Since I'm a bigshot tosser on the Birmingham media landscape these days (hah!) I got contacted by someone putting together an inflight magazine wanting some filler. Eventually I threw together some words and sent them to her. Since it might not make the grade and if it does will no doubt be edited for coherence and only seen by people in the sky, here are my five favourite things in Birmingham.

The Bacchus Bar in the basement of the Burlington Hotel is simply bizarre. Ostensibly a relatively upmarket drinkery the decoration takes every possible interpretation of the God of Wine and mashes them all into one space, throwing in a bit of Egyptian nonsense to boot. I think the interior designer was having a joke and got away with it.

The Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath used to be a dirty boozer with a sideline in live music. It's recently had a bohemian overhaul meaning it smells less of wee and the emphasis on gigs has been expanded. You're more likely to see outlandish stuff here than in other venues. I'd particularly recommend the Curates Egg nights run monthly by local band The Courtesy Group.

A walk or cycle ride along Birmingham's canal network is always a joy. Most of the towpaths have been tarted up and you'll find yourself touring the industrial heritage of the West Midlands without the traffic noise. Routes that take you through the Jewellery Quarter are particularly recommended with a good starting point being Brindley Place.

Digbeth is currently being rebranded as Eastside with a whole slew of redevelopment due to occur over the next decade. So if you're a fan of urban decay you should make you way to the roads around Fazeley Street before it all becomes shiny and new. I'm a fan of urban decay.

While you're in Digbeth, pop by the Custard Factory, a vibrant community of artists and creative businesses. Rooty Frooty, a vegetarian cafe, should be your destination for a reasonably priced cup of tea. Plenty of free wifi in that area too.