There’s no better time to shop around online than when we’re spending loads of time at home. Showing support to local businesses is one way you can really help people in your area stay afloat this year. Plus, you might get your hands on some unique gifts or delicious food along the way.
All these businesses are trading during restrictions* and many of them have stores in the West Midlands that you can visit when they’re open.
*Please check restrictions, they may have changed after time of writing
Flying Cow Burgers
Usually located at one of the best street food markets in the UK – Digbeth Dining Club – Flying Cow Burgers is the winner of loads of competitions and was even a finalist in the National Burger Award. You can currently find these mouth-watering burgers popping up across the Midlands.
Follow their Instagram page to see where they are next, and feast on our personal favourite; the delicious Truffle Boy – beef with candy smoked bacon, cheese, black truffle mayo and crispy onions. Dee-licious.
Harvest Skincare
Harvest Skincare is an independent organic skincare brand, located in Kings Heath. Each product is crafted by hand, contains only natural ingredients and all packaging is biodegradable and reusable.
From soap and candles to perfume and lip care, Harvest Skincare has lots of gifting options as well as some lovely items to buy yourself as a treat. They’re currently trading online with delivery and click and collect options, but also have a treatment room offering facials and massages.
Henrietta Street Gym
Staying active in these challenging times is vital for our physical and mental health. The Henrietta Street Gym is situated in the Jewellery Quarter and offer many classes, on and offline.
Classes range from bodyweight bootcamps and HiiT, to kettlebell classes and boxing, and you can book classes online. You can pay as you go on all classes or get a membership if you want to really commit to getting a summer-bod next year.
Becketts Farm
Farm shop, restaurant, cookery school and conference centre, Becketts Farm is the place to go for local, fresh produce. The farm is located on the A435 in Wythall, around a 30-minute drive from Birmingham city centre. The farm shop sells a range of delightful food that you can currently pre-order and collect or shop for in store. Whether you fancy high-quality meat, cheese or just your weekly fruit and veg, the food here is guaranteed to tantalise those tastebuds.
When restrictions allow, Becketts Farm also has a cookery school onsite, offering special classes for adults and children, as well as bespoke parties and team building experiences. We recommend buying a gift voucher to use on a cooking class in the future.
Peter Forson Hat Shop
Getting into the Peaky Binders spirit? Or perhaps you’re looking to invest in a quality hat this winter? The Peter Forson Hat Shop is an absolute gem if you’re looking for stylish hats and accessories. The shop is located in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade, but you can also shop online if you don’t feel like venturing into the city.
The website offers advice on finding your hat and glove size which is great if you’re unsure what size you are. There is also the option of purchasing a gift card, which is ideal for treating friends or family.
Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen
Set within the creative hub of the city, The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen offers a unique experience in its fully independent cinema. In normal times, the cinema provides craft beer and gourmet food to nibble on whilst enjoying your movie.
Currently, Mockingbird Cinema is encouraging you to purchase gift cards to use when they’re back open – a great surprise for a loved one or for a future date night. They are also organising regular movie theme quizzes that take place virtually – you can buy a ticket on their Facebook page.
The Clean Kilo
Photo credit: @domkubalova
Multi-award winner, The Clean Kilo is the UK’s largest zero waste supermarket, with stores in Digbeth and Bournville. Their aim is to sell plastic-free products, source food locally and reduce food waste. You can buy all your essentials in-store or online – bonus points if you remember to bring your own container to fill.
As well as groceries, you can purchase environmentally friendly cleaning products, garden seeds to plant or hampers that are perfect for gifting. The Clean Kilo is the place to go to shop sustainably and guilt-free.
Grand Central Kitchen
Craving a proper full English brekkie? Satisfy your stomach and head to Grand Central Kitchen, situated smack bang in the city centre. They are currently open for takeaway and have a fair number of tables available for when dining-in is an option.
The menu offers a range of dishes perfect for all times of the day – from veggie breakfasts to jerk chicken wraps and the GCK Special pizza (a must-try). Head to Grand Central Kitchen and #shoplocal next time you’re in need of some hangover food.
Vincent Van Doodle
Decorating the home office? Got a mate who’s a fan of pop culture? Vincent Van Doodle are a Birmingham-based independent art, poster and framing store. They stock everything, from Elvis Presley’s mugshot, to cocktail recipe and anime prints, and you can choose to buy the print on its own or add a frame.
They have a store inside the Linkstreet mezzanine, between Grand Central and the Bullring. You can also shop online if you’re a bit further away, or don’t fancy shopping in store just yet.
Lint & Thread
Lint & Thread is a small, online embroidery business that offers bespoke items as well as their collection of jumpers, tops and accessories. The owner does all the embroidery herself despite having a full-time job elsewhere.
All products are made from sustainable materials – some being 80% organic and 20% recycled plastic – meaning you can remain guilt-free whilst supporting this side hustle.
Birmingham Brewing Company
Established in 2016, Birmingham Brewing Company’s aim was to provide the local area with quality beer that caters for everyone, so all beers are vegan and gluten free to reflect this.
The brewery can be found south of Birmingham in Stirchley and are currently open for click and collect. If you’re further afield you can order online, and the brand also offer clothing and gift sets that include some favourite local Brummie beers, a pair of socks and a tin of Bier Nuts.
When the time is right, most of these companies will open their doors again, and you should pay them a visit. For now, we’re encouraging you to shop online at these small businesses in Birmingham.
Learn more about how to avoid busy stations if you must use public transport, and make sure you spend some time outdoors this winter, too – check out our favourite woodland walks.