In the heart of Colmore Row, The Grand Hotel Birmingham blends historic grandeur with contemporary style. From Junior Suites with high ceilings and elegant design to inventive cocktails at Madeleine’s and lively evenings at Isaacs, this landmark hotel offers a richly layered stay in a city buzzing with culture.
The recent, sad passing of Ozzy Osbourne made me realise just how long it had been since I’d last visited Birmingham. In my twenties, I came often, but I hadn’t stepped inside The Grand Hotel since those years, despite its central Colmore Row location making it the perfect meeting point. So, when a friend suggests we stay, it feels like the right moment to rediscover a city rich in culture and music, and a hotel that’s part of its story.
First opened in 1879, The Grand is a Grade II-listed landmark. After a £50 million restoration, it reopened in 2021, and the interiors are every bit as impressive as its history. Sweeping staircases, ornate ceilings and original details sit alongside sleek contemporary touches, with jewel-toned furnishings and art deco notes bringing warmth and glamour. Our Junior Suite is both elegant and inviting; high ceilings, tall windows and a calm palette offset with bold accents, all designed with a sense of effortless, unfussy luxury.
It would be more than possible, in fact positively acceptable to not step outside the ornate doors of the hotel, considering the available drink and dining options within. Madeleine, the hotel’s cocktail bar, is pure Parisian glamour with its gilded ceiling, soft lighting and inviting chairs. Afternoon tea here is a highlight, glasses of chilled Champagne and a range of teas served alongside delicate sandwiches and three tiers of scones and cakes. For us, in fact, we are so comfy we seamlessly progress from tea to cocktails, and as the lights dim the mood becomes even more glamorous. Mind you, that could be the strength and quality of the cocktails! There is also a hotel restaurant on the lower-ground floor; Isaacs. By day, it’s a bright, brasserie-style spot for breakfast and ours feature generous plates, a good buffet, strong coffee and unhurried service. By night, it transforms with live music, bringing in a lively crowd and an atmosphere that feels distinctly Birmingham: warm, inclusive and full of energy. Inspired by the iconic Ronnie Scott’s and the famous Soho jazz scene, Downstairs at The Grand brings the very best live blues and jazz music in a speakeasy-vibe, with weekly residencies from top-tier musicians.
The Grand’s central location makes exploring effortless, with shopping streets on the doorstep and culture in every direction. We wander over to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for the moving Ozzy Osbourne exhibition, where a well-curated collection of art also rewards an early visit before the crowds arrive. The nearby Symphony Hall adds yet another layer to the city’s cultural fabric. Between its food and drink, live music, and beautifully designed bedrooms, The Grand balances heritage with modern city life; a fitting tribute to Birmingham itself, a city that never fails to surprise.
