Mrs Bargain Hunter’s visit to Sparkhill

I needed 10 meters of fabric, but from £8 a meter at John Lewis, I was looking at £80, so decided to head to Sparkhill to pick up fabric, spices, party gear and more.

Sparkhill is an Asian area in Birmingham. Around the country, there are plenty of predominantly Asian areas, from Brick Lane and Southall in London to Rusholme in Manchester.

What they all have in common is bright colours, crazy smells and a whole load of bargains.

If you are sensitive about clean side streets, these areas are not for you.

My main reason for going was fabrics. The fabric shops are fantastic. I got fabric for £2.50 – £3 per metre, rather than from £8 in John Lewis. You get a wide choice at really good prices. Also, anything to do with …