Sandhu News

When you leave Birmingham New Street via the Victoria Street exit what is
the first thing you see; the first sign that you have arrived in the
Metropolis that is Birmingham City Centre? Sandhu News.
This is where 14-​year-​olds stock up on Monster Munch, businessmen stock up on the FT and someone, not me, stocks up on those magazines on the top shelf with the grey concealers on.
Although small, the shop has everything for someone who plans to get on the train without price hike of a national chain at New Street: Ginsters pasties, a can of Tennants Super, a copy of TV Quick or maybe even a packet of Tunes so you can clearly ask for tickets to Nottingham when you get to the station (I’m showing my age, again). The only thing this traditional newsagent doesn’t have is an army man on a parachute, a packet of caps or a pic n mix section (Woolworths RIP). But, like Tunes ads, it couldn’t be the 80s forever.
Friendly staff, a large range and good prices make it a utilitarian if unspectacular welcome to the second city. Don’t ask for change though, it’s a shop not a bank.

As a commuter to the city, this newsagents is directly opposite the back entrance to which I go to and from daily which makes it quite convenient.
They have a range of items for sale such as newspapers, magazines, pre-​packed sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks, and most popular with city residents — alcohol!
Although this is certainly a convenient little shop, out of all the times I’ve been there I can honestly say that none of the shop keepers have ever spoken to me to even say thank you. I really hate it when you have to stand there waiting to be told how much your items come to like you’re supposed to know. On a number of occasions in the morning, the male shopkeeper just stands there with his hand open. I’m like ‘oh hello. I’ll just guess how much my shopping is then shall I’.
There is a new Morrisions local opening just up the road this month so I think I’ll go there in future in hope that I can get some basic customer service.