).

Ming Moon Chinese Restaurant & bar Baylis House, 16 Hurst Street 0121 622 5588 www.mingmoon.co.uk Lunch: Mon-Fri 12pm-5pm £6.99 pp, Sat, Sun & Bank Hol 12pm5pm £7.99 pp.Dinner: Sun-Thur 5pm-11pm £11.99 pp, Fri-Sat 5pm-11.30pm £12.99 pp.

The grand and opulent Ming Moon is not only a feast of fantastic food but also a feast for the eyes.

Elaborate and deluxe, its entrance alone – all imposing and shiny black surface – pulls out all the stops in a lollapalooza eatery that is grand but also kitsch.

Modern interiors set in an epic yet modern space are the perfect backdrop for banquet-style Chinese cuisine. Ming Moon serves over 60 dishes of Pan Asian food including Cantonese, Northern Chinese, Sichuan, Thai, Japanese and Indian.

The seating plan gives props to a magnificent 300 people and includes stylish red leather-clad semi-circular booths. There’s live cooking from the open kitchen serving Teppanyaki, Dim Sum, Sushi, BBQ, Noodles, Congee, Vermicelli Roll, all topped off with a vast selection of desserts.

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CAFE STYLE Arcadian Palace Unit B 109, Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 3283 Mon-Sun noon-9.30pm, closed Thursday Hong Kong Chinese Cuisine is served at this small cafe inside the Arcadian. Dishes range from just £3 to £7 offering excellent value for money.

Chinatown Noodlebar & Takeaway 2 Bath Passage, B5 4SZ 0121 622 4746 Large dishes are served up in this no-frills tucked-away space where the food speaks for itself; excellent value with good-sized portions that are fresh and tasty.

Food is brought to you quickly.

Malaysian Delight 8 Ladywell Walk, B5 4ST 0121 622 3909 Lunch menu £5.99 served Mon-Fri 12-5pm.

Set Meal offer from £12-16 per person for 4 courses.

Cash payment only.

This cafe-style eatery offers an impressive menu and great Malaysian food - get a seat by the window and people-watch while you enjoy.

The Village Cafe 6 Ladywell Walk, B5 4ST 0121 666 7587 Singapore, Malaysian, Thai and Chinese cuisine is all available here. Prices are modest meaning you can eat very well for under £10.

Yung Lok Restaurant Unit 1, China Court Building, Bath Passage, Ladywell Walk, B5 4SZ 0121 622 3086 This little cafe serves Hong Kong street-style food with an authentic Cantonese taste.

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Caffe Chino Unit B107, Arcadian Centre 0121 622 1144 www.caffechino.com Describing itself as a mystical place where all of your dreams come true, Caffe Chino does indeed have it all (with much more discerning decoration than a mere cherry on top).

Delicious, delectable, delightful – and these words only begin to describe the staff uniforms and decorum. The cakes here are so cute they could melt the heart of the most misanthropic Birmingham-bashing national journalist. Couture cupcakes, sugary bespoke bakes and edible designer decorations fill this mint and powder-pink boutique café’s shabby chic shelves. It’s the perfect place to come with friends for a slice of something fancy.

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RESTAURANTs Cafe Soya Unit 2, Upper Dean Street, B5 4SL and Arcadian Centre 0121 683 8350 www.cafesoya.co.uk Express Meal Box Take Away offer - £5.50 The Cafe Soya philosophy is based on the principle that happiness begins with healthy eating. But don’t be fooled by the name as this is no vegetarian restaurant. There are plenty of tofu dishes and choices for vegetarians but meat-lovers are welcome too with pork, chicken, beef and lamb on offer along with seafood.

China Court Bakery & Restaurant 24 Ladywell walk, B5 4ST 0121 666 7031 chinacourtbirmingham.co.uk Mon-Sat 11.30am-11.30pm, Sun 11.30pm-10.30pm Downstairs the bakery sells sweet and savoury items as well as making impressivelooking wedding and other special occasion cakes while upstairs is home to Birmingham’s largest Chinese restaurant. An impressively large à la carte menu awaits to tempt you or you can choose from the set menus for two or more people. If you love Dim Sum then you’ll be overwhelmed with the lunchtime selection.

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Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant 16-18 Wrottesley Street 0121 622 5669 www.chungying.co.uk “The Original” Cantonese restaurant in Birmingham’s centrally located Chinatown, Chung Ying is the most famous Chinese restaurant in the West Midlands. Take Dim Sum alfresco on the new outside decking area this summer, or eat in style under many beautiful Chinese artworks.

Established in 1981, it’s won many awards including Egon Ronay and “Which?” Good Food Guide.

Providing a lively mix of modern and mythical iconography, the interiors invite you to relax, as does the traditional Chinese music and dreamlike Oriental twangs that lull in the background.

A large selection of foods plays host to all that’s exotic – the salt and pepper frogs legs especially are a novelty to be cherished and devoured as a starter washed back with warmed sake served with a friendly smile. Chung Ying is the perfect place to indulge in the vogue for all things Chinese and the all-inclusive menu reads like a fairy tale.

Festival Balti The Arcadian, B5 4TD 0121 622 6289 www.festivalbalti.co.uk Established in 1994 the restaurant offers a comprehensive menu of Indian favourites. Their special ‘Five Course Meal Sensation’ is

£13.95 and ideal for large groups and includes all Balti favourites from Lamb Rogan to Chicken Jalfrezi and Chana Saag.

Han Dynasty 61 Station Street, B5 4DY 0121 633 9396 www. handynasty.co.uk Han Dynasty specialises in authentic Hot Pot dishes where you can customise your own dish with the food and tastes you like.

They also offer a comprehensive BBQ choice along with Rice & Noodle dishes.

Hang Li Poh 8 Wrottesley Street, B5 4RT 0121 6666 616 www.hlp-restaurant.co.uk Mon-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm This Malaysian Baba Nyonya fusion restaurant is tucked up the corner of Wrottesley Street and is committed to bringing the delicious wealth of Malaysian and Nyonya culinary heritage to Birmingham diners by using only the freshest and most carefully selected ingredients.

Nyonya cuisine is popular for its subtle blending of flavours, utilising herbs and roots such as lemongrass, turmeric, coriander, kaffir leaf, galangal, ginger flower, garlic and chillies.

The restaurant also serves famous Malaysian and Thai dishes such as Assam Fish and Sambal King prawn.

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Jacky’s Kitchen Unit 4, Southside, Bromsgrove Street, B5 4TN 6pm-10.30pm At this authentic Peking-style restaurant the Head Chef has worked in some of China’s highprofile establishments including the Grand Hotel Beijing. Chef Liu has brought his award-winning skills to Jacky’s Kitchen so that everyone can eat like a dignitary.

The contemporary and elegant surroundings are a perfect complement to the tasty dishes.

Ken Ho 41-43 Hurst street 0121 622 2287 Mon-Thurs 12pm-2am, Sun12pm-2am If you like a bit of drama to your dining experience then how about choosing the restaurant’s Hot Pot? Fresh, tasty food all cooked in a hot pot of stock by you at your table; a mix of seafood, tofu and meat are presented and you just add as much as you like. There is plenty from the standard menu to choose from too and a great selection of set menus.

Las Iguanas Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 4466 www.iguanas.co.uk Mon-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11.30pm, Sun 12pm10.30pm Happy Hour: 12.00-19.30 daily & all day Sunday & Monday

A menu of classic South American cocktails to match the Mexican menu. Sharers and Tapas to salads and classic Fajitas are all served in this cosy themed restaurant.

Maharaja 23-25 Hurst Street, B5 4AS 0121 622 2641 www.maharajarestaurant.co.uk Licensed Indian Restaurant Mon-Sat 12pm-2pm & 6pm11pm Blending fragrant, exotic and delicate spices from North India, Maharaja brings them to you in a dish of your choice. Still favouring the traditional and authentic charcoal cooking methods that bring out the flavours to their fullest you’ll enjoy your meal under soft lighting with mellow music helping to provide an intimate and relaxed setting in this cosy dining space.

Milano Restaurant Arcadian Centre 0121 622 3999 / 0121 666 7727 www.milanorestaurant.co.uk Mon-Sat noon-2.30 pm & 5pm10.30pm, Sun 4.30pm-10pm This award-winning Italian restaurant offers a selection of menus to suit all customers. The open decor is fresh and tasteful and you can also do a little alfresco dining on the terrace.

Miyako Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD

www.miyakoteppanyaki.com 0121 622 5183 Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm10.30pm, Sat 6pm-10.30pm, Sun 6pm-10pm 2 course lunch offer £10 (12-2.15pm) A treat for the eyes and the taste buds as the unique culinary art, that has established itself as one of the favourites of Japanese cuisine, is prepared and presented on a heated steel plate at your table. “At Miyako Teppanyaki the specially trained chefs will delight their gourmet guests with their individual cooking and artistic skills - it is real theatre, especially when the chefs use white wine and brandy to flambé the food.”

New Sum Ye Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway Cathay Street 0121 622 1525 Sun-Sat noon-10pm Chinese cuisine served to your heart’s content. New Sum Ye specialises in Hong Kong-style Cantonese food, but also serves Pan-Asian cuisine, such as Vietnamese and Korean. They offer good-value set menus such as the set lunch menu at just £5.99.

Red & Hot - Szechuan Cuisine 35 Hurst Street, B5 4BJ 0121-666 6076 Famed for its bold flavours, spiciness and liberal use of garlic 023

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and chili peppers, Szechuan cuisine certainly comes alive in Red & Hot. With an impressive selection of seafood dishes (Crabs with Ginger & Spring Onion [£13.80], Fried King Prawns Hot & Spicy [£12.00], Fried Clams in Garlic Sauce [£16.80], Steamed Scallops in Black Bean Sauce (Piece) [£3.80]) you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Shangri-la Chinese restaurant 51 Station Street, B5 4DY 0121 616 2888 shangri-la-chineserestaurant.co.uk Great value Sichuan cuisine is served in large portions from an extensive menu choice.

Zorba’s Greek Restaurant Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 666 7727 www.zorbas.co.uk Open Mon-Thu 5pm-11:30pm; FriSat 5pm-1am; also open Sun A touch of the Mediterranean comes to Birmingham when you head to Zorba’s. Diners will of course get a very tasty Greek meal but they’ll get some dancing and entertainment thrown in too. Moussaka at £9.95 and Stifado (beef in red wine) to Steaks at £15.95 with plenty of choice for vegetarians just be careful of the big portions.

Special menus are available for parties of seven or more (three courses plus coffee from £21.95). However the speciality of the house is the Mezzes a banquet of Greek dishes for £24.95.

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BAR STYLE The Coffee Room Bar Bistro (The Green Room) The Arcadian, B5 4TD 0121 605 4343 thecofferoombarbistro.co.uk Mon-Tue 11am-9pm (food served till 7.30pm), Wed-Thur 11am-11pm (food served till 9pm). Fri 11am-late (food served till 10pm), Sat 10am-late (food served till 10pm) Sun 12pm-9pm (food served till 7pm) Offering a traditional roast on a Sunday and daily chef’s specials you’ll be hard-pushed to get an early dinner table such is its popularity with the pre-theatre dining crowd. Early evenings are packed with punters who enjoy locally-sourced produce (where possible) and a contemporary take on classic dishes while the daytime crowd enjoy a latte on the outdoor patio.

Missoula The Arcadian, B5 4TD 0121 666 7427 www.missoulabars.co.uk Missoula has regular tasty offers for daytime and evening diners.

Until 5pm every day their ‘2 for £5.95’ offer is available, including salads, gammon, Southern fried chicken, burgers, scampi and jacket potatoes. Meanwhile an after-work pizza and drink is yours for £6 from 5-9pm every day. The menu offers bar classics from steak & chips and lasagne to fish & chips and burgers.

Poppy Red Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD www.poppy-red.com Mon-Sat 11.30am-2am, Sun 5pm-2am Lunchtime offer from Mon-Fri noon-2pm; receive a free drink with any meal £5.95 or more.

A great pre-theatre dinner awaits (discount with Hippodrome theatre tickets) at Poppy Red with seasonal British food available throughout the year. From tasty sharing snacks like Boxed Baked Camembert with homemade red onion jam and baked walnut bread to a lunchtime sandwich or evening steak - the prices are reasonable but the taste uncompromised.

Sobar Arcadian Centre 0121 693 5084 www.sobar.co.uk

Tue-Wed 5pm-late, Thur noon2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am Before the party crowds hit the dancefloor, enjoy the surroundings of Sobar and their Meal Deal where you can eat and drink selected meals for £5 (available Monday to Friday).

Choose a stateside or Mexican gourmet burger, a Margherita pizza or Caesar salad with a glass of house wine, selected beer or soft drink. There’s plenty more to choose from with the UK/ American-style menu.

StageSide 0844 448 9000 Thorp Street birminghamhippodrome.com Mon 5pm–midnight (performance days only), TueSat 5pm-midnight, Matinee Days: 12pm-midnight Last Food Orders: Mon-Thur 8pm; Fri & Sat 11pm Birmingham Hippodrome’s very own Bar and Restaurant is just over the road from the stage door giving you optimum chance to bump in to a cast member or celeb from one of the shows.

Whether it’s something from the grill, a pizza or main dish, StageSide is the perfect place to go for a pre-show dinner or interval tipple. If you want to avoid the car-park queues then how about a post-show drink with 20% off (you must show your theatre ticket for the offer).

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FAST FOOD

Chicken Hurst Street The fast food takeaway sells burgers and fish & chips along with offering meal deals and daily specials.

Mr Egg 22 Hurst Street, B5 4BN The legendary Mr Egg has gone but in its place the moniker remains - all be it a smaller condensed version and with not much egg on the menu. Instead you’ll find burgers, kebabs, Southern fried chicken and meal deals for £3.50.

Manibos Fast Food 23a Hurst Street, B5 4BB 0121 622 5564 Kebab and fast-food outlet with veggie burger, homemade pasta and peri peri on sale.

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Miela 21 Hurst Street, B5 4AS 0121 622 3429 Pizza, burgers, doner kebabs, Southern fried chicken and frull English breakfasts served up to late-night revelers.

The Satis-factory Sandwich Bar 31 Hurst Street, B5 4BD 0121 622 3178 This cute little hole-in-the-wall on Hurst Street sits quietly, busily feeding the office crowd with its Dial-aSnack service. Freshly made sandwiches and snacks are served up on demand from an impressive selection given its tiny space.

Subway Inge Street 0121 622 3131 www.subway.co.uk Mon-Wed 8am-9pm, Thur 8am-10pm, Fri 8am-3am, Sat 9am-4am, Sun 11am-8pm American staple Subway has plenty of offers to take away the hunger pangs. Prepared as you order you can choose the bread, filling and sauces to customise your snack just as you like it.

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the arcadian www.thearcadian.co.uk

Set in the centre of vibrant Chinatown, Arcadian is a unique complex that houses bars, restaurants and shops that cross over a diverse mix of tastes, cultures and sounds. The entertainment hub of Chinatown comes alive at night when people come to enjoy al-fresco dining, try a delicious cocktail and dance the night away until the early hours.

An impressive array of culinary delights is available from snack and bar foods to Mexican, Indian, modern British and of course Chinese cuisine.

You can even enjoy a combination of food and entertainment; have your food prepared by specially trained chefs at your table as the drama of Teppanyaki unfolds at Miyako, be careful not to gag on your burger while you are entertained by the Glee Club’s many comedians, or fight off the calories after a large helping of kleftiko with some Greek dancing at Zorba’s.

Events hosted at the Arcadian’s attractive piazza attract thousands of people throughout the year. From Hippodrome’s outdoor theatre events of music and performing arts to the huge Chinese New Year celebrations organised by the local community and the city’s annual Gay Pride on May bank holiday weekend - there is always a warm welcome waiting and much fun to be had.

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AFTER DARK

Nightlife is the staple of any socialite’s calendar. For a great selection of exciting things to do after dusk, look no further than Birmingham’s Chinatown. Take a spin on a roulette wheel and win some money at Genting Casino, bend your legs and wave your hands on a light-up dance floor at Reflex or sup a cocktail at Mono bar, a favourite with local fashionistas. Ideally located in the city centre, Chinatown after dark is the perfect place to peel off your coat and let your hair down with friends, as well as meet new people. Add a date to your diary and make time to visit. A warm welcome awaits you along with cocktails, fun and laughter every single second until as late into the night and early morning as you can handle.

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COMEDY Glee Club Arcadian Centre 0871 472 0400 www.glee.co.uk The top acts regularly appear at Birmingham’s Glee Club; whether TV comedy personalities or up-and-coming stars hitting the circuit, you’ll be guaranteed a brilliant night. The venue also doubles up as a music hot-spot with great live acts appearing weekly. The venue is seated with table service for drinks and food.

Check the website for listings.

Jongleurs @ Oceana, 1-5 Hurst Street 08700 111960 www.jongleurs.com Britain’s biggest comedy night showcases the country’s best comedians. Shows run every Friday and Saturday night.

Doors open at 7pm, last entry at 8:30pm and the show starts at 8:45pm; the ticket also allows access to Oceana after the show has finished, Birmingham’s biggest and best nightclub.

LATE BARS Arca Ladywell Walk 0121 666 7777 www.arcabar.co.uk This vibrant bar serves up a mix of house and electro mixed with commercial beats taking you into the early hours of the morning.

Selected drinks and shots are on offer.

Bambu 1 Wrottesley St, B5 4RT 0121 622 4124 www.bambubar.co.uk A night out at Bambu is spread over three rooms of music.

With seven secluded private booths (including personal waitress service) and an open-air Moroccan-themed Garden, there is something for everyone no matter what the event!

Indi Bar Arcadian Centre 0121 622 4858 www.indibar.co.uk Enjoy cocktail pitchers with friends, grab some food, share a booth and dance the night away; there is a party happening every night of the week at Indi. Funky house to urban beats with special drink offers thrown in will keep your feet on the dancefloor of this stylish venue.

Legs 11 30 Ladywell Walk, B5 4ST 0121 666 7004 www.legs11.net Monday- Saturday 7pm-3am With up to 50 dancers Legs 11 is one the city’s leading gentlemen’s clubs. Parties are welcome. Entry price varies.

Missoula The Arcadian, B5 4TD 0121 666 7427 www.missoulabars.co.uk You’ll find great food and drink offers at Missoula. Thursday sees £2.99 cocktails available along

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with a masterclass on making the tastiest drinks, 2 for 1 pizzas on Wednesdays with drink offers for a great after-work get-together or a £4.50 weekend brekky deal if you need to recover from the night before. There are loads of deals to tempt you at Missoula and keep you there for when the music starts.

Ten themed rooms make up the vast space of Oceana. In seconds you can be transformed from a Parisian Boudoir into an Aspen Ski Lodge or a New York Disco, each with their own distinctive feel and music. The website is updated with all the latest offers from cocktail deals to free entry for females.

Mono Bar Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 7407 www.mono-bar.co.uk Whether you want to party the weekend away or people-watch from a cosy hired booth Mono offers chic surroundings to do both. Their DJs play funky beats at the weekly nights to make sure your weekend starts with a bang.

Poppy Red Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD www.poppy-red.com Mon-Sat 11.30am-2am, Sun 5pm-2am A great pre-theatre dinner awaits (discount with tickets) at Poppy Red with seasonal British food available throughout the year.

However if you just want a drink their impressive selection can be enjoyed in the comfortable lounge surroundings. DJs play on selected nights. Offers: £4 cocktails - not available weekends.

02 Academy 16 Bristol Street, B1 1DB 0121 622 8250 o2academybirmingham.co.uk The £5.5m refurbishment of this former night club hosts three state of the art venues that can operate independently as well as simultaneously over 45,000sq ft.

With an exceptionally busy diary, O2 Academy Birmingham actively supports new and developing talent through to gigs by top international artists for over 3,000 fans. There are regular weekly club nights at the venue also.

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Oceana 1-5 Hurst Street www.oceanaclubs.com

Queens Tavern 23 Essex Street 0121 622 5012 www.queenstavern.co.uk

Fri-Sat 5pm-2am Bar, cabaret, Spanish music and dancing Reflex The Arcadian Centre, 70 Hurst Street 0121 622 5125 reflexbars.co.uk Tue -Wed 9pm-1am, Thur 9pm - 2am, Fri - Sat 8pm-3am If you’re looking for 80’s nostalgia then Reflex is definitely the place to go. There are plenty of drink promotions and a soundtrack to take you straight back to the days of RaRa skirts and Bonce Boppers.

Review Bar 70 Hurst Street Fri-Sat, 10pm-4am Review is one of Arcadian’s latenight bars bringing you many top nights with its spacious layout and VIP area, cheap drinks and top quality DJs from the UK and Europe visiting every week.

Sence Bar & Club Hurst Street 0121 622 4442

www.sencebirmingham.co.uk With a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system it’s no wonder DJs are falling over themselves to delight the crowds at Sence.

Take advantage of the waitress service whether you’re dining or just drinking. With a spacious balcony, canopies and heaters for when the temperature drops, Sence will make sure your night is catered for.

Sobar Arcadian Centre 0121 693 5084 www.sobar.co.uk Tue-Wed 5pm-till late, Thur noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am With chic decor, an extensive selection of world lagers, spirits, shooters and cocktails along with a serving of vibrant beats, soul and funky house, Sobar is a great all-round destination. Early evening drinks and food can be enjoyed in the sunshine on their outdoor patio.

WooWoo 1-5 Hurst Street From 5pm - 7 nights a week Whether it’s a relaxing drink and meal after work or a starting point for the night ahead, WooWoo is the new place to be. Offers include two-for-one on a wide selection of Long Cocktails all night every night; buy two large glasses of wine get the rest of the bottle free. Free entry into Oceana when it’s open!

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AFTER DARK

Go on admit it - you have a song that springs to mind as soon as the word Karaoke is spoken. It could well be beyond the range of your limited vocal warblings but there is that one song that belongs to you and is your Karaoke staple.

From the late 80’s Karaoke has entertained us in bars and clubs as your bolshy un-shy friends, or strangers, jumped on stage to murder cheesy songs and make like their Tom Jones of Elvis - but not anymore.

So is the desire to belt out your favourite artist’s tracks that Karaoke is as popular now as it has ever been with the equipment and spaces becoming more and more sophisticated. With the popularity of games like Singstar you can practice at home and when you feel ready you can let rip on the not-soadoring public. And there is no better place to do it than Chinatown. Soon you’ll have a Black Belt in Karaoke and we want to let you know where to use it.

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CC Karaoke 2nd Floor China Court Building, Ladywalk, Birmingham B5 4RX 0121 622 0870 Facebook: cck cckaraoke email: cckaraoke@live.co.uk Set at the top of several flights of stairs, CC Karaoke is one of Chinatown’s hidden gems. Concealed in the daytime, at night it comes alive and so will you as you enter one of its 18 slick and funky karaoke rooms.

I visit on a balmy summer night with friends. On entering, we notice the décor – all 70s funk in black with gold flashes and plenty of disco lights to keep it extra groovy. There seems to be a shine and gloss licking every surface here.

We’re quickly shown to a small booth with tables and walls glowing neon green. There’s a huge flat screen TV to the right, microphones and a touch screen computer at the back – the heart of the action. We’re shown around the equipment first and learn how to use the computer to select songs.

Naturally we pick Kylie and it’s not long before a cat’s chorus of “Spinning Around” and “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” are bouncing around the small, intimate room.

From here, the drinks flow and good times roll. It’s great fun and reasonably priced for such a unique experience too. The smallest room, for up to five people, costs from just £20 an hour and includes drinks. Room sizes vary, but a party of up to 40 people can be catered for. There’s even a smoking area so you don’t have to ascend several stairs for a cigarette break.

The selection of music isn’t limited to Kylie either. Choose from pop music all over the world – Philippines, China, USA – anywhere! CC Karaoke may only be at the top of a flight of stairs, but when you’re singing and partying your hardest here, you feel like you’re on top of the world!

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China Court 2nd Floor, China Court Building, 24 Ladywell Walk, B5 4RX 0121 622 0870 chinacourtbirmingham.co.uk Open 7 days a week 18 private rooms are available for four to 30 people at China Court where you can sing all night long and in to the dawn with sessions from 5.30pm to 10.30pm and 10.30pm to 5am. A resent refurbishment means you can take advantage of the stateof-the-art system and choose from over 10,000 songs. With a waitress service you can continue to sing while food and drink is brought to your room.

Ming Moon 16 Hurst Street, B5 4BN 0121 622 5588 www.mingmoon.co.uk After a buffet meal at Ming Moon there is no better way to work off those calories than throwing some disco moves on the Karaoke dancefloor. Let your inner X Factor wannabe talent out with the latest karaoke kit, crystal sound microphone, large screens and high quality P.A. system. With a Chinese and English (or English only) interface the touch sensitive screen and remote control make it user friendly for any technophobe to operate. English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese Songs are all available.

Hang Li Poh - KTV Karaoke Bar Wrottesley Street, B5 4RT 0121 666 6616 hlp-restaurant.co.uk/ktvpage.html Open 7 days a week Premium sound systems, LED lighting and LCD screens await singers at Hang Li Poh’s KTV Karaoke Bar. With over 100,000 multi-language songs to choose from it’s a great place to have fun or celebrate a special occasion.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Birmingham Royal Ballet www.brb.org.uk

Welcomed enthusiastically around the world BRB was formed in 1990 (formally Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet) and has enjoyed ever-increasing popularity with successful tours to the USA, Hong Kong, South Africa and most recently Japan. Under the helm of David Bintley, Artistic Director and choreographer of many of the company’s successful Ballets, the company is loved by audiences both at home and overseas.

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BRB is established as an important part of Birmingham’s cultural offer and has become an increasingly exciting place for creating dance and dancers. “Of all the dance performing arts, ballet is the most diverse and the most popular,” says Bintley. “From classics to the avantgarde, from comedies to tragedies and abstraction, ballet does it all.”

Such is the reputation of the company that dancers from across

Diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance in August 2007. The awardwinning First Soloist won first prize at the China Ballet Competition along with a bronze medal at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition and the prestigious Adeline Genée Award.

the globe have relocated to the city to become part of Birmingham Royal Ballet and take part in the many productions. Included in the list of dancers are four from China.

Chi Cao Born in China, Chi Cao trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and the Royal Ballet School. He joined Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1995 and was promoted to Principal in 2002. Chi is an award-winning virtuoso classical dancer and often leads the Company in the classic repertory.

Lei Zhao Born in Shanghai, Lei Zhao trained at the Shanghai Dance School and then at Northern Ballet School. She joined BRB in 1995 receiving her Professional Dancers’ Teaching

Yijing Zhang Yijing Zhang was born in China and trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and Hamburg Ballet School. She won first prize in the China Ballet Competition, the 34th Prix de Lausanne and a gold medal at the Shanghai International Ballet Competition 2007. As a student her repertory included Paquita, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and the title role in The Little Match Girl.

Tzu-Chao Chou (pictured) The most recent dancer to join BRB is Tzu-Chao Chou. Starting his ballet career in Taiwan, under the visiting Russian teachers of the Vaganova School, as the only boy at the dance school, Tzu-Chao was dubbed the ‘Billy Elliot of Taiwan’.

After moving to Australia to train further he joined The Australian Ballet in 2005 and has since performed as a guest artist with English National Ballet and many other acclaimed companies before settling in Birmingham as a Soloist.

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ARTS & CULTURE

BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome Hurst Street www.birminghamhippodrome.com Big name comedy acts, international ballet stars, opera and touring musicals are all part of the Birmingham Hippodrome’s regular line-up of events, so it is small wonder that audiences average around half a million each year. As a result the theatre can lay claim to the highest regular annual attendance of any single theatre in the UK. Since their award-winning £35m redevelopment in 2001, the citycentre venue has attracted everincreasing numbers of people attending performances and events with its diverse mix.

Whether it’s for a Hip Hop version of Some Like it Hot, the Welsh National Opera performing Don Giovanni, the cheeky stage hit Calendar Girls or the hugely popular annual panto, the Hippodrome’s audiences come from far and wide.

You don’t even need to be inside the space to enjoy performances; their popular outdoor theatre programme pops up unexpectedly around the Arcadian, outside the theatre and throughout the city centre to entertain surprised shoppers and visitors to the city with amazing acts. From challenging acrobatics to grannies zooming around in shopping trolleys and the world’s smallest cinema housed in an icecream van, make sure you are on the look-out as the streets become animated with colour and fun.

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Dance Xchange Birmingham Hippodrome, Thorp Street, B5 4TB 0121 689 3170 www.dancexchange.org.uk A partner organisation with Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham Royal Ballet, dx is a dance house dedicated to creating exciting opportunities for people of all walks of life to experience dance as participants, performers and audience members.

Birmingham Back to Backs 55-63 Hurst Street/50-54 Inge Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 4TE 0121 666 7671 (booking line) An atmospheric glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who helped make Birmingham an extraordinary city. Take a guided tour and step back in time at Birmingham’s last surviving court of back to backs; houses built literally back-to-back around a communal courtyard. Moving from the 1840s through to the 1970s, discover the lives of some of the former residents who crammed into these small houses to live and work. With fires alight in the grates, and sounds and smells from the past, experience an evocative and intimate insight into life at the Back to Backs.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Chinese Cultural Xchange Pershore Street 0121 666 6838 A real treasure trove for magpies yearning for something more upmarket than a Claire’s Accessories headband; amid lurid gold boxes of the RollsRoyce of Chinese teas are trendy scrunchies and diamanté headpins that’ll make a classic yet culturally diverse cover star out of any Brum belle. There are also Susie Wong dresses, pretty paper umbrellas and lucky cats – which will all add a glamorous, glittering touch to wardrobes and desks respectively. Come here for the more classic, traditional Chinese paraphernalia embossed with horoscope signs or vibrant carnival dragons. Visit also for the jewellery and fashion, many of which are well-crafted timepieces.

Electric Cinema 47-49 Station Street theelectric.co.uk / @ElectricBham The oldest working cinema in the UK, there is no better way to watch films.

You cannot miss the art deco frontage of Birmingham’s only independent cinema, offering an intimate environment to watch either box-office smashes or art-house curios. Book sofa seating for viewing pleasure in style and to add a rather glamorous touch; every sofa is named after a film icon and comes with a Text Waiter Service. You will be shown to your sofa, given a menu, and then when the film starts you can text, say, ‘popcorn to Hepburn’, and they will bring your snacks to you.

The Old Rep Theatre Station Street, B5 4DY 0121 605 5116 www.oldreptheatre.org.uk This 383 seat theatre plays host to the Birmingham Stage Company and numerous amateur companies offering a wide variety of productions from plays to musicals, regular sell-out Christmas productions and specially written issued-based drama for young people.

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DanceXchange image courtesy of Tim Cross

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K-Star Thai Boxing Academy 2nd Floor, Ladywell House, Hurst Street, B5 4BN 0121 622 5078 www.k-starthaiboxing.com Open 6 days a week

DanceXchange Birmingham Hippodrome, Thorp Street, B5 4TB 0121 689 3170 dancexchange.org.uk It has been ten years since DanceXchange moved into the Birmingham Hippodrome complex where they have spent the last decade hosting hundreds of performances and supporting the production of over 50 major touring works.

Their studio theatre, The Patrick Centre, has a new PA system and updated lighting, and the venue is regarded as one of the most important spaces for dance in the UK. If you love to dance they offer over 40 classes every week, in styles ranging from Hip Hop to Ballet, Club Jazz to Tap Dance, and Contemporary to Bollywood, catering for all ages and levels of ability.

Classes start from just £3 per session, and there’s no enrolment fee – just drop in when you want.

If you do find something you really enjoy, you can pay for a whole term up front, which saves you money.

Fitness

Experience real Thai Boxing with real instructors who have all undergone extensive Instructor Training by K-Star founder Steve Logan and have passed K-Star’s Certified Instructor Training programme. Their aim is to help all students achieve their goals, whatever they may be; selfdefence, fitness or confidence.

The academy has been training and teaching Muay Thai since the 80‘s during which time a selection of Steve’s students have become some of the best Thai Boxers in the country. He monitors the progress of his staff on a weekly basis and teaches regularly himself. The academy offers a range of classes from beginners to ladies-only. If you are curious, or would like to try it out, you can go along for a free trial lesson.

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HEALTH&FITNESS

Health

The ancient system of Traditional Chinese Medicine has undergone continued development throughout centuries. It consists of a range of different techniques which are now used to treat and heal many ailments and dates back thousands of years.

You can get a range of treatments from the qualified practitioners around Chinatown but to help you on your way here is a quick guide to what the different treatments can do for you.

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Acupuncture What is it? A safe and effective natural therapy that is used to heal illness, prevent disease and improve wellbeing. It is regarded as a complete system of treatment, and can help a wide variety of conditions, as well as restoring health and general wellbeing in individuals.

What happens? Acupuncture needles are gently inserted into specific points in the body, where they are stimulated to trigger the body’s natural healing response.

What can it help? Symptoms such as back pain, headaches, stiff neck and shoulder problems as well as sports injuries; Acupuncture can also help with anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems and abdominal issues along with other conditions.

Reflexology What is it? A method of stimulating the body’s healing mechanisms through the massage of certain reflex points on the feet (and sometimes the palms of the hands). It is based on the idea that the organs of the body are represented on the feet, making them a vital body map.

What happens? Reflexology works

by applying pressure to the feet by finger and thumb in order to improve health, relieve pain and promote relaxation. Reflexologists believe that certain zones on the feet, hands and ears correspond to various glands, organs and muscles located elsewhere in the body.

When pressure is applied to these zones, people claim to experience beneficial health effects.What can it help? Reflexology treatment can help healing illnesses and promote relaxation and overall well-being. It can also give a boost to the circulation system.

Chinese Massage (Tuina anmo) Tuina anmo is a hands-on body treatment that brings the body into balance. Using techniques like brushing, kneading, rolling, pressing and rubbing the areas between each of the joints it manipulates the soft tissue.

What happens? The practitioner will use a range of motion, traction and massage, with the stimulation of acupressure points; this is claimed to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions. It can be performed over clothing and no oils or powders are required.

What can it help? Neck, shoulder and back pain, immobility, sciatica, tennis and golfer’s elbow, frozen shoulder, headaches, migraine and sports injuries. It is also an excellent form of massage to help relieve stress and maintain well-being.

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HEALTH&FITNESS

CHINESE HEALTH PRACTITIONERS Dr China Unit 4, Pershore Street, B5 4RQ 0121 622 6838 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm The clinic offers acupuncture, herbal medicine and Chinese remedies to suit people of all ages and conditions.

Harmony88 1st Floor, Ladywell House, Hurst Street, B5 4BN 0121 622 1100 Open 7 days a week 10am-10pm Harmony88 Health Centre is registered with the Birmingham Health Authority to carry forward traditional Chinese massage techniques. Trained professional and technical staff provide relaxing massages, physiotherapy and foot massages along with a range of other services.

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Someway Natural Healing Centre Thorp Street, B5 4AU 0121 622 6881 The centre offers acupuncture, herbal remedies, reflexology and remedial massage, as well as help with the following issues: emotional, skin, women’s, men’s and internal problems.

Tong Xin Tang B205 The Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 6683 www.txtchineseclinic.co.uk Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am5pm, Wed by appointment only Tong Xin Tang Chinese Herbal Clinic offers Chinese herbal remedies, acupuncture and acupressure. They can also help with diet, detoxing and allergies.

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LEISURE

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genting circus Casino 16/18 Hurst Street, B5 4BN 0121 622 3313 www.gentingcasinos.co.uk Sun-Tue open 24 hours, Wed-Sat 12pm-6am Admission to the club is free

Games: American Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Electronic Roulette and Punto Banco You might not think about hitting the casino for a tasty bite to eat but Circus Casino, in the heart of Chinatown, combines a night of gambling fun with a menu of authentic Chinese cuisine. The casino’s new restaurant is situated just at the side of the gaming area past the bar and offers a substantial choice including three courses for just £9.99 per person (available Thursday-Saturday from 6pm1am).

From Sunday to Wednesday (7pm-2am) you can choose from the impressive 97 dish menu with plates costing from £5.50 to £12. Hot Pot dishes are available along with seafood, duck & chicken dishes, soups, noodle & rice dishes and a choice of 24 ‘special’ dishes.

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal it is time to head in to the large, light and friendly gaming area. Offering something for the serious high-rollers to those that are looking for the quick thrilling flutter of the roulette table - there is plenty of choice.

Big jackpots and ‘Lucky’ slot machines promise big payouts for fortune-blessed winners - it’s time to pick out your favourite numbers and give it a try. If you are new to the tables or games don’t be shy just ask the croupier what to do - they’ll point you in the right direction.

If the tables aren’t for you then live electronic roulette terminals at 10p minimum and with two systems to choose from, all linked to the ‘live’ tables, is a great introduction to the popular game.

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LEISURE

Leisure Box 73-75 Pershore Street, B5 4RW 0121 622 5207 www.theleisurebox.co.uk Mon-Tue 11am-6pm, Wed-Thur 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat noonmidnight, Sun noon-10pm Learn to skate and burn calories at the same time with 30-minute sessions or just grab your skates and give it a go; from professional techniques to just a bit of fun Leisure Box welcomes people of all abilities and ages to get involved.

If the ice isn’t your thing then their UV-lit 24-lane bowling alley might be. With a bar and cafe along with amusement machines and pool tables there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Look out for special skate-andbowl offers and party packages for special occasions.

Red Bat Slot-machine arcade 65-67 Hurst Street, B5 4TE Open 7 days a week 11am-2am Friendly and spacious with almost 50 slot machines to choose from.

You are welcome to drop in and try the free Mahjong tables. Free drinks and snacks are available for players. £500 jackpots and regular matchplay promotions are available.

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Riley’s Pool Bar 21-22 Essex Street 0121 666 6811 www.rileys.co.uk Mon-Sun - 24 Hours Riley’s is the UK’s leading cue sports operator offering highquality pool and snooker tables, late bar and good food in a friendly and lively venue. Enjoy big-screen Surround Sound and High Definition in comfortable surroundings along with 3D football matches. Membership is required (available daily or annual).

Facilities include: £250 Jackpot Machines, Student Tuesdays, food and drink offers.

BOOKMAKERS Ladbrokes Arcadian Centre www.ladbrokes.co.uk William Hill UNIT 6 South Side, Inge Street, B5 4TR Mon-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-9.30pm www.williamhill.co.uk William Hill 39 Hurst Street, B5 4BJ www.williamhill.co.uk

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RETAIL

From books and baking, to traditional Chinese hats and herbal teas, there’s something for everyone in Chinatown’s vibrant retailers. Whether you want a classic Susie Wong dress or a one-way ticket to China, there’s more than meets the eye here. In the lively streets, lined with multicoloured flowers, you’ll find a gift shop, newsagent’s, supermarket, book store, gold store and even a travel agent, all with super customer service set in intimate surroundings. So you can eat well, keep abreast of all the latest news, and look well turned out – all at the same time! You can even throw in a bottle of wine and a chocolate bar for good measure. It’s a great, centrally located place to come and spend your money with local, independent businesses.

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Clone Zone 84 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TD 0121 666 6640 www.clonezonedirect.co.uk Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am6pm Clone Zone is a leading gay retail company, selling a wide range of fashion wear from many high-street labels as well as books, DVDs, magazines, fetishwear and adult toys. The friendly staff can help purchasers choose and order from an extensive range of products.

Day Inn Supermarket 2-4 Wrottesley Street, B5 4RG / B101, Cathay Street, Arcadian Centre, Birmingham, B5 4TD 0121-622-6055 www.dayin.co.uk 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, Sun 10am6pm Day Inn Chinese Supermarket rises and shines in the heart of Birmingham’s Chinatown like a morning sun, with its exterior glossed in a bold sunshine yellow paint with red rays of lettering splashed on for good measure. Inside, the forecast is breezy - wide aisles and a cool, light interior provide a breath of fresh air to visitors. Come here for all your Asian culinary desires – from healthy chrysanthemum tea to dried, easyto-store fish. Established in 1981 Day Inn has quickly grown into one of the leading suppliers and retailers of oriental foods, carrying 500 product lines and all the ingredients and accessories required for Asian cooking imported from far and beyond including China, Korea,

Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. This ensures prices are kept low while simultaneously ensuring the high quality and authenticity of the items.

The Goldery Jewellery Shop Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 5744 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm This little treasure chest tucked away just by Arcadian’s car park entrance offers made-to-order jewellery along with valuations. They also purchase gold items; definitely one for magpies.

Hurst Street News Newsagent’s and Convenience Store Hurst Street, B5 4BJ 0121 622 1888 A handy convenience store selling confectionery along with beers, wines and spirits; you can also pick up bus passes, gas and electric and mobile phone top ups. Other services include photo-copying, faxing and a cash point. i-Convenience Off-licence and Convenience Store 42 Essex Street, B5 4TR This handy little store is great for stocking up on essentials.

MuMu’s Stationery and Gift Shop Unit B102, Arcadian Centre 0121 622 5889 The newest edition to Chinatown, MuMu’s sells the cutest stationery.

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RETAIL

Omega Travel Agent 20 Hurst Street, B5 4BN 0121 666 6088 www.omegatravel.net Flights, tours and tailor-made holidays.

United Travel 26 Ladywell Walk, B5 4ST 0121 666 6338 www.united-tvl.com Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 10am5.30pm, Sun 1pm-4pm A Far-East travel and China visa specialist.

card-size snaps; Chinese fashion magazines such as Milk (it was the 3D edition complete with free 3D specs at the time of going to press).

Many of the products on sale here are imported from Korea and China and all boast that naïve, candyfloss quality of South-East-Asian commercial art – much seems to derive exclusively from Japanese pop culture. Ichiban! It’s a great place for students to stock up on the sweetest stationery, or local creatives can get inspired by cute bits of philosophy that you just won’t find in Paperchase.

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Wah Kee Bakery The Arcadian Centre 0121 622 6162 Mon-Thur 10am-6pm, Wed Closed, Thur-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am6pm At the heart of the Arcadian is the Wah Kee Bakery, filled with freshly baked cakes, pastries and buns. Not only does it cater to the sweetest of teeth, but it also provides cute packaging for cakes so you can share the tasty treats with your nearest and dearest on special occasions. Cooked until golden, the sponges here are delicious. And so too are the pretty cakes in pastel colours that look almost as good as they taste. Why not try a red bean sweet for sugar with a twist? Or you can also choose from savoury snacks for an affordable lunchtime take-away that’s quick and hassle-free. Just browse the vast options and pick what you want – the friendly staff will then run your order through at the till. The hardest part of course is choosing!

328 Hair 25 Hurst Street, B5 4BB 0121 666 6328 Open 10am-7pm 7 days a week This cosy salon offers cut and blow dry, colour, perms and the very popular Yuko hair straightening chemical treatment.

J’s Hair Studio Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 4823 Beauty and hair treatments, facials and body massage are all on offer at J’s.

Joyce & Chris Salon Unit B110 The Arcadian Centre 0121 622 6288 10.30am-6.30pm Along with cutting and styling the salon also offers hair straightening treatments. Offer: £14 wash plus treatment.

Saint Salons Inge Street, B5 4TR 0121 666 7286 www.saintsalons.co.uk Mon 10.30am-6pm, Tue-Wed 9.30am-6pm, Thur-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 9pm-6pm, Sun 10.30am-6pm Late night opening Thursday and Friday The stylists at the contemporary Saint Salons have a wealth of experience and will ensure the very best style inspiration and trends, as well as advice on cutting, colouring, styling, care, and the products that will work for you and your hair, to leave you looking and feeling fabulous! The salon offers student and local resident discounts.

HAIR & BEAUTY

Hairport - Hair Extension Centre The Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 6646 Tue-Sat 9.30am- 5pm With over 16 years experience in the field of hair extensions they welcome you to contact them for a free consultation.

Luxury Beauty & Holistic Therapy Unit 2, China Court Building, Bath Passage, Ladywell Walk, B5 4RX Appointments: Cathy & Sandy 07873 804717 / 07873 804718 A wide range of treatments are on offer including facials (hot/cold stone, Seaweed Mud Mask, cool eye mask), eyebrow shaping, hand, foot and body massage, waxing, nail treatments and Hopi Ear Candles.

For more details and costs pop in for a brochure or give them a call.

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Chinatown Lions Club Birmingham Chinatown Lions Club was formed on 20th April 1987 and is the Second Chinatown Lions Club in Europe. They will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary next year 2012.

Membership of the club consists of people from the Birmingham local and Chinese community.

Our 2011/2012 office bearers: President: Jeffrey Yap Secretary: Stuart Knight Treasurer: Brook Zhou

Meeting days: 2nd Wednesday and 4th Monday of every month.

Venue: Golden Pond Chinese Restaurant, Arcadian Centre, Birmingham Time: 7.00 pm 060

To join contact Jeffrey Yap on 0121 7074355

Chinese Community Centre 伯明翰華人社區中心１９７７年成立。 我們工作的主要目的就是提高住在 伯明翰地區華人的生活素貭。中心與 政府和其他自願組織緊密合作，旨在 提供一個長期穩定的服務平臺，為華 人社區各個年齡段的華人提供多方 位的服務和活動。 中心的宗旨就是 作為華人社區的平臺，為本地華人提 供個性化的服務。 經過多年的努力，伯明翰華人社區 中心一直是華人社區提供各種服 務，舉辦各種文化和社會活動的主 要角色。

CCC-B was set up in 1977. The key aspect of our work is to improve the quality of life for Chinese people living in Birmingham. The Centre works closely with both statutory and voluntary agencies and aims to establish a long-term venue and deliver a wide range of services and activities to meet all needs of the different age groups within the Chinese community. The ethos of the Centre is to act as a platform for the community to advocate themselves according to their individual needs.

Over the years CCC-B has been a focal point for the community with a variety of services, cultural and social activities to meet the diverse needs of the Chinese community.

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PARKING

STAY

Arcadian Car Park 41 Bromsgrove Street Open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week Prices from 1 hour to 24 hours between £1.80 and £13

The Arc Arcadian Centre www.StayBirmingham.com Arc offers one-to-two bedroom apartments that sleep up to five people (from £55 per night), executive apartments that sleep up to four (from £70 per night) or hotel style rooms for up to two people (from £50 per night).

Contemporary styled decor with plush couches and fully equipped kitchens (in the apartments) the spaces offer plenty of amenities with balconies overlooking the city or the courtyard.

Bromsgrove street Mon-Sun 24 hours Pay and Display £2.20 entire stay Euro Car Park Thorp Street Mon-Sat 7am-1am, Sun and Bank Hols 7am-midnight Prices from 1 hour to 24 hours between £1.50 and £12.50 Skinners Lane Mon-Sun 24 hours £3.50 Pershore Street Mon-Sun 24 hours £0.80/hour, £3.50/day Pershore Street Multistory Pay and Display

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Holiday Inn Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EW 0121 634 6200 www.holidayinn.com The chandelier-lit lobby and contemporary decor are the first things to greet you while your stylish room in this 11 storey hotel be equipped with complimentary wireless Internet.

It’s a short stroll to The Arcadian where you can dine on world cuisine and when you are done partying the Albany Restaurant serves a full English buffet breakfast each morning and tasty dishes such as sautéed duck and stuffed chicken breasts for dinner. The award-winning Albany Bar is a sociable spot to watch live sports on plasma screen TVs and enjoy drinks on the terrace.

Ibis Hotel Ladywell walk, B5 4ST 0121 622 6010 www.ibishotel.com 159 contemporary guest rooms, all with air conditioning, satellite TV and internet access make up this budget hotel with rooms from just £29 per night. The Chilli Bar serves snacks and light meals 24 hours a day and its location means you are right in the heart of all the chinatown action.

Radisson Blu 12 Holloway Circus, Queensway, B1 1BT 0121 654 600 www.radissonblu.co.uk This beautiful glass structure changed Birmingham’s skyline and is a fitting designer hotel for the city. Housed in a 39 storey skyscraper chic comfort is matched with first class amenities. Check out the upscale spa for a touch of pampering or the awardwinning Italian restaurant Filini for dinner. Your choice of 211 themed rooms include Chic, Fashion and Fresh but if you are looking for something larger suites are available along with the impressive 1820 Presidential Suite that offers the maximum in luxury accommodation. With floor-to-ceiling windows you’ll get a breathtaking view of the city that is thrown in with the price.

Travelodge Birmingham Central Bullring Upper Dean Street, B5 4SG 0871 984 6468 www.travelodge.co.uk The most recent of the budget hotels to arrive in the city is located next door to one of Chinatown’s most popular restaurants; Cafe Soya. At Travelodge you’ll get a pleasant and fresh room with basic amenities at a great price. Rates start from just £39.95. professional services Ian Henery Solicitors Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 693 4588 / 0121 622 1788 ianhenery.co.uk An award-winning, prestigious Law firm offering a quick and efficient service to all clients whether private paying or legally aided. Staff are multi-lingual.

Bank of China 33 Horse Fair, B1 1DD 0121 622 7002 ww.bocukltd.co.uk Mon-Thur 9.30am-4pm, Fri 10am-4pm TSANG & Co. Accountants Arcadian Centre, B5 4TD 0121 622 3683 RSW Chartered Accountants Unit 6, 17 Thorp Street, B5 4AT 0121 622 4762 067