Birmingham 2023

Our Birmingham readers' retreat, held from March 10th to 13th, 2023, was a delightful convergence of literary passion and urban exploration. Four of us, united by our love of books, descended upon the Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (New Street Station), ready to immerse ourselves in a weekend of words and camaraderie.

The rhythm of our days quickly established itself. Mornings began with the comforting familiarity of a hotel breakfast, fuelling us for the individual adventures that lay ahead. While we each pursued our own interests, a shared love for literary exploration wove through our plans. Some of us ventured into the labyrinthine depths of local bookshops, seeking hidden gems and rare editions. Others, were drawn to the unique charm of the Pen Museum, a fascinating glimpse into Birmingham's industrial past.

However, our shared time was as valuable as our individual pursuits. Each lunchtime, we gathered at the Waterstones Café, our tables becoming a vibrant hub of literary discussion. We dissected plots, debated character motivations, and shared our enthusiasm for favourite authors. These were moments of pure joy, where our shared passion created a warm and engaging atmosphere.

Evenings were a time for relaxed fellowship. Our first two nights were spent enjoying the familiar and comfortable atmosphere of Weatherspoon’s, providing a great place for casual conversation. Our final night was a change of pace, and we enjoyed the fresh flavours of Wagamama. These dinner times provided great social interaction, where we could share the days events.

The Premier Inn proved to be a perfect base, its central location allowing for easy access to all the city had to offer. The bustling energy of Birmingham provided a stimulating backdrop to our retreat, a reminder that stories exist not only within the pages of books but also in the vibrant life of a city.

Our retreat was a beautiful balance of solitary exploration and shared experience. We each found our own way to connect with the city, whether through the pages of a newly discovered book or the historical artifacts of a museum. But it was the shared moments, the laughter and lively discussions over lunch and dinner, that truly made the retreat unforgettable. It was a testament to the power of books to bring people together, creating connections that extend beyond the pages themselves.