Harborne

Cool Harborne has seen a revolution in recent years mainly thanks to its awesome foodie scene. No shortage of things to do here either. No wonder then it’s part of our Top 300 Places to Live series.

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WHY?

Next to green Bourneville with its Quaker roots and prim and proper Edgbaston sits Harborne. It’s a bit more of the cool sister, and while it might not be as pretty as its gentrified neighbours, its up and coming and there’s no shortage of things to do here – particularly if you’re a foodie. Some of Brum’s best restaurants sit in this neighbourhood, so, without further ado…..

EAT

Outdoor dining area The Plough Harborne West Midlands with pergola and pot plants
The Plough

One of the things I love most about Harborne is how chilled it is. You wanna get dressed up for dinner? Do it. Wanna wear jeans and a baggy jumper, that’s ok. There’s no formalities here. Nope, not even at Michelin rated Harborne Kitchen. It’s cool and contemporary with dishes changing regularly. Two minutes down the road is knockout pub The Plough. It’s got a rustic, laid back mediterranean vibe and a lovely botanical outdoor seating area. The pizzas here are seriously good – huge, fluffy, doughy and just heaving with delicious toppings.

Fellow boozer The Junction – at the junction of High Street and Vivian Road – is a beautiful Victorian pub to while away a few hours in, they do proper hearty Sunday roasts too. Feeling experimental? Check out Estado Da India, a tasty mix of Portuguese and Indian dishes in a restaurant full of quirky decor and vibrant colours. Add Indian restaurant Raja Monkey, Italian joint Tropea, and multi-award winning Thai restaurant Sabai Sabai, to your must-try list too.

SHOP

There’s not tons of indie shops here but the ones they have are goodies. For women’s clothing check out Sophie Bea. If you’re looking for interiors there’s KIN Home for Scandi style and Oka – both are in nearby Edgbaston. Pop about 5 minutes down the road into central Brum and you’re in shopping heaven with The Bullring which is filled with high street finds – and what’s a spending spree without stopping at Selfridges?

HEALTH & WELLBEING

BAREFOOT YOGA BIRMINGHAM
Barefoot Yoga

There’s Barefoot Yoga and Yoga Hart and for pilates check out Graft. There’s a GP right on your doorstep at Harborne Medical Centre along with a physio. Book in for a massage at the Spa and Clinic and for psychotherapy, day spa and holistic therapies there’s Renaissance.

COMMUNITY

There’s a monthly market brimming with local makers and creatives and an annual street carnival raising money for charity. There’s a film club with monthly screenings and regular litter picking groups if you fancy paying a bit back!

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

In Harborne there’s Woodgate Valley Country Park – 250 acres of lush green grassland complete with riding stables and a community run farm. If you fancy really stretching your legs head to the nearby Lickey Hills Country Park which is around 20 minutes away and is perfect for dog walking, picnics and there’s a cafe onsite too. In neighbouring Edgbaston there’s Winterbourne House and Gardens – a beautiful Edwardian house and gardens to amble around. Also In Edgbaston (let’s not mention the cricket ground) are Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Cadbury World in Bourneville.

CULTURE

Lapworth Museum of Geology
Lapworth Museum of Geology

Check out The Lapworth Museum of Geology too – it’s a hidden gem and you can easily while away a few hours exploring – it even keeps the kids interested. And well worth a look (but maybe leave the kids at home) is the Barber Institute of Fine Arts which is home to some really interesting exhibitions.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

Properties had an average price of £324,046 over the last year. Most sales were semi-detached homes sold for an average of £345,989, with terraced houses fetching £305,191.

HOT PROPERTY

This 2-bed is part of a duplex property in a stunning mansion house. On the market for £450,000.

NURSERIES

There’s Victoria Nursery, curiosity approach The Nest, Stonehouse and Bright Horizons which were both rated Good by Ofsted, while Vivian Road was ranked Outstanding. In nearby Edgbaston, Norfolk House, Highfield Day, Cheeky Monkeys and Edgbaston Kindergarten are all Outstanding.

SCHOOLS

There are several Ofsted Outstanding schools in and around Harborne including Chad Vale, Harborne and St Peter’s CofE. Excellent independent options nearby include: Hallfield, Edgbaston High School for Girls and Highclare.

BEST KEPT SECRET

Its most famous industry, the Chad Valley Company, is probably Britain’s best known toy manufacturer and was based in the area for 80 years.

COMMUTE

The nearest station is east at University, with trains running every 10 mins or so to Grand Central Birmingham – a 7 min journey. Links from there are really good and it will soon also be serviced by high speed line HS2. If you’re driving, the Hagley Road takes you to Birmingham and the M5 in 10 mins. Birmingham airport is 30 mins aways.

View the full Top 300 Best Places to Live.

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