News Express

If, for whatever reason, you’re only passing through Birmingham and want to quickly sample a bit of the local flavour, you could do a lot worse than News Express, a small, independent, locally owned newsagents about a five minute walk from New Street Station. I may be going out on a limb here, but in my opinion, in terms of service at least, the corner shops of Birmingham are the best in the country, and a part of its unique culture. News Express is emblematic of the Birmingham convenience store, with friendly staff, good choice, and, in classic Brum style, as much stuff crammed into a small space as possible. The prices aren’t the cheapest, but in the centre of town you’re not going to do an awful lot better anywhere else, and they do have regular deals on chocolate bars, which is never a bad thing.