Guide to Grand Central and New Street
Birmingham’s New Street Station has been welcoming people to the city since 1854. If you came to Birmingham City University from outside the area, you likely got your first glimpses of our City Centre Campus moments before you pulled into the station.
Posted 08 January 2024
For a long time, it was just a very busy transport hub (the busiest outside of London), but in 2015 it became the second biggest shopping destination in the city centre when the Grand Central extension was opened. The £150m centre is gigantic and packed with a unique combination of fashion outlets, craft stores and food places.
Here's our guide to the best things to do in Grand Central
1. Visit Karen's abusive diner
If you like your meals to come with a side of theatre, and you're not scared of taking a bit of abuse, head to Karen's Diner. The restaurant with the worst service, but great burgers. Oh and they really don't like vegans so dine at your peril.
2. Book a game at Sandbox VR
Immerse yourself in this VR experience just at the top of the ramp. There are lots of games to choose from and this is one of the few VR games where you're in the same room as your teammates. You can play with up to six people and they offer discounts for students if you get in touch. We tried the pretty terrifying 'Deadwood Valley', see reactions below.
3. Pick up quirky household essentials at Flying Tiger
Looking for things to decorate your room, a gift for a friend or the perfect journal to get your life organised? Flying Tiger has a little bit of everything, coupled with some things you'd never have thought existed. Think IKEA but mini sized and very affordable. They've even got planner boards which are perfect for the cleaning rota which your flatmates will definitely stick to.
4. Eat at the food court
There are loads of great food options in Grand Central from Pho to Yo Sushi, which are perfect for getting a quick meal before you catch a train.
5. Get a photo with Ozzy the bull
Ozzy the bull is beloved by Brummies after featuring in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. He's now found a home in the foyer of New Street and is the perfect stop for a photo op before you head out into the city. You can even see him performing and doing his iconic roar.