What a season it’s been in the Premier League! The bottom of the table has stubbornly refused to take on any kind of recognisable shape and we are shaping up for one of the most exciting relegation battles of recent memory. At the time of writing the bottom 8 teams are only separated by 3 points – from Wigan at the foot of the table on 30 points to Blackburn in 13th place on 33 points no-one is safe. Even Stoke in 10th with 37 point could be forgiven for feeling uneasy such is the unpredictable nature of this campaign. As exciting as all this is, the Serviced City Pads blog is particularly interested in the fact both of Birmingham’s Premier League representatives are right in the middle of the maelstrom. Could this 2010 / 2011 season see both Birmingham and Aston Villa relegated from the top flight? Serviced City Pads can help you find accommodation for any Premier League fixtures in Birmingham or other cities – we have a wide variety of serviced apartments available through our apartment operators.

Birmingham fans will have been delighted at their team’s league cup triumph, but they will be equally concerned by their worrying league slump. Zigic and Martins were the heroes in the cup final, but in the league they definitely haven’t been having the kind of impact that they would have been hoping for and their team-mates haven’t been chipping in with too many goals either. Birmingham are the lowest scorers in the Premier League this season with only 28 goals to their name and this is exactly why they are in trouble. They have the best defensive record of the bottom 8 teams with 41 conceded, but they just can’t find the net regularly enough and unless that changes they will be in real trouble as we head to the final stretch.

Aston Villa are experiencing similarly troubled times themselves – they are right in the thick of things in 14th place with only 1 point separating them from the relegation spots. These have been testing times for Villa. The start of the season saw the charismatic manager Martin O’Neill leave the club, seemingly unhappy with the way things were going. He had seen two of his key players in Gareth Barry and James Milner sold to Manchester City in previous seasons and it seemed that instead of challenging for the Champions League spots, which had been the focus of the previous few campaigns, Villa were now focussing on balancing the books. New manager Gerard Houllier has faced a real challenge since taking over – Villa are now a club struggling to hold on to their Premiership status and even the recent transfer coup of prising proven goal-poacher Darren Bent from Sunderland has not seen a significant change in their fortunes.

There are still some key games to be played between now and the end of the season, but this season could see both of Birmingham’s clubs going down to the Championship.

Serviced City Pads have a range of serviced apartments available in Birmingham through our apartment operators that you could use if you are visiting for any Premier League fixtures. These apartments offer all the advantages of a typical hotel room, but with the added bonus of extra space and comfort. These apartments usually have a living and dining area and fully fitted kitchens and are perfect for families or groups of friends. If you will be staying in Birmingham for any reason, why not contact us and see what we can do for you? You can submit an enquiry through our website or call us on 0844-335-8866 and one of our reservations team will be happy to help you.

The most exciting reunion in British pop history gathered speed this week as dates for a brand new Take That tour, Progress Live 2011, were announced. Gary, Howard, Jason, Mark and Robbie confirmed that they will hit the road next year for a monumental summer stadium tour around the UK. Progress Live 2011 is the band’s biggest tour yet and will be the first time they have toured together as a five-piece since 1995. Do you have your accommodation in Birmingham arranged for this amazing concert?

Progress Live 2011 will be a feast for the imagination, charting the evolution and progress of Take That and Robbie Williams through their extraordinary 20-year history. The spectacular live shows will celebrate Take That’s biggest hits from the last two decades, and will also see Robbie take to the stage to perform songs from his incredible chart-topping solo career.
Between them, Take That and Robbie Williams have sold over 80 million albums, had 13 number one albums, 17 number one singles, played to over 14.5 million people live, won 19 BRIT Awards, eight MTV awards and five Ivor Novello awards; and the list goes on.

Take That are a boy band that originated in Manchester in 1990. The BBC describes Take That as “the most successful British band since the Beatles, beloved of young and old alike”.

Take That’s dance-pop tunes and soulful ballads dominated the British charts in the first half of the 90s and included hits like I Found Heaven, Once You’ve Tasted Love, It Only Takes a Minute, Million Love Songs, Satisfied, I Can Make It, Do What You Like, Promises, Why Can’t I Wake Up With You, Never Want to Let You Go, Give Good Feeling and Could It Be Magic to name a few.
So why not make this experience extra special by staying in a serviced apartment? They are surely becoming the most popular form of accommodation due to the freedom they bring. You will have your own spacious apartment where you can spend your time however you like. If you wish to cook your own meal, you can. If you would like to take a long and relaxing bath, this is no problem and there is plenty of space. When staying in serviced apartments you have everything you need.
So if you are interested in obtaining accommodation for your stay in Birmingham then why not go onto our website www.servicedcitypads.com or contact us on 08443358866 to see what apartment is most suitable for you.

Last week’s blog here at Serviced City Pads discussed the imminent tour of those bright young things, The Script, as they climb the slippery slopes to the top of the mountain that is pop superstardom. Well, hold on to your hats because this week we can tell you about a group who already perch atop that mountain surveying all below with the kind of contented smile that only success can bring. Who is it? It’s only Westlife, one of the biggest pop bands around, and they’re playing two nights in Birmingham to as part of their latest tour of the UK.

The two gigs will take place on Friday 25th March and Thursday 31st March at Birmingham’s LG arena, and are sure to be huge! They’ve had number 1s galore with their crowd-pleasing anthems, which they will soon be performing live for the lucky few. If you’ve been able to grab yourself a ticket to one (or both!) of these shows, how excited you must be!

…and yet… what will you do about accommodation? Well, how about a serviced apartment? They’re the alternative to staying in the usual cramped hotel room. In a serviced apartment, you’ll have a bedroom, a separate living area, kitchen, even a dining room in some. How much more comfortable it could be compared to the typical hotel experience. And that’s not even mentioning the fact that the more room leaves space for more people – you can share an apartment comfortably with a number of friends, all relaxing together before and after the show.

Westlife AND a serviced apartment… you really would be spoiling yourself, but go on, you deserve it! Contact Serviced City Pads and we can arrange a serviced apartment in Birmingham for you to make a great night even greater!

Jean-Michel Andre Jarre is performing at Birmingham National Indoor Arena on the 8th October 2010, a huge global star having sold over 80 million records worldwide throughout his exceptional career, Jarrre (born 24 August 1948) is a French composer, performer and music producer. He is regarded as a pioneer in the electronic, synthpop, ambient and New Age genres, as well as an organiser of outdoor spectacles of his music which feature lights, laser displays and fireworks. Serviced City Pads supply apartments throughout Birmingham.Jarre was raised in Lyon by his mother and grandparents, and trained on the piano. From an early age he was introduced to a variety of art forms, inlcuding those of street performers, jazz musicians, and the artist Pierre Soulages. He played guitar in a band, but his musical style was perhaps most heavily influenced under the direction of Pierre Schaffer, a pioneer of musique concrete at the Groupe de Recherches Musicales. Apartment accommodation in Birmingham through Serviced City Pads.
His first mainstream success was the 1976 album Oxygene. Recorded in a makeshift studio at his home, the album went on to sell an estimated 12 million copies.The album which consists of six numbered tracks, makes strong use of the melody rather than rhythm or dissonance, and a collection of keyboards and synthesisers to create a range of sound textures and melodies. Key components of Jarre’s sound included his use of the Dutch organ/string synthesiser. Oxygene was followed in 1978 by Equinox,Equinox employs a more baroque and classical style than Oxygen, with more emphasis on melodic development. The album makes use of sequencing, particularly on the bass. Although not as commercially successful as Oxygen, its release was followed by a large open-air concert at the Place de la Concorde on Bastille Day, 1979. The 40 minute long event , which used projections of light and images, and fireworks, would serve as a blue print for Jarre’s future concerts. The event helped boost Jarre’s popularity and he sold 800,000 records. It also served as a introduction to Francis Rimbert who now uses Rimbert’s sythesizer setup for the performance and today works full time for Jarre. In 1979 Jarre performed to a record-breaking audience of more than a million people at the Place de la Concorde, a record he has since broken on three seperate occassions. More album were to follow, but his 1979 concert served as a blueprint for his future performances around the world. Several of his albums have been released to coincide with large-scale outdoor events, and he is now perhaps as well known as a performer, as he his a musician. Please contact Serviced City Pads for short and long stay accommodation in Birmingham on 0844 335 8866.
Jarre has sold an estimated 80 million albums and singles. He was the first western musician to be allowed to perform in the Peoples Republic of China, and holds the world record for the largest ever audience at an outdoor event. He has three chidren, and is married to Frenh actress Ann Parillaud. Contact Serviced City Pads reservations team on 0844 335 8866.

Grand Designs Live Birmingham 2010, is back and set to bring three days of amazing features and inspiration for your home this October.

Returning for the 5th consecutive year to the Birmingham NEC, the award-winning Grand Designs Live Birmingham is back, showcasing inspirational design, self build, interiors and cutting-edge homewares from the 8th – 10th October 2010. Stay in a Birmingham Serviced Apartment through Serviced City Pads.
Based on the popular Channel 4 TV series presented by Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs Live brings to life real home improvement projects, cutting edge design, eco-friendly innovation, and interior design, through a series of live interactive features, across a three day event. Serviced City Pads.

This year’s Birmingham show will be spread over six different sections to include: The Grand Village, Grand Build, Grand Interiors, Grand Kitchens sponsored by Miele, Grand Bathrooms and Grand Gardens. With over 500 of the UK’s biggest and best brands exhibiting their latest product ranges across the event, as well as expert advice on everything from planning, designing and building your own home to adding those finishing touches from our Grand Designs Expert Advice centre sponsored by Velux, visitors will be able to buy, build and finish the house, all under one roof.

Grand Village – Visit’s this years spectacular Grand Village hosting a range of full scale sustainable homes and some of the most dynanmic and cutting-edge architectural design and buildings of the future.Serviced City Pads.

Grand Build – The dedicatd Grand Build sections offers products, advice and services, with everything you need to know about the build and home improvement process from planningright through to constructions and fittings, as well as advice on green building technologies.

Grand Interiors – This years Grand Interiors section has the widest range of interior design and style advice than ever, as well as the unique opportunity to shop at the Design Arcade where visitors will see a wide range of leading product designers showcasing some fabulous home wares to add a touch of personality to your home.

Grand Kitchens – A showcase of the latest sleekest in kitchen design for all sizes large and small, Grand Kitchens offers the largest variety of bespoke and designers kitchens available. Alongside sits the widest range of luxurious room sets in Grand Bathrooms, offering more variety and styles than any other home show. Come and discuss your plans with one of our experts and they’ll show some inspiring ideas.

Grand Gardens – Surronded by a range of outdoor manufacturers, the latest showcase in garden design, innovation, planting, furniture and accessories for outdoor living. With everything for an urban rooftop to a tranquil green garden, this year’s Gardens has it all.Serviced City Pads supply serviced apartments.

Kevin’s Green Heroes – In addition, Birmingham will host the brand new Green Initiative, Kevin’s Green Heroes’, a selection of some of the greatest eco products on the market to help aid in your green home improvements, which launched in London earlier thisn year. Short stay apartments in Birmingham through Serviced City Pads.

Birmingham is England’s second city and is a city that has blossomed over the last 5-10 years following millions of pounds of investment. It’s not a city that you instantly think of as being a pretty place to look around, but it has a vast wealth of history and much of it can be seen from aboard the Big Brum Open Top Buz Sightseeing tour. This is something you should go on if you area planning to visit Birmingham for a short break, or you happen to be working and staying in Birmingham, maybe staying in a city centre hotel or one of the new selection of serviced apartments that are becoming so popular to corporate clients in Birmingham.

The tour will take you through Birmingham’s jewellery quarter, you wil see the famous Edgbaston cricket ground which still hosts cricket matches for Englandand Warwickshire. From atop the bus you will have a terrific view of St. Martin’s parish church, as well as the state of the art Bullring retail complex with the iconic Selfridges store which now seems to adorn every new photograph of Birmingham. It really is the building that seems to epitomise the resurgence of Birmingham city centre.

When it comes to booking accommodation in Birmingham you don’t need to look any further than Serviced City Pads. We are a booking company for serviced apartments and hotels in Birmingham, which are suitable for families staying in Birmingham or corporate clients who happen to be working in the city. Stays can be booked from 1 night upwards, and we can also organise discounted rates if you are staying regularly or for more than a couple of weeks.

If you do decide to go on the tour tickets cost £10 and can be bought from the Birmingham tourism board.

Of course, there is plenty to see and do during a stay in Birmingham, but make sure you book that bus ticket and let Serviced City Pads organise your serviced apartment in Birmingham.

Did you know that that this Museum in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter is open all year? This museum was originally a jewellery manufacturing company called Smith and Pepper and tells the rich history of Birmingham as a centre for traditional jewellery making skills.

We would recommend that if you are planning a weekend in Birmingham or even if you happen to be working in Birmingham, then you should consider making a trip to this Museum which is situated to the West of Birmingham city centre. It’s not far to travel to if you are staying in a serviced apartment in Birmingham or even if you happen to be in a Birmingham hotel. Sometimes it’s just nice to be able to get away from the city centre. St. Geroge’s Park is also nearby. You can walk around the fine old architecture of the streets of the Jewellery Quarter and just imagine what a thriving industry this must have been. Infact, Birmingham is still seen as one of the best places to buy wedding and engagement rings, perhaps only second to Hatton Garden in London. Obviously travelling to Birmingham is a much better option than heading down to London if you are just going for the day (and live in the north of England or Scotland).

Serviced City Pads has a number of accommodation options to choose from in Birmingham, all situated in and around the city centre. Birmingham is becoming a more popular city break destination than previously, due in no small part to the ongoing regeneration that the city has seen over the previous decade.

If you are interested in staying in a serviced apartment in Birmingham whether that’s for a weekend or more, then call Serviced City Pads on 0844 335 8866, and make sure that you include a trip to this fantastic museum as part of your itinerary.

Birmingham has always been a city with football heritage. Aston Villa is one of just 5 British teams to have won the European Cup, the world’s most prestigious club football competition. As well as 7 English First Division titles and 7 FA cup wins and numerous other smaller honours, they are one of England’s most successful clubs. However in the last 2 decades they’ve only managed a pair of League Cup wins and have not been close to challenging for the league title. Birmingham City as well have spent a lot of time in the last few decades in the 2^nd division, also with a few stints in the 3^rd tier of English football. West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers both have also spent a lot of time in the last few decades in the 2^nd tier of English football despite having 4 league titles and 9 FA Cups between them.

When fans come to watch their team playing in Birmingham, many like to stay a night and enjoy the city rather than the stress of trying to get home in the evening through the dreaded football traffic. Birmingham has undergone a bit of a regeneration program and is now a dynamic and vibrant place for visitors. There are plenty of options for accommodation in Birmingham including Serviced Apartments, which are a great way to enjoy executive accommodation and space at great value prices. A serviced apartment allows you more 50% more space, much greater privacy and can provide great value for money when compared with similar specification hotels and for these reasons short stay apartments are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to staying in a hotel in Birmingham.

Football in Birmingham looks to be on the way up however. In the 2010/2011 season, there will be 4 teams representing Birmingham in the Premier League. Aston Villa, under the leadership of Martin O’Neill, have had been enjoying relative success the last few seasons, qualifying for the Europa League, having some great cup runs and challenging for the 4^th Champions League spot. Birmingham City have had a brilliant first season back in the Premiership securing a top half finish, and will be looking to cement their place in the top league for years to come. Wolves also newly promoted have achieved their goal of survival and will also be looking to cement a place in the top league where they believe that they belong. Mick McCarthy has done a great job there and seems to be the right man to keep them there for years to come. As for West Brom, they have become the Premiership’s yo-yo club and after another successful immediate promotion, will feel they are better places than ever to stay in the lucrative Premier League.

So next season there will be 4 teams from Birmingham and a total of 12 Birmingham Derbies, which means a lot more people will be travelling to the countries central city to watch games. When looking for accommodation, why not give Serviced City Pads a ring as they can find the best options for Serviced Apartments that are suitable for your requirements. If you like the practicality and service of a hotel but want the space and freedom of an apartment, Serviced City Pads can help you find the right accommodation for your stay in Birmingham.

Serviced City Pads are a Serviced Apartment Booking Company who have a wide range of Serviced Apartments in Birmingham. Many people visit Birmingham to watch Aston Villa Football Club and can enjoy Birmingham after the game and stay the evening in a Serviced Apartment.

Astn Villa Football Club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder members of the Premier League in 1992. The club was floated by the previous owner and Chairman Doug Ellis, but in 2006 full control of the club was acquired by Randy Lerner.

After 23 years years as Chairman and single biggest shareholder (approximately 38%), Ellis finally decided to sell his stake in Aston Villa due to ill health. After much speculation it was announced the club was to be bought by the American Businessman Randy Lerner, owner of the NFL franchise the Cleveland Browns. The arrival of the new owner and manager Martin O’Neill marked the start of a new period of optimism at Villa Park and sweeping changes occurred throughout the club including a new crest, a new kit sponsor and team changes in the summer of 2007. The first Cup final of the Lerner era came in 2010 when Villa were beaten 2 – 1 in the 2010 Football League Cup Final. Villa made a second trip to Wembley in that season losing 3 – 0 to Chelsea in the FA Cup Semi Final.

They are one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in England, having won the First Division Championship seven times and the F A Cup seven times. Villa also won the 1981-82 European Cup, one of the only four English club to win what is now the UEFA Champions League. Aston Villa has the fourth higest total of major honours won by an English Club. Many visitors to Birmingham stay in Serviced Apartments

There have been many players who can be called notable througout Aston Villa’s history. These can be classified and recorded in several forms. Aston Villa have provided more England Internationals than any other club, 69 to date, with the most recent being James Milner.

Several Aston Villa players have won the PFAA Players’ Player of the Year award. At the end of every English football season, the members of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) vote on which of its members has played the best football in the previous year. In 1977 Andy Gray won the award. In 1990 it was awarded to David Platt, whilst Paul McGrath won it in 1993. Three villa players have won the PFA Young Player of the Year which is awarded to players under the age of 23. In 1977 Andy Gray won the award, in 1981 Gary Shaw received it and in 2009 Ashley Young was awarded it. The National Football Museum in Peston, England administers the English Football Hall of Fame which currently contains two villa teams, two villa players and one manager. The 1890s team and 1892 team were inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 2009. Joe Mercer was inducted into the Hall if Fame at the same timefor his career as a manager including his time at Aston Villa. The only two Villa players in the Hall of Fame are Danny Blanchflower and Peter Schmeichel. Service City Pads have a range of apartments in Birmingham City Centre please call 0844 335 8866 and speak to a member of the reservations team.

Birmingham City is one of the 2 big football clubs in the West Midlands, formed by a group of cricketers from Holy Church in Bordesley Green in 1875 the club was originally known as Small Heath Alliance. Serviced City Pads provide a wide range of Serviced Apartments in the city of Birmingham.

The Club changed it’s name from Small Heath Alliance in 1905, adopting the name of Birmingham FC. Birmingham FC and moved to the current St Andrews site in 1906, the first game at St Andrews was played against Middlesbrough in December of that year attracting a crowd of 32,000. Serviced City Pads has a reservations team who can be contacted on 0844 335 8866.

Birmingham City know as the ‘The Blues’ graced Wembley against their bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion in the F.A Cup final eventually coming out on the losing side 2:1.

The following year saw the club attract the highest ever attendence at St Andrews with 67,341 people turning out to watch the F.C Cup tie against Everton.

In 1970 Trevor Francis made his first apprearance for the Blues, he went on to become a Blue’s legend scoring 133 goals in 328 appearances. Nine years later he became the first £1 million English Footballer, moving to Nottingham Forest in 1979.

Birmingham City struggled in the 1980’s in terms of league success with relegation to division three in 1989 for the first time in their history. The 1990’s brough some joy for the loyal fans with a visit to Wembley in 1991 when Birmingham reaching Wembley for the first time in 35 years in the Leyland DAF Cup Final and won 3-2 against Tranmere in a thriller under the Twin Towers.

In 1992 the club became the first team to be promoted from Division Three to Division One as the divisions were reconstructed.

The arrival of David Sullivan and the Gold brothers in March 1993 led to a period of financial stability with a much needed cash injection and under the managerial reigns of Terry Cooper the club survived almost certain relegation.With this stability the Blues went on again to Grace Wembley in the 1994-95 season Auto Windscreen Shield Comptetition with a sell out of nearly 77,000 and won the game 2-1.

2002 saw the Blue’s back in the Premiership with Steve Bruce as the manager with former Wigan boss John Benson as general manager and Mark Bowen as first team coach. Bruce then went about assembling a squad that he hoped would be strong enough to survive the premiership by bringing Robbie Savage, Clinton Morrison and Aliou Cisse. Bruce oversaw 4 years in the top flight until relegation back to the Championship at the end of the 2005/06 season.When visiting Birmingham City Football Club visit www.servicedcitypads.com for Short Term Accommodation.

Alex Mcleish former manager of Scotland and Rangers and his best attempt couldn’t avoid another relegation fight in the 2007/08 season and Birmingham City went back again into the Championship, the following season saw them promoted back into the Premiership after finishing in 2nd spot behind their great rivals Wolverhampton. In October 2009 the club was taken over by new owners as David Sullivan and the Gold Brothers sold up to Chinese entrepreneur Carson Yeung and his Grandtop Holdings Company and a new era at St Andrew’s began.

Birmingham City Football Club are currently expected to finish in 10th spot this year in the Premiership the highest ever finish in the club’s history.Serviced City Pads provided excellent accommodation in city centre Birmingham