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1 week ago | 
secretbristol.com | Charlie Case
If you stumbled on this webpage, we assume you’re not looking for The Library (Bristol’s cocktail bar behind a bookcase) or the Library of Things (which lets you borrow everything from DIY tools to camping gear). No, what you’re after is a library-library; an education centre, a community hub, and even a lifeline to many. That’s why you should know about the best libraries in Bristol—all of which are free to use with a library card! How do I get a library card in Bristol?
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1 week ago | 
secretldn.com | Charlie Case
‘The need for blood never stops.’ Those were the words of Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply at NHS Blood and Transplant, back at the start of May. But now, more than ever, there is an urgent plea for blood donors across the country—with thousands of appointments to fill, particularly for O negative donors.
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1 week ago | 
secretbristol.com | Charlie Case
Upfest may be taking a break from Bristol this year. But Weston Wallz is set to add a splash of colour to our seaside neighbours for a fifth year straight. Meaning Weston-super-Mare’s very own street art festival is starting to rival Bristol’s graffiti scene for spray-and-paint action.
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1 week ago | 
secretbirmingham.com | Charlie Case
There’s something magical about an old fairground ride that a modern theme park can’t quite capture. Is it the warm colours, Victorian charm, or simple thrills? Or, maybe, it’s that these nostalgia-laden rides contain hundreds, if not thousands, of memories spanning decades. Calling it “the genesis of leisure”, The Fairground Heritage Trust, which started collecting rides and related artefacts in 1988, argues the fairground has played an important role in shaping today’s society.
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1 week ago | 
secretbirmingham.com | Charlie Case
What I would give to have been alive in New York during the 1970s. To witness the rise of hip-hop, graffiti, and street culture would’ve been insanely cool. Thankfully, someone was there, as a striking new art exhibition capturing this incredible period lands in the UK this week (Thursday, May 29) for a month-long residency in Birmingham. American photographer and filmmaker Henry Chalfant’s photography is world-renowned for capturing graffiti art seconds before being scrubbed away.
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1 week ago | 
secretbristol.com | Charlie Case
If you haven’t been lucky enough to visit Naples and try the pizza (some of the world’s best pizza, I should say), then don’t worry. You don’t have long to wait for authentic Neapolitan pizza to come to you. Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana has confirmed it will open in Bristol this summer—transforming the former Royal Bank of Scotland branch on Baldwin Street. Since it launched 10 years ago in Manchester, Rudy’s has quickly gained a cult following for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
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1 week ago | 
secretbirmingham.com | Charlie Case
With a host of beautiful pubs and brilliant breweries, it’s safe to say that Brummies love a beer or two. And, thanks to the NEC, this city has become pretty successful at hosting large-scale events. So it’s easy to understand why the UK’s most popular beer festival is abandoning the capital for Birmingham. After 34 years in London—with the first ever held in 1977 at Alexandra Palace—The Great British Beer Festival (hosted by CAMRA) will take place in Birmingham from August 5 to 9.
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1 week ago | 
secretbristol.com | Charlie Case
Tove Jansson’s Moomins are among the most recognisable cartoon characters in the world. Appearing in books, comic strips, TV shows and movies, as well as on countless memorabilia, since their creation in 1945, they’re still beloved by many children (and many adults) today. That’s why we’re certain you’re as excited as I am by the match-up between Bristol’s cult-favourite boba tea house and the timeless charm of the Moomins.
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1 week ago | 
secretbirmingham.com | Charlie Case
When Passing Fancies opened almost three years ago (September 2022), the aim was always to create a cocktail bar that offers “approachable luxury” yet with “kitchen at a house party” vibes. It’s safe to say that The Custard Factory spot nailed both—quickly becoming one of Birmingham’s most beloved cocktail bars. Whether unwinding after work with an award-winning cocktail, or letting loose at the weekend with Passing Fancies’ famed bottomless brunches, there’s a reason for everyone to visit.
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2 weeks ago | 
secretbirmingham.com | Charlie Case
Couch is hardly a secret anymore. Having helped transform Stirchley into one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods, since it opened in 2019, it has quickly established itself as one of Birmingham’s best cocktail bars. So what’s got everyone’s tongues wagging about Couch? Well, first off, there’s nowhere doing anything like Couch’s unique menus.
