Having experienced the warmth of the sun on my skin this week for the first time since October (probably), I begin to get all misty eyed about the incoming spring and summer months. Now if you’re anything like me, one of my favourite pastimes is sitting directly in the sunshine, doing very very little indeed. Maybe reading a book? Maybe even listening to some music, or a podcast. Whether a beer garden, a cafe, or a bench, allow me to share with you my favourite spots to take in the sunshine, and my favourite treats to enjoy while I bask in the sunshine. 

The Botanist

Formerly The Canal House, the botanist is blessed with, in my humble opinion, one of the best beer gardens in the city! Directly on the canal front, with live music and plenty of seating, it is truly hard to beat. Grab a drink, soft or otherwise, and soak up the music, the views, and the sun! While a little on the pricier side, as many city centre venues are, keep an eye out for their £8.50 lunch menu, and their 4-7pm happy hour every weekday! 

Warley Woods

A little out of the way, Warley Woods is my little slice of greenery. Half park, half golf course, and always full of the cutest dogs; the minute the sun is out I’m trying to find an hour to spend wandering around. If you’re making the trip, you have to stop by the cafe! Full of sweet treats, coffee, and super reasonably priced, it’s the perfect addition to a sunny stroll. If it’s there, I can personally vouch for the rocky road, which goes amazingly with a flat white. Or, if you’re at the bottom end of the park, pay a visit to The Happy Coffee Man coffee van who will be equally happy to provide you with a fantastic coffee, and an equally fantastic sweet treat.

The Physician 

A firm Edgbaston favourite, the Physician is one of my favourite spots for a slightly nicer drink, out of Selly, but not quite in the city centre. The vibe is elevated, but still friendly and cosy, and its two beer gardens make for a lovely sunny drink. If you’re peckish, the food is excellent too, particularly their sunday roast, but they do nibbles and small bites too. The drinks range is excellent, with beautiful cocktails, and a strong alcohol free and gluten free offering too, as well as a well thought-out, but not intimidating wine list. 

Edgbaston Reservoir

One for those who are happiest next to a body of water, myself included, a sunny day at Edgbaston reservoir is a very happy one for me. A favoured running spot for many, it’s not exactly an unknown, but for good reason. For me, nothing much beats the glimmer of the sun on the still water, the kind of day you aren’t certain where the water ends and the sky begins. But this is the food and drink section, so it would be remiss of me not to mention Edgbaston Reservoir Cafe. Pop in for a coffee, sandwich, jacket potato, or even just some chips to add a little something extra to your stroll.

The Plough

Right on the high street of everyone’s favourite charity shop hotspot, The Plough is a Harborne classic. If you’re looking for a spot of budget friendly shopping on a sunny day, but can’t quite bear the thought of city centre shopping on the 3rd nice day of the year (totally understandable honestly), a charity shop browse in Harborne is pretty close to a perfect idea. Once all that browsing and shopping becomes just too exhausting, popping into the Plough for some light refreshments is the perfect addition to your day. Winter or summer, the beer garden is open due to its outdoor heaters, though is often busy on the weekend! They have multiple food and drink deals throughout the weekdays so be sure to look before you go to get the most out of your visit. Their happy hour, amongst other things, offers 2-4-1 on selected cocktails including aperol spritz, the ideal drink for the sunshine in my opinion.

Sunnier days are coming, I can sense it. What better way to shake off the winter blues than crawling out of hibernation and to a little suntrap for a coffee, pint, sweet treat or meal. Your diss will be done soon (I promise), and exam season will end one day (again, I promise), so make the most of your free time in the sun. I have never regretted a saunter in the sunshine, and I doubt you will either.

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