10 Facts You Most Likely Didn't Know About Selly Oak

June 12, 2020

Wildlife Walks, World-Class Concert Halls and A Rather Large Butt!

MIA’s latest property development West Lodge is situated towards the edge of the historical village of Bournville. Traditionally known for its medical and student population, this part of the city has easy commuter links to central Birmingham and offers an excellent range of bars, cafes, dining and supermarket amenities. But what is it really like to live in these Birmingham burbs and is there a lot more to the area than first meets the eye?

1. A Big Butt!
The area originally takes its name from a large oak tree which stood at the crossroads of the Bristol Rd and Oak Tree Lane/Harborne Lane until the 1880s when it was felled due to root damage. The remaining stump was then transplanted to Selly Oak Park with a plaque declaring "Butt of Old Oak Tree" from which the Selly Oak name was derived. 

2. Finding Your Park Life
A beautiful and expansive oasis, Selly Oak Park dates back to 1734 when it was once a medieval deer dwelling.  Whilst connecting with this tranquil green space, you can also discover hidden gems to such as the impressive collection of wood works including a canal boat; storytelling bench; and nature sculptures of deer, squirrels, a large acorn and a kingfisher. With its adventure playground, complete with climbing wall and zip slide sitting proudly at the top of the park’s highest point; a newly appointed outdoor gym and an art and history trail, Selly Oak Park has something to offer everyone recreation and reconnection with nature.

3. Home of BBC Soap ‘Doctors’ 
Filmed at the BBC's Birmingham Drama Village, the lunchtime soap 'Doctors' is produced and recorded in Selly Oak. You may also spot the crew round and about filming at University of Birmingham’s on-site health centre or in nearby Birmingham’s internationally acclaimed art gallery, the Ikon.

4. Cheap Eats and Michelin-Star Treats
With a vast array of different dining choices to suit all pockets and situated just a stone’s throw away from central Birmingham, Selly Oak is well positioned to access some of the most diverse and delicious restaurant food in the country. Within the area itself and situated on the Pershore Rd, the Royal Watan Kashmiri Restaurant has been highly praised for its delivering authentic and tasty curries during lockdown whilst classic British greasy spoon, Cafe Face, provides top-notch fry-ups and a good brew. If you are happy to venture further afield into central Birmingham, the city boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants for those who are feeling flushed and on the hunt for fine cuisine. But if you are feeling more like chicken tonight, then one of Selly’s best kept secrets is its very own Nando’s located within the brand new Selly Oak Shopping Retail Park. 

5. Europe’s Finest Art Deco Concert Hall
Designed in the 1930s and maintained to an immaculate condition, The Barber Institute on the site of University of Birmingham, is home to a beautiful art deco concert hall where you can regularly catch a free Friday lunchtime concert and a wide range of art exhibitions. The University is also home to the stunning Bramall Music Building, a custom-built concert hall which hosts many exciting performances and concerts throughout the year.

6. The Secret is Out
If you would like to stretch your brain and want some time out with friends, then Selly Oak can offer a session of thrill and frustration with its 404 Escape Rooms situated on Birkdale Avenue. Featuring mechanical puzzles to create an impressive level of immersion, the rooms can be an entertaining way to engage and work together in a team.

7. Just a Hop, Skip and a Jump
Getting into central Birmingham is a breeze from Selly Oak. With a train journey of 10 minutes from Selly Oak to Birmingham New Street, commuting to the city is quick with frequent arrivals and departures via train or bus making Birmingham easy to access for work, gym or play.

8. A Model Neighbour
Within walking distance of Selly Oak, Bournbrook is home to Cadbury World, now owned by the American giant Kraft, and the utopian post-industrial village of Bournville Village. Taking a tour of the factory gives you a potted history of chocolate, opportunities to sample its delights and insight into the Cadbury business.  Afterwards, take a wander through the garden-factory village itself - a historical gem of social planning -  and see Bournville's beautiful architecture, flower beds and green spaces for yourself.

9. A Walk on the Wild Side
With its unique collection of Red Pandas, lemurs, meerkats, otters, bird and wallabies to rival any big city zoo, The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is just a 20 min walk from the centre of Selly Oak. Ideal for a day out or complete change of scene, the park supports many endangered species and offers conscientious nature lovers the opportunity to sponsor an animal.

10. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
Finally, where to go for your cup of Joe? Harborne houses a fine selection of java dens including The Steam Room which was recently voted best coffee shop in Birmingham for its welcoming of dog owners and quirky decor.   Selly Oak’s Creative Coffee Hub provides free wifi; coffee, cake and sandwiches; pottery workshops and craft packages for children’s parties or baby showers. It can also provide a brilliant, calm atmosphere conducive to meeting up with friends, working and writing the odd blog or two!

About West Lodge, Birmingham
Set on the edge of the idyllic village of Bournville, the work is now completed on transforming the former clinic at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham into West Lodge's beautiful apartments.  

To see detailed plans, apartment layouts, updates and video footage on West Lodge, please click here.

For further information, viewings and enquiries, please contact the MIA team on: 0121 442 6611 or email: enquiries@miapropertygroup.co.uk.

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