I'D never been to Birmingham and, like many, was led to believe that it was just another massive industrial city choked by unsightly office blocks with little charm...

Certainly Marketing Birmingham is all too very well aware of the world's perception of its city. It's not offended by it, but it's certainly not sitting back and taking it either, as I learned on a recent Press trip.

I began thinking, if Birmingham is such a bleak place, why on earth would airline giants British Airways set up a service departing from Belfast City Airport four times a day during the week and a five times at the weekend? Surely a city of such little appeal could not justify such a high flight frequency.

I'd got my itinerary prior to the trip and it was casual - in fact it was pleasantly leisurely.

First stop was to meet the Birmingham Airport marketing people.

The airport was modern, spacious and by no means 'industrial'. In fact it had just undergone a refurb in the region of £30 million with scope to spend another £50 million.

And it would seem such investments have proved worthwhile as it's about to welcome new airlines and routes to complement services like Krakov, Delhi and the US.

It's also welcoming its own airline Flywho on July 8, a Birmingham-based company serving the US.

It benefits from its convenient location. It's a stone's throw away from the colossal NEC, often home to everything from the Clothes Show to Take That (they were doing their Birmingham dates while we were there) and about half an hour to the centre.

So on to our hotel, the brand spanking new Radisson SAS (www.sas.radisson.com) smack bang in the city.

Now this place was beyond impressive - everything from its innovative, towering, glass fronted structure that dominated the city's skyline to its elegant, yet modern and clean lobby was engaging.

It's got the magnificent Filini Bar and Restaurant serving up Sardinian treats blended with Mediterranean classics. The interior was grand, but in a real contemporary way. Again lines were very clean and suave while the focal point was a wine rack holding around 200 bottles. It was encased in glass, and took pride of place at the top end of the restaurant.

Then it has a rather trendy looking bar in the lobby with table service by day.

In total there are 211 rooms at the Radisson SAS Birmingham. They fall under various styles; Chic, Fashion and Fresh - all designed by Italian, Matteo Thun.

There are seven suites and a very grand Presidential Suite. I got my key/card and was delighted to know that I was sleeping in the Fashion Suite... it was certainly special.

As I opened the door, I was greeted by a massive concrete column - one of two quirky features in the room - but turned right to be welcomed by a mass of delicately decorated space. Then there was the floor to ceiling windows, plasma screen, fully stocked mini bar and Missoni rainbow blankets adorning the bed. Oh and a Vogue magazine - an essential item for any fashionista.

The bed was gorgeous to sleep in, while the breakfast (I opted for continental) was tasty and filling.

With the perfect location, memorable interiors and excellent service, Radisson SAS is ideal for all kinds of visitors, from business to leisure. While we were there, the Take That crew were staying, and the previous night, Radisson hosted the Kaiser Chiefs.

So my first real view of Birmingham came with a visit to Michelin Star restaurant Jessica's located in the rather leafy Edgbaston (still central).

Now Jessica's was set within what looked like a rural cottage. It was pretty and fresh looking inside. And the food, well it was by far the most adventurous and brave concoctions I've ever had.

You'd think that five courses of those teeny designer meals wouldn't fill anyone, but it did. I was stuffed.

Head Chef here, Glynn Purnell is an award winner. He takes his favourite things from childhood and puts them together in what is called French-influenced modern British, like Amuse Bouch-red lentils and coconut veloute with chilli oil topped with cornflakes!

Other plates with nostalgic additions included pig trotters beignets, popcorn parfait with caramel and smoked ham hock terrine with Jerusalem artichoke puree, liquorice, chilled kohlrabi and crab ravioli.

Glynn's meals were certainly bold and memorable while the service was first class.

A bus tour after lunch took us to the city's famous Jewellery Quarter - every girl's dream. It's a charming little village area with old buildings now resided by top jewellery and diamond specialists.

The bus tour allowed us to take in a Birmingham that certainly shattered my preconceptions of the city. For instance did you know that Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice? And like most UK centres whose waterways have been rejuvenated into trendy city features laced by chic apartments, classy restaurants and cool bars, Birmingham is no different.

Loads of spare time then gave us the chance to explore the shopping scene in Birmingham, and four hours weren't nearly enough!

The most famous shopping centre here is the Bull Ring. Apparently its the largest retail regeneration in Europe, and you can tell so.

Bull Ring goes back decades but its image has been glamorised relatively recently giving way to a glorious structure based on a sequin dress sheltering a large Selfridges.

I was in my element in Selfridges where I availed of a make-over. It had all the big brands that few of us can afford, but they were mixed with more affordable names like Diesel, Fornarina and more.Bull Ring encompasses all the high street giants you can think of, such as H&M and Topshop.

Now for a real retail gift to yourself, Mailbox is a must. Formerly a Royal Mail sorting office, this place is the epicentre of Pret-a-Porter designer wear.

You've got Harvey Nichols, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Emporio Armani, to name only some and then you've got some fancy eateries covering global cuisine.

It's got a handsome exterior this place, but still keeps in theme with a pillar post red colour scheme.

If you walk through this grand structure, you'll be taken direct to the pretty canalside.

Later that evening we were offered another gastronomic adventure, but this time I opted for the classic fish, chips and mushy peas at Bank Restaurant.

Bank seemed to me to be a very fashionable joint, attracting crowds on an early Thursday evening. It had a very very extensive menu with elegant dishes mixed with traditional fare.

I was impressed and I loved the buzzing atmosphere, stylish clientele, and exceptional service not to mention the very fulfilling food.

Later that evening, too much eating coupled with numerous shopping hours meant drinks in the lobby were as active as we could get, but the walk around Brindleyplace did give me insight into Birmingham's nightlife.

It was certainly vibrant, and all genres of bars were there to accommodate every one from the bouncing 80s fan to the sophisticated cocktail sipper.

I felt guilty in the end though because I had allowed my preconceptions to be smeared with unkind images of Birmingham.

To me it was very cosmopolitan and refined and I'd recommend a visit to Brum to everyone.

It has a lot to offer citybreakers and if you want to get away from it all, on the doorstep of Birmingham is Shakespeare country, Cadbury World and loads of stunning countryside.

It's the heart of England.

BY EMMA DEIGHAN