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Leisure Places in West Midlands: Where to Eat and Be Entertained

The West Midlands, a region of England renowned for its diversity and vitality, boasts a captivating history, picturesque scenery, and thriving urban centres. The area also features some brilliant cinema and restaurant venues, making it a mandatory destination for film and food enthusiasts. Regardless of whether you seek a romantic outing or a family excursion, the West Midlands has an array of options that will appeal to everyone.

This guide will take you on a tour of the region's most notable cinema and restaurant locations, where you can delight in mouth-watering food and drinks while enjoying the latest blockbuster movies. So, grab your favourite snacks and get prepared to uncover the very best of the West Midlands entertainment and food scene!

1. Birmingham Star City

Located in Nechells, an area in the northeast of Birmingham, Star City is a popular leisure complex that offers an easily accessible entertainment hub. With its convenient location close to Junction 6 of the M6 motorway and Aston railway station, this hotspot is only a 10-minute drive from Central Birmingham, and it boasts over 2400 secure parking spaces that are completely free of charge.

At Star City, you'll discover a cinema and restaurant experience like no other, with an array of options that cater to every palate and genre preference. The food court alone is a culinary journey, featuring 12 restaurants serving up dishes from around the globe in Birmingham. Whether you're craving the comfort of a Pizza Hut pizza, the spice of Indian food at Shere Khans, American-style classics at Chargoz, Mexican pleasures from Taco Bell, or the lip-smacking peri-peri chicken from Nandos, you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. And don't forget about Oodles n'Oodles, a chic eatery that offers delectable pan-Asian cuisine prepared fresh in their open-plan kitchen.

For film lovers, Vue StarCity is a great venue to visit with 19 screens playing the latest Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters. It's the perfect place for an exciting cinematic experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. Star City also has a Family Entertainment Centre complete with trampolines and inflatables, as well as a ten-pin bowling alley. This unique combination of food, films, and fun makes Star City the ultimate destination for an unforgettable day out in the West Midlands.

2. Birmingham Broadway Plaza

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, Broadway Plaza is a hub of entertainment and food spots, near the bustling areas of Broad Street and Brindleyplace. Boasting the UK's biggest cinema chain, Odeon LUXE, with 12 screens engineered for maximum comfort, this cinema provides an immersive film experience, with seats carefully designed for relaxation and reclining, complete with perfect Dolby Atmos sound and 4K projection.

However, the Plaza offers more than just a cinema experience. Visitors can enjoy a 20-lane bowling alley at Hollywood Bowl, accompanied by Sega arcade games and a pool pit, or visit Mr. Mulligan's Adventure Golf venue. Fitness enthusiasts can also head to the on-site Nuffield Health Centre for a workout.

Dining options at Broadway Plaza are also plentiful, with choices including Dominos, Dixy Chicken, Subway, and the popular coffee chain Costa Coffee. Oriental cuisine lovers can indulge in the delightful Chinese fare at i-KRAVE. The cinema's Odeon LUXE even offers a fine selection of wines and beers, as well as hot and chilled dishes to enjoy in the comfort of your seat.

A day out at Broadway Plaza promises a fulfilling experience for all, accompanied by affordable and safe parking. As one of the West Midlands' top gems in cinema and restaurant complexes, it is a destination that should not be missed.

3. Resorts World Birmingham

Resorts World Birmingham, an awesome entertainment complex located near Birmingham in Solihull, forms a part of the iconic NEC compound. The complex is located near the Birmingham International Train Station and the exhilarating Bear Grylls Adventure. The centre boasts outlet shopping in the West Midlands, and a range of restaurant options, making it a remarkable destination for those seeking joy and leisure.

For food lovers, there are a variety of eateries to choose from, including Five Guys, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Las Iguanas, Miller & Carter, and Pizza Express. To have a unique dining experience, Vietnamese Street Kitchen, Zizzi, and Sky Bar & Restaurant offer exotic dishes and beverages. If you're looking for a view while sipping a drink, you must visit this rooftop bar in Birmingham.

With all this under one roof the Cineworld cinema provides a splendid movie-watching experience, catering to every whim of movie-goers, with the option to enjoy pick ‘n’ mix, Starbucks, classy popcorn, ice blasts, and the delectable Baskin Robbins ice cream while you watch the screening. The cinema has seven boxes, including a fantastic IMAX screen, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience for film enthusiasts.

Apart from dining and film, Resorts World Birmingham offers an array of exciting entertainment options, including the adrenaline-fuelled Escape Hunt, the immersive Vortex gaming arcade, and the Hollywood Bowl. These add to the venue's allure, making it an unmissable gem in the West Midlands entertainment and dining scene.

4. Fiveways Entertainment Centre

Fiveways Entertainment Centre is an exciting leisure destination situated on Broad Street, in the bustling heart of Birmingham close to the Broadway Plaza. As a central hub for leisure activities, it offers an excellent base for exploring the city and boasts a range of entertainment options to suit every preference. Whether you're in the mood for a film, a scrumptious meal, or a dance, Fiveways has got you covered.

For dining options, you can indulge in desserts in Birmingham at Creams or Indian food at Dilbar. Each eatery offers a unique culinary delight and an unforgettable dining experience. Varanasi stands out with its grand atrium, opulent surroundings, and private dining rooms. The aroma of incense sticks and scrumptious bites makes dining here a sensory experience. A visit to Del Villaggio is also a must as this Italian Restaurant in the West Midlands is home to authentic tastes straight out of Italy.

Alternatively, Zaitoon is the best place to go for Turkish or Middle Eastern cuisine lovers. This restaurant offers a range of delectable dishes that cater to the cravings of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food fanatics.

Film buffs can head to the Cineworld Cinema, open from 9 am to 10 pm, and enjoy the latest blockbusters in a comfortable and immersive environment. With two nearby multi-storey car parks providing 751 spaces, Fiveways ensures your visit is hassle-free. Its central location makes it easily accessible and ideal for those who wish to explore the city of Birmingham.

5. Walsall Waterfront Leisure

The Walsall Waterfront Development is a lively hub situated on the waterside location of the Walsall Canal. Located just a stone's throw away from the central retail area and Walsall railway station, this leisure space is a gateway to the heart of the town. Boasting a hotel, and an array of restaurants and cafes, this bustling spot is an attraction and acting as the anchor is the towering New Art Gallery.

TheLight, an independent cinema chain in the UK offering a multiscreen cinema located within the development, is a true gem that film enthusiasts can't afford to miss. It features 8 screens with varying capacities ranging from 88 to 243 seats, ensuring an engaging cinema experience, whether you prefer a grand or intimate setting. The plush armchairs provided are perfect for sinking into while enjoying a glass of wine, creating a cosy atmosphere for any film lover.

Fratellis, an expert in handmade pizzas and mouth-watering sides, desserts, and sharers, is an excellent dining option offered at TheLight. The cinema's bar is also an excellent place to hang out and relax, offering locally brewed beers, top-class wines, and expertly made cocktails in the West Midlands. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, Coffee Cabana provides high-quality barista-made coffees, hot drinks, and shakes.

The Walsall Waterfront Leisure spot also boasts well-known eateries such as TGI Fridays, Bella Italia, Creams Cafe, and Subway. Foodies are spoiled for choice with the addition of Nandos and Burger King as part of the food offering. Located opposite the Crown Wharf Shopping Park, the development allows for a bit of retail therapy, including Asda Living. Although parking here can be expensive, the convenience and safety of it make it ideal.

6. Bentley Bridge Park in Wolverhampton

Bentley Bridge Leisure Park, located in the Wednesfield area of Wolverhampton, is divided into two separate areas, a leisure zone and a shopping hub allowing it to boast an enticing array of entertainment and dining options within a few steps of each other.

At the heart of the park's leisure zone is the multi-screen Cineworld cinema, which offers film lovers the latest releases in various formats, including 2D, 4DX, ScreenX and Superscreen. Meanwhile, Hollywood Bowl presents a fun-filled day out for friends and family, with 22 lanes, including VIP options, an American-style diner, and a plethora of arcade games.

For foodies, Bentley Bridge offers an array of foodie delights such as the Canadian brand Tim Hortons, known for its freshly brewed coffee, breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps and tempting doughnuts. Whereas The Nickelodeon, set beside the canal, offers a range of scrumptious meals and deals perfect for family pub dining in the West Midlands.

But that’s not all international food lovers will be pleased to find Nando's and Wagamama. The park also houses fast-food favourites such as McDonald's, KFC, and Subway. With ample free parking and its extensive offerings, Bentley Bridge is a premier hotspot for entertainment and dining in the West Midlands.

Peek at the Birmingham-on-sea Event at Resorts World Birmingham

To treat myself after finishing my second year of university, I spent Saturday at Resorts World Birmingham indulging in some much-needed retail therapy, starting with spa treatments at Santai Spa, and an overnight stay at Genting Hotel.

Despite the British summer weather bringing drizzle, the atmosphere inside Resorts World was not dampened. I was invited as a gifted guest to the public Birmingham-on-sea event where they brought the sunshine indoors, and everyone was in good spirits. Cheeky pirates walking around provided entertainment, and children enjoyed colouring a large pentagon-shaped board with funny doodles on it. Even my inner child wanted to give it a try!

While browsing the shops, I couldn't resist stopping by the Lindt store, where free samples of chocolate were being handed out. As a self-proclaimed chocolate lover, I had to try one (or maybe three, but let's keep that between us). The first store I visited was Joy, which surprised me with its variety of pretty vintage-style dresses. I fell in love with a light blue dress with a mesh underlay and white feather embroidery - it would be perfect for a summer wedding. I regret not buying it, but I may have to go back during the week to get it before it's gone. I did end up buying an imitation leather shoulder bag with a croc print for a bargain of £10 (even though the label said £15), which was a nice surprise.

Resorts World Birmingham's outlet stores offer up to 70% off, making it feel like a sale every day. I snagged four Next dresses and a T-shirt for just £34, which was a bargain. If you want to see everything, I bought on my shopping trip, check out my home and fashion haul post.

In addition to clothes shopping, I also stopped by The Body Shop and bought a Tea Tree skincare regime set. I also stocked up on some Bioglan Superfood powder at Holland & Barrett, which I plan to add to my breakfast bowls to get a bunch of vital vitamins. Everything was 30% off the marked price, which is a great deal that you wouldn't typically find on the high street. You can see what else I got in my healthy living & beauty haul.

Overall, my trip to Resorts World Birmingham was productive, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit as I have a lot more planned to do in this entertainment complex.

To conclude

The region boasts a wealth of cinema and restaurant facilities, catering to all tastes and preferences. From the exciting choices at Star City and the refined Broadway Plaza to the impressive Resorts World Birmingham, the central Fiveways Entertainment Centre, the lively Walsall Waterfront Development, and the versatile Bentley Bridge Park, each location offers a distinct combination of entertainment and dining options. So, don't miss out on these must-visit destinations when seeking movie and food nights with friends and family in the West Midlands.