Along Birmingham's famous Number 11 bus route, Cotteridge's bustling High Street has the buzz of a London suburb. It's an up-and-coming area where house prices have been steadily rising to catch up and even now overtake its posh neighbour.
For just down the road is leafy sought-after Bournville. A residential area renowned for its pristine gardens, strict rules and an unrelenting ban on selling alcohol, all based around the famous Cadbury chocolate factory.
If Bournville is the slightly up-tight, still wears a tie, over-anxious parent, Cotteridge has the feel of the laid-back partying, international student next door.
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The shopping area is based right next to Kings Norton Train Station and there's a lively feel to Cotteridge that's often missing from many high streets. Shop local is a mantra round here and the neighbourhood is especially busy around lunchtime as its a hotspot for eating out.
There's a strong community feel, too, that was reflected in the neighbourhood's Coronation celebrations in Francis Road with street barbecues.
The Friends of Cotteridge Park keep things sociable, organising plenty of activities and drop-in sessions for all ages. Amongst the stunning trees in the Victorian park in Franklin Road, there's community sessions for everything from Tai Chi to walking groups, chess sessions and knit and natter to create a buzzing social vibe.
Shopping in Cotteridge
Cotteridge's shopping area has a wonderfully-eclectic mix of worldwide cafes and takeaways plus a quirky brew pub. There's scores of beauty salons and barbers, a couple of independent butchers challenging the Co-op supermarket opposite and bargains to be had everywhere.
Poundstretcher and a gaggle of thrift shops are within steps of each other for bargain-hunters in and around the Pershore Road. Charity shops for Acorns Hospice, St Mary's Hospice and Cancer Research UK are all here stocked full of second-hand clothes, toys and a specialist furniture shop by St Mary's.
For more decadent, one-off antiques, there is the Thrifty Gent tucked away in Rowheath Road. The award-winning team source vintage prized items for clients behind the doors of a wonderfully charming shop frontage.
Cotteridge's food scene takes you from New York to Mumbai and Italy
There's an international food offering in Cotteridge. Several Indian restaurants, Italian pizza parlours, a Chinese takeaway plus an American-themed cafe.
Sophie's is a long-standing eatery here. It started out as just a fish and chip shop on the corner of the Pershore Road and Middleton Hall Road and was originally called Sophie's Choice. Considering the traumatic nature of the Meryl Streep Holocaust film of the same name, the owners have thankfully changed it to just "Sophie's" in recent years.
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It's expanded with a Sophie's Pizza and Pasta cafe right on the roundabout and also a burger joint in Watford Road nearby. Other takeaways include the Cod Pot chippy, Subway and Greggs if short on time.
Manhattan 70s is a chic cafe that opened four years ago and has a laid-back atmosphere. Inside, the Statue of Liberty graces the wall overlooking the counter serving American style milkshakes, coffees, sandwiches and waffles. It's a well known spot for brunch and breakfasts including vegan options.
Kurry Kingdom is a highly rated Indian restaurant that dominates the centre of Cotteridge, located on the roundabout in Pershore Road. It's got numerous five star reviews online including from diner Hanif Sanghar, who called it "a hidden gem" with "excellent food".
There's also Rajpoot and The Spice Exchange on the same road that have impressed locals and have earned four star ratings.
Brew pub and 'best' bottle shop in Cotteridge
Pint-sized micro pub Red Beer'd made it into the Good Beer Guide soon after being launched in 2019. It was set up by two best friends Ant Mills-Wood and Vicki Miles in Pershore Road and now has a strong following.
Red Beer'd serves four cask ales along with up to 10 keg taps. It can fit around 16 people on each of two bijou floors with vibrant art work on the walls and cosy corners to chat.
Also in Pershore Road is historic Cotteridge Wines that has been previously voted the best bottle shop by ratebeer. It's usually open from midday.
House prices in Cotteridge compared to Bournville
House prices in Cotteridge have shot up by 16% in the past three years and have continued to rise in the past year. Buying a home in the south Birmingham suburb would set house-hunters back £321,000 on average at the moment.
Most sales in the past year, according to Rightmove, were for terraced properties, which go for slightly less at around £309,000 and flats tend to sell for around £124,000.
The average sale price for semi-detached house sold is £370,00. Properties that have recently sold are 9% higher than the same time last year.
That compares favourably to neighbouring Bournville, where Rightmove says the average price of a property is £289,000 in the past year.
Terraced houses there sell for slightly less to, on average £270,000, while semi-detached homes go for £309,000 and flats, £138,000 on average.
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Bournville house prices have gone up by seven per cent this year compared to last, and 12 per cent in three years - compared to 16 per cent in Cotteridge since 2020.
