I remember turning up at New Street for the Villa game and when walking out of the station a police officer said "alright mate, you here for the march, it starts down there" and ushered me to a slip road thing. There was an EDL march the same day; not every middle-aged man with a close-cut is a...
I don't want to get involved in a debate about Brum or Brighton but I've stayed in Brum a number of times always find enough places to keep me happy. Agree about the snobbery.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/8912188/Al-Frash-Birmingham-restaurant-review.html
It's BYO as well, so stock up on Brewdog goodies whilst you're in there.