By Robson McCallister
As one of the UK’s biggest cities, Birmingham and the wider region is an area with plenty of things to do. From sports and museums to fun for children, there is always something for everyone. But what is the ‘worst’ thing to do if you’re in Birmingham? According to Tripadvisor reviewers, it’s at Birmingham Airport. Read More: I visited charming Birmingham pub ‘in the middle of nowhere’ and felt like I’d gone back in time On Tripadvisor, the Aspire Lounge at Birmingham Airport is the ‘worst thing to do’ in Birmingham with a user ranking of 755th place. Food and drink options at the lounge received a mixture of criticism whilst facilities were described as ‘grim’ by one passenger. A website description said: “Irrespective of class or airline, the Aspire Lounge at Birmingham Airport is open to all guests departing from the airport. “On offer to guests is a wide selection of complimentary food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. “So whether you wish to work or simply relax, the Aspire Birmingham Airport lounge is the perfect place to begin your journey.” The airport lounge has a ‘relaxed’ dress code with passengers asked to refrain from wearing caps, tracksuits, football shirts or clothing with offensive slogans. In terms of pricing, Aspire Lounge costs 拢43.99 for an adult (12-64), 拢41.39 for a senior citizen (65+), 拢29.99 for a child (2-11) and free for infants under the age of two-years-old. Aspire Lounge has a 2.3 score out of five stars on Tripadvisor, based on over 300 independent reviews. A recent traveller, identified as Gary, said: “What a waste of money. Hot food was a tiny jacket potato with one filling which was beans. “Stale cake. No biscuits. Very limited view of runway. Toilets down two flight of steps, never visiting again.” A different customer added: “The Aspire lounge in Birmingham Airport is the worst lounge I have used and I hate that you have to pay for some of the drinks they offer. “Plus if you don’t want to eat the dismal food on display, you have to pay for something from the menu. “There are no toilets, grim facilities and very limited choice, my advice is select a different lounge in BHX if you are paying to enter. “You have to wait at the bar to get served a drink but it’s often not attended and you end up watching and hoping for someone to appear. “When the food was finally served for lunch, which took 30 mins to put out on display, I had to leave for my flight.” And a visitor identified as David commented: “Please avoid this place. We are here now and it鈥檚 very disappointing. “The breakfast is poor quality with limited options. “I most definitely will not be returning as it鈥檚 the worst airport lounge I have visited. “It鈥檚 also quite cold in here. That doesn鈥檛 bother me, but it did for my wife, and other guests were all cold. “On the plus side, the barman is lovely and very apologetic for the lack of drink options.” However, a traveller named Stephen said: “Can鈥檛 understand the poor reviews, we have used many lounges and this is just as good as most. “Great choice of food which was hot and drinks also available. “Plenty of room , staff very friendly. Only thing is a shame it does not open a little bit earlier “Would recommend and will use again if flying from Birmingham.” And Deborah posted: “Confused by all the negative reviews? We were welcomed and shown to a table. “Every member of staff were so friendly and helpful, we would happily return.” A spokesperson for Aspire said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e of course aware Birmingham is an amazing city with a rich heritage and huge amounts to do. “We鈥檙e keen to highlight the many positive reviews related to the atmosphere and hospitality provided, as well as recognise our team of passionate colleagues, who hosted over 3000 customers last week (with 90% positive reviews) to our lounges at Birmingham. “We鈥檙e working hard to improve our guest experience, and in-line with customer feedback, will be making some exciting investment announcements together with Birmingham Airport soon.鈥