What better way to disguise gluttony than with some culture? At the city's artistic stalwart, the Ikon Gallery, visitors can also partake in some decidedly delectable dining. Rather than your standard restaurants, Cafe Ikon has been created to mirror the space and coolness of the ultra modern gallery and alongside a fantastic Spanish influenced menu, which provides the perfect summer food by way of tapas, doors open out onto tables overlooking Oozells Square. Plus, if you want to really plunder the European style make sure you try some of their sherries; rather than dark, sticky liquid favoured by old ladies, this stuff is chilled, dry, light and surprisingly more-ish.



Cafe Ikon isn't the only place to soak up the outdoors in this part of Birmingham. Brindley Place is a great place to waste a day and oodles of cash. The network of city canals offers a continental backdrop with impressive tree lined streets and three stunning public squares, while stylish bars and restaurants, individual shops, world class galleries and attractions add character and life. For some quality summer socialising check out Bank Birmingham, Brasserie Blanc, Cafe Rouge and City Cafe.

Alternatively, if you want to escape the confines of Birmingham city centre there are a few al fresco restaurants just down the road.

In Edgbaston the White Swan has been hitting all the right notes since it's relaunch in 2006. Alongside a beer garden and vast open-plan, airy interior, there are some quality ales on offer and a menu

that delivers an excellent selection of dishes, think mezze, pizzas and antipasti alongside more formal choices.

Mortons Kitchen, Bar & Deli in Solihull blends its acid pink interior with the outdoor world, via large arched windows and a tree-decked terrace overlooking Market Square at Dickens Heath. The menu serves up a comforting selection of dishes, with pizza, steak and burgers all featuring on the menu, and the laid back continental style means you can sit, eat and drink anywhere you like. Plus, most things on the menu can be ordered to go, so if you've got your very own beautiful bit of green to enjoy but can't be bothered to cook, this offers the ultimate take-out.