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Husband and I hopped on a train from a Birmingham suburb and rode into New Street Station last Saturday (31st December). We emerged into what we once knew as the Pallasades shopping centre – now known as ‘Grand Central’!
Wow! what a surprise as we entered the lower concourse area with huge escalators to take you up to all those fabulous shops and eating places. This very modern building has now replaced the rather drab Pallasades with soaring sculptural glass roof designs, a light and airy space that really makes you think you are somewhere ‘in space’ – it’s so spacious and beautifully designed! We found the temperature just right but after a while (and after lots of walking and shopping) ended up saying that when we visited again, we would not wear big heavy winter coats. I wonder if there is a cloakroom facility? We didn’t see anything but this would be the answer as long as it wasn’t over-priced. In some big shopping centres abroad we have also come across areas where you can leave heavy shopping and also your child! For a fee, of course!
We were hungry so immediately started the hunt for lunch, but being 1.15pm we found that so many places either had no seats or there were very long queues (or both) so for future reference we will get there earlier (or much later!) We found Caffe Concerto who offered lovely comfortable seating and an excellent choice of food. A gorgeous egg mayo and bacon baguette plus an apple pastry was happily consumed at a table overlooking the Concourse. People watching opportunities galore!
Yes, we will visit again because there is so much to see and 3 hours were just not enough – it was for my back and feet, though!! Nice that we could travel by train, as well, although there is plenty of parking nearby!
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