Quick Facts
The Bullring opened in 2003 on the site of the medieval bull-baiting market. The complex includes 200+ shops, 50+ restaurants, and the famous Future Systems-designed Selfridges with 15,000 aluminium discs.
- Address: Bullring, B5 4BU
- Nearest: Birmingham New Street station (across the road)
- Open: 9am-9pm Mon-Sat / 11am-5pm Sun
- Cost: Free to enter
The Selfridges Building
Designed by Future Systems (Jan Kaplický + Amanda Levete), opened 2003. 15,000 spun-aluminium discs cover the curved facade — a tribute to a Paco Rabanne sequinned dress. Won the Stirling Prize in 2003. Locally nicknamed "the Dalek".
- Discs: 15,000 silver, 4m wide curves
- Style: Free-form blob architecture
- Visible from: all over central Birmingham
- Inside: 7 floors of high-end retail (Burberry, Tom Ford, etc.)
Shopping
- Selfridges — luxury department store, 7 floors
- Apple Store — large flagship
- Mid-tier brands — Zara, H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti
- Tech & gaming — Currys, Game, EE
- Foot Locker, JD Sports
- Boots flagship with pharmacist services
- Connected to Grand Central (above New Street station) for more shops
Restaurants
- The Oast House — gastropub, on the river deck
- Wagamama, Nando's, Chiquito — chain reliables
- Smoke Haus — BBQ ribs and burgers
- Chayophraya — upscale Thai
- Selfridges 5th floor — multiple chefs' counters
- Just outside: Custard Factory, Digbeth — Birmingham's indie food scene
Photo Spots
- Bull statue — outside main entrance, Birmingham landmark
- Selfridges from St Martin's Square — full curve view
- From Rotunda — high angle of Selfridges discs
- From St Martin's Church grounds — historic foreground + modern Selfridges
- Rooftop of Library of Birmingham (free) — panoramic view including Bullring
🎂 Christmas Market: The Frankfurt Christmas Market (mid-Nov to Dec 24) sets up at the Bullring — the largest German Christmas market outside Germany, 180+ stalls.