The night scene in Birmingham is continually evolving as more visitors head to the UK’s second dynamic city every year. There is so much choice for things to do after sunset and even if you decide on a relaxing drink or two – there are still decisions to be made, traditional pub or snazzy cocktail bar?

 

1.  Join the Digbeth Dining Club

 

The Digbeth Dining Club in Trinity Street is the UK’s largest food market and is a fun place to grab a meal on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening (the market is open 4.00 pm-11.00 pm). Many of the stall feature regional cuisine and others are invited from other parts of the UK. There is a great variety of savory dishes and some irresistible sweet ones too like the Bournville Waffle Co.! There are several coffee bars and pubs too.

 

2.  Spend the evening in the custard factory

 

Birmingham is proud of being the birthplace of the world-famous Bird’s custard powder and the original factory has been converted into ‘Mockingbird’ an independent cinema, bar and kitchen complex. An evening at Mockingbird can include a good film, drinks in the bar or taking part in one of the regular film quizzes. Alfie Bird’s is a fun pub there that serves cocktails and delicious pizzas amongst its food choices.

 

3.  Enjoy good music at the Symphony Hall

 

Birmingham Symphony Hall is situated in the heart of the city and comfortably seats more than 2,000 people in its smart multi-tiered auditorium. Its program lists more than 300 concerts each year covering all genres of music – classical, rock, country and pop. The Barclaycard Arena is the city’s other main venue and is huge and popular with headlining pop stars which it regularly hosts and the O2 Academy has venue spaces of varying sizes and a great selection of concerts.

 

4.  Discover the world of the Peaky Binders

 

There were great poverty, crime, and gangs in the city at the end of the 19^th century through to the 1920s and as evening fell, the character of the city changed. Discover the world of dark alleys and horrible happenings with Professor Carl Chinn MBE who is a very well known local historian. Carl will guide you through the streets explaining the various events that happened and afterward there is an optional Victorian-style meal to enjoy in the Old Crown – Brum’s oldest pub.

 

5.  Score a strike at Lane 7

 

The Cube in Wharfside street has karaoke, traditional arcade games, and the city’s poshest bowling alley! The nine bowling lanes have been crafted out of beautiful walnut and they look too nice to use! After a game or two, there is a pub in The Cube serving a great selection of bar meals.

 

6.  Play ping pong and win

 

Serve is a great new fun venue and underground bar in Temple Row. It is the perfect choice for those who enjoy a good game of table tennis, but if not, a DJ is playing good music and there are some tasty sharing platters to order if you are hungry! Serve is open until midnight weekdays and 02.00 at the weekend.

 

7.  Enjoy a great beer at the Bacchus Bar

 

The Bacchus Bar has a fine reputation for its excellent selection of cask beers. Bacchus is situated in the Burlington Arcade in the heart of the city and is an atmospheric place. There are themed rooms so you can enjoy a drink in the Egyptian room, dine in the French dining room or chill out with a great beer in the Medieval room!.

 

8. Share a tropical cocktail

 

The Prince of Wales in Alcester Road certainly looks like a traditional pub from the outside, but inside you will find the Mo-Tiki which is decked out in colorful Caribbean style and has a terrific cocktail menu. There is a pina colada served in a pineapple and other choices served in coconuts and conch shells. There are four choices for ‘sharing cocktails’ too!

 

9. Listen to great live music

 

The Night Owl in Lower Trinity Street is the only place in the city that is dedicated to Northern Soul and Motown music. It is a fun venue with guest DJs, live performers, Soul dance classes, theme nights and great music quizzes. If these don’t appeal, the new Mama Roux’s-  which is close by- is perfect for those who enjoy the sound of New Orleans.

 

10. Have a good laugh

 

The elegant looking Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre certainly has a great program of quirky shows including comedians, tribute bands, stand-ups, and alternative drama. This Grade II listed Victorian building was once a bank and is now also a popular pub with a huge glass dome above the main bar. There are plenty of traditional English pies on the menu plus other traditional dishes including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

 

 
If you liked this article, make sure to Pin it!