VisitBirmingham.com, the website for information about the UK�s second city, from accommodation booking, restaurant booking and events, invites you to discover Birmingham�s renowned food and drink scene.

Enjoy a weekend exploring the city and tickets to Taste of Birmingham, the outdoor food and drink festival.

Please see below for details of activity from Saturday 12th July � Sunday 13th July 2008.

Please rsvp to Emma Ward by 5pm on Friday 4th July. T: 0121 202 5075 E: emma.ward@marketingbirmingham.com.

Please note, places are subject to availability. Complimentary activity is highlighted; there are also a number of recommendations � please note that the cost of these will not be covered by Marketing Birmingham. Full hotel details will be confirmed w/c 7th July.

Saturday 12th July 2008

Lunch: Recommended: Lunch at Simpsons We recommend that you enjoy lunch at Simpsons, Birmingham�s Michelin-starred restaurant. The restaurant serves modern French cuisine and won Best Restaurant at the Taste of Birmingham Restaurant Awards in both 2006 and 2007.

Address: Simpsons Restaurant 20 Highfield Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3DU

T: 0121 454 3434. For more details about this restaurant see www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk.

2pm: A Blue Badge tour guide will meet you at Bullring shopping centre for a complimentary walking tour of the city.

5.30pm � 9.30pm: Complimentary entry for two people at the evening session of Taste of Birmingham, the city�s outdoor food and drink festival.

Discover why Birmingham is now an established city for great food and drink. Sample food from the city�s award-winning restaurants such as Lasan, Opus and Filini, see celebrity chef demonstrations, buy local produce and enjoy live music.

Unique to Taste of Birmingham is the Spice Quarter showcasing the best of Asian cuisine including the Balti, widely thought to originate from Birmingham.

Chefs from the prestigious international culinary network, les Toques Blanches, will be preparing a special three course meal for visitors.

Address: Taste of Birmingham Cannon Hill Park 2 Russell Road Birmingham B13 8RD.

For more details about Taste of Birmingham, Birmingham restaurants, local producers and food events see http://www.visitbirmingham.com/eating_out/

Evening: Recommended: drinks at Summerow. This city centre road is home to three hip bars. Kick things off at Apres with a relaxed drink, then head to Mechu for cocktails and dancing. The club comes compete with a champagne lounge and silver disco ball! Finish the night at Bluu bar � the latest addition to Summerow. Head downstairs for chilled out music and canalside views.

Address: Summerrow Birmingham B3 1JJ

T: 0121 710 4222

Complimentary b and b accommodation will be arranged at a city centre hotel. Please note, any extras will need to be paid for separately. Sunday 13th July 2008

Morning (from 11am): Recommended: Ikon Gallery Ikon is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art venue

Address: Ikon Gallery 1 Oozells Square Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2HS

T: 0121 248 0708

Admission to the Gallery is free.

For more details about the Gallery see www.ikon-gallery.co.uk

12noon: A table has been booked for brunch at Bank restaurant. You can enjoy a main course and drink from this canalside restaurant.

Address: Bank restaurant 4 Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2JB

T: 0121 633 4466

Afternoon: Recommended:Birmingham hosts the biggest free jazz party in the UK, with more than 80 artists performing at 70 venues across the city.

Catch the final day of the 24th Birmingham International Jazz Festival and see the following free concerts at canalside development, Brindleyplace.

3pm: New Orleans Hot Shots at Brasshouse pub 6pm: Steve Steinhaus Swing Quartet at Slug & Lettuce pub.

For more details see www.birminghamjazzfestival.com.

-Ends-

For further information about Birmingham�s food and drink scene contact:

Emma Ward PR Executive Tel: 0121 202 5075 / Out of office mobile: 07984 410 462. Email: emma.ward@marketingbirmingham.com