Selfridges
The Bullring Upper East Mall Birmingham B5 4BP
The amorphous and bulbous Selfridges building was a welcome and exciting addition to Brum's skyline in 2003, not least because it signalled the end of the Bullring's reign as a drab, grey eyesore that no one wanted to visit. But this landmark building hasn't just altered the vista; it has, together with the rest of the Bullring, placed Birmingham on the world stage when it comes to audacious shopping. Sleekly designed, this unique, stylish space encourages even the most cautionary of shoppers to become intrepid consumers, filled as it is with both high-end designer labels (Armani, Prada, Gucci et al) and the funky one-of-a-kind boutique goods that turn up in many 'pop-up' stores. Airy and modern, it's easy to navigate too, from clothes to beauty bays and back again before taking the weight off in one of the many ground floor eateries. It's an iconic building – and in some ways the symbol of Birmingham's regeneration – but above all it's a finely crafted temple of retail temptation. You have been warned.
