| Summer has finally arrived and what better way | | | | dark, sticky liquid favoured by old ladies, this stuff |
| to celebrate than with some outdoor drinking and | | | | is chilled, dry, light and surprisingly more-ish. |
| dinning, so here's our guide to the best al fresco | | | | Cafe Ikon isn't the only place to soak up the |
| restaurants in Birmingham. | | | | outdoors in this part of Birmingham. Brindley Place |
| What better way to disguise gluttony than with | | | | is a great place to waste a day and oodles of |
| some culture? At the city's artistic stalwart, the | | | | cash. The network of city canals offers a |
| Ikon Gallery, visitors can also partake in some | | | | continental backdrop with impressive tree lined |
| decidedly delectable dining. Rather than your | | | | streets and three stunning public squares, while |
| standard restaurants, Cafe Ikon has been created | | | | stylish bars and restaurants, individual shops, world |
| to mirror the space and coolness of the ultra | | | | class galleries and attractions add character and |
| modern gallery and alongside a fantastic Spanish | | | | life. For some quality summer socialising check out |
| influenced menu, which provides the perfect | | | | Bank Birmingham, Brasserie Blanc, Cafe Rouge |
| summer food by way of tapas, doors open out | | | | and City Cafe. |
| onto tables overlooking Oozells Square. Plus, if you | | | | Alternatively, if you want to escape the confines |
| want to really plunder the European style make | | | | of Birmingham city centre there are a few al |
| sure you try some of their sherries; rather than | | | | fresco restaurants just down the road. |