English neighbourhood named one of the world’s coolest – it even beats New York and Tokyo

BEATING spots in New York and Tokyo, a UK district with converted factories and next-gen gaming attractions has been officially named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

Time Out has announced the coolest neighborhoods in the world and one place in Birmingham was named among the top spots.

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Digbeth in Birmingham has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world[/caption]

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The area is also known as Birmingham’s creative quarter and has a lot of street art[/caption]

Digbeth, also known as Birmingham‘s creative quarter, has been named the 13th coolest neighbourhood in the world, placing higher than Red Hook in New York which came 14th.

According to Time Out, “what was once a thoroughfare for both the railway and the canal, Digbeth has since become home turf for the city’s community of writers, artists and filmmakers.”

Earlier this year, the neighbourhood was also named as one of the “coolest neighbourhoods to move to in Britain” by The Sunday Times, claiming that the “area remains true to its industrial roots”.

This up-and-coming area has even been chosen as the spot to use studios to film some of the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie and soon BBC will be located in the neighbourhood’s old Typhoo Tea factory.

As for things to see and do, Digbeth has lots of quirky and exciting attractions.

For example, you could head to the Custard Factory which was built by Alfie Bird to produce Bird’s Custard over a century ago, in 1906.

The factory sits in the heart of the creative quarter and today is a hub for multiple independent businesses, cafes, bars and restaurants.

There is also Red Brick Market, which is indoors and boasts a number of small businesses, including makers and creators from the city itself.

One recent visitor said: “So many independent small businesses coming together – each having their own stall with loads of weird and wonderful things – everything from hot sauces, jewellery, vintage clothing, furniture and plants!”

For more unusual finds, head to Ridding & Wynn, which is located under Victorian Railway arches and sells different homeware items and gifts.

And book lovers should check out Voce Books, a cute indie bookshop.

After exploring, if you are feeling peckish but still fancy heading somewhere that fits into Digbeth’s quirky vibe, then opt for Chance & Counters.

This board game café has over 600 games to choose from as you enjoy your lunch.

If you fancy more games, there is NQ64 as well – a neon arcade with 33 arcade machines including classics like Pac-Man, two pinball machines and six retro consoles.

Golf more your thing? Then explore Golf Fang – a golf course with a twist, including graffiti walls and crazy obstacles.

For something a little more touristy, head on a graffiti art tour by downloading the Walk Run Cycle app for free and heading off on a three mile route.

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A popular spot is the Red Brick Market, which has lots of independent sellers[/caption]

Foodies will want to head to popular spot, Kanteen, where dishes are prepared using local and fresh ingredients.

Options include Masala fries and sesame chicken with pickled cucumber, Asian slaw and Miso mayo.

Perhaps a classic pub is more up your alley? Then head to The Old Crown – Birmingham’s oldest pub which was built back in 1368.

Dishes include braised beef short rib with mash and gravy for £18.95 and lamb hot pot with beef suet dumplings for £17.95 – and of course there are lots of local, unique beers.

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There is also The Old Crown, Birmingham’s oldest pub[/caption]

Coffee shop lovers should venture to the Bakehouse, which serves speciality coffee alongside freshly baked bread using local honey.

In the evening there are a number of lively bars to explore such as Birdies Bar with tipples including signature cocktails for as little as £8.20 and beers from £4.50.

Or head to Club Colette for the night, which is located in an abandoned fried chicken shop under Victorian Railway arches.

Digbeth doubles Birmingham’s Irish quarter too, so is home to a collection of cosy Irish pubs such as Nortons.

The neighbourhood is located less than a 10-minute walk from Birmingham New Street train station.

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Plus, the UK’s No.1 hidden gem attraction shows how country’s working class used to live.

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In the Custard Factory, there are more independent sellers and lots of bars and restaurants[/caption]