Read this blog: The one where we solve The Fake Cheque Fiasco
Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November 2024
We left the York Tap behind and caught a train down to Birmingham, fully aware that we could have travelled all the way back to London in the time it took us to get to New Street Station.
We were very taken with the mechanical bull on the station concourse. This was originally the centrepiece of the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games held here in the city. It moves at regular intervals, shaking its head and snorting [see Video of the day].
As Robert had had a full day’s meeting before we left York, it was later than we would usually plan to arrive somewhere when we finally reached Birmingham.
We checked in to our hotel and walked to Victoria Square.
Here “Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market” was already spreading the festive spirit [see Selfie of the day].
We went to find Chris Moose, the joke-telling, singing reindeer which has become a regular feature and focal point of the Christmas market here in Birmingham.
The following morning, Matilda had invested in some entertainment: the Mystery Guides’ Birmingham City Centre adventure, The Mystery of the Fake Cheque Fiasco was intended to delay the moment when Robert felt it was time to buy a pint and stand in the cold at the Christmas Market. For just £19.00, you get a booklet with a story and directions for clues to locate and solve.
The route took us past some familiar places such as along the towpath and across the Black Sabbath Bridge.
The route also introduced us to some interesting civic artwork in Chamberlain Square and a statue of the Baskerville type font in Centenary Square. Each stage of the trail includes some well-researched, fascinating information about places in the city which are often overlooked.
The route also included two pub stops although, surprisingly, we omitted the first one as it was not yet midday. We knew, however, that the route culminates in one of our regular haunts, The Old Joint Stock Pub where our mystery tour booklet included a voucher offering us a 10% discount off our first order. Surprisingly the bar was full of stylishly dressed Italians as Aston Villa was playing Juventus at home until they all left to watch the game.
If you enjoy learning new facts about places you thought you knew or want to orientate yourself and learn something about a city you are visiting for the first time we would thoroughly recommend investing in a Mystery Guide. Although we may wait until the weather is warmer before we do another one.
Later, after devising a tour of our own – see the next blog – we dropped into The Colmore for a swift half . . .
. . . before heading off to enjoy the stalls and the lights.
Video of the day:
Selfie of the day:
