It's Leeds. (obviously)

Well, I haven't been to either of them, so they can't be that great can they?

Birmingham: it's not shit.

(I live near there, and it really isn't as bad as everyone says)

But in your dreams Chris. In your dreams, there's an infinity of futuristic buildings stretching away from you and you look down at your feet and you're flying along some super-conducting passenger walkway high above the big-issue sellers and the dogs and the motorcycle couriers. And even though it's raining, the rain is calming, beguiling and wondrous. In that dream (which everyone has) everyone is laughing and they're all happy. And in your dreams, that place you visit is called Manchester.

Or so I've heard.

Leeds isn't one of the options...although, I like Leeds. It reminds me of Columbus, OH.

an infinity of futuristic buildings

Like the Selfridges at the Bullring Birmingham?

I used to think it was Manchester, but having visited Birmingham last year I was pretty damn impressed with the place.

Both cities have some wonderful Victorian municipal buildings which reflect the great period of industrial and social development which took place 150 years ago, a couple of universities each, a couple of decent football teams each (unlike, ahem, Leeds), great shopping centres, vibrant social and cultural scenes (I think Manchester has the edge there, definitely). I'm not sure what the commercial or industrial demograph of both cities is because there is virtually no heavy or manufacturing industry left in Britain any more, but I know that, outside of London and Leeds, Birmingham is England's 'third city' for the legal profession.

Selfridges in Birmingham rocks too.

I just assumed it was based on population, in which case definitely Birmingham. And I live near it too (hi chuckdarwin), and have spent far more time there than in Manchester. It has a world-class orchestra, theatre, ballet, posh shops, quirky bits, loads of industrial history, etc etc.

If we're judging by stations, Leeds wins by miles. Birmingham New Street is far far horribler than it needs to be.

Birmingham New Street is far far horribler than it needs to be.

I'll second that; it's atrocious. I wish they'd just rip it out and start again.

Clearly Edinburgh.

Hmmm... Steven Patrick and Gang of Four: tossup. I had pork lung at a Mod Brit place in Leeds (only stayed two days so I could go to Haworth, but will come back ) but at my hotel a nasty little santorum called me a fat whore because I wouldn't let him take over the computer I was using when there was another free.

Clearly Edinburgh.

You know, that's what I was going to say, but I was too afraid.