Birmingham has long suffered a reputation as nothing more than a grey industrial nightmare.
But now the city of a thousand trades is being recognised as a cultural hotbed with one of the country's liveliest nights out.
With everything from Royal Ballet performances to a night clubbing along Broad Street, Birmingham at long last has been praised for its civility.
Whereas other guides have rarely mentioned the delights of the second city, the latest Rough Guide to Britain recognises the transition of Brum from an industrial centre, home to the likes of James Watt and Matthew Boulton, to a vibrant city of the arts which spawned such varied luminaries as Sir John Ruskin and Edward Burne-Jones to Black Sabbath and UB40.
The travel guide, in existence since 1982, awards Birmingham's night life top marks, saying "the club scene is recognised as one of Britain's best".
Birmingham's Balti speciality is also recommended by the writers at Rough Guide, naming those in the Balsall Heath and Moseley areas to be amongst the best.
However, it is not just the city's night life which has been praised. The travel guide has also recognised Birmingham's cultural facilities, describing its heritage museums such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery as "excellent".
Rita McLean, acting head of museums and heritage projects, said: "It is wonderful that the Rough Guide to Britain has recognised and highlighted the stunning collections, facilities and exhibitions that Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery houses."
Jon Perks, editor in chief of What's On and CityLiving, also welcomed The Rough Guide's overall positivity towards Birmingham.
"It's great to see Birmingham finally getting the recognition it deserves," he said.
"Ten years ago there may not have been much to shout about, but now we can truly boast we've got one of the best entertainment and nightlife offerings in the country. Brummies have known it for several years - now with this new Rough Guide, the rest of the country will be able to come and enjoy this great city."
However, Birmingham's transport connections did not fair as well. The sight of mass modern concrete at New Street Station and Digbeth's coach station failed to impress.
"National Express bus travellers are dumped in the grim surroundings of Digbeth coach station," said the guide.
It was Newcastle upon Tyne's nightlife that topped the guide's list of 35 top British activities, with hiring a wetsuit for a surf in Newquay as a close second. ..SUPL:
