Welcome to Birmingham’s premier nightlife guide.
On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Birmingham. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.
Enjoy!
An Intro to Birmingham
Birmingham is the second-most populous city in the United Kingdom, after London, and the most populous city in the English Midlands. It is also the most populous metropolitan district in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 1,137,123 inhabitants, and is considered the social, cultural, financial, and commercial center of the Midlands. It is the main local government of the West Midlands conurbation, which is the third most populated urban area in the United Kingdom, with a population of 2,897,303 in 2017. The wider Birmingham metropolitan area is the second largest in the United Kingdom with a population of over 4.3 million. It is frequently referred to as the United Kingdom’s “second city”.
People from Birmingham are called Brummies, a term derived from the city’s nickname of “Brum”, which originates from the city’s old name, Brummagem, which in turn is thought to have derived from “Bromwich-ham”.The Brummie accent and dialect are particularly distinctive.
A market town in the medieval period, Birmingham grew in the 18th-century Midlands Enlightenment and subsequent Industrial Revolution, which saw advances in science, technology, and economic development, producing a series of innovations that laid many of the foundations of modern industrial society. By 1791 it was being hailed as “the first manufacturing town in the world”. Birmingham’s distinctive economic profile, with thousands of small workshops practicing a wide variety of specialized and highly skilled trades, encouraged exceptional levels of creativity and innovation and provided an economic base for prosperity that was to last into the final quarter of the 20th century. The Watt steam engine was invented in Birmingham.
The resulting high level of social mobility also fostered a culture of political radicalism which, under leaders from Thomas Attwood to Joseph Chamberlain, was to give it a political influence unparalleled in Britain outside London, and a pivotal role in the development of British democracy. From the summer of 1940 to the spring of 1943, Birmingham was bombed heavily by the German Luftwaffe in what is known as the Birmingham Blitz. The damage done to the city’s infrastructure, in addition to a deliberate policy of demolition and new building by planners, led to extensive urban regeneration in subsequent decades.
Birmingham’s economy is now dominated by the service sector. The city is a major international commercial center, ranked as a beta- world city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network the joint highest ranking with Edinburgh and Manchester of all British cities outside of London; and an important transport, retail, events and conference hub. Its metropolitan economy is the second largest in the United Kingdom with a GDP of $121.1bn (2014), and its six universities make it the largest center of higher education in the country outside London. Birmingham’s major cultural institutions – the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the Library of Birmingham and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts – enjoy international reputations, and the city has vibrant and influential grassroots art, music, literary and culinary scenes. The city will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Birmingham is the fourth-most visited city in the UK by foreign visitors.
The Nightlife of Birmingham City
Nightlife in Birmingham is legendary, from its huge clubs hosting top DJs to underground live gigs, plus all manner of bars, glamorous speakeasies, comedy nights and karaoke bars – this is a city that knows how to have fun. Whether you are searching for somewhere offering the best nights could wish for, or just for some fun things to do on a Friday night, Birmingham got you covered. Romance is not just for Valentine’s Day, you know? Whether your other half is into swanky restaurants or low key settings, you can spice things up with a thoughtful and fun date in Birmingham. From street food hotspots to quirky treasure hunts and molecular cocktail bars, they have rounded up the very best activities for couples in Birmingham.
The Wizard Brunch and Dinner
Welcome The Wizard’s Brunch & Dinner, an immersive dining experience in a magical world . . . Get ready to experience all the magic of The Wizard’s Brunch! After huge sell-out success in Australia and Canada, The Wizard’s Brunch comes to the UK! Expect fantastic feats in a magical setting with wonderful entertainment including illusionists, fortune tellers, living statues and more! They have two options available a Brunch and a Dinner for you. The brunch is family friendly with under 18’s requiring a parent/guardian in attendance. Each ticket includes your meal and all the entertainment of the event.
Bbq Fest
Birmingham Seasonal Markets presents, for the first time ever, the BBQ Fest with mouth-watering foods to fill your grill-loving needs. The BBQ Fest will be held in a regular spot – The Bond Company, Fazeley Street, Digbeth. One of the best things about the summer is sitting in the sun with a drink in hand enjoying some incredible BBQ foods with the people you love. First up, Digbeth legends Buddha Belly will be delighting with their Thai-style BBQ food for the first time ever – one cannot wait to see what’s on the menu. Firm favorites, Baked in Brick will be bringing an exclusive menu to this year BBQ Fest which will certainly tickle your taste buds. Make sure you get your hands on Little Urban BBQ whilst they serve out their exquisitely juicy, meaty-goodness. Expect delicacies of Greece from Street Souvlaki or let us take you to across the world with sensational tastes from Grill Brazil.
The Greatest Show
Pull up a ringside seat with a sparkling cocktail on arrival and expect the unexpected on Level 25, they present a three-course themed dinner interspersed with the best of live entertainment. From contortionists to mixologists – fantastical curiosities, daring acts and exotic wonders of the world! Throw your hat into the ring and channel your very own PT Barnum for this one of a kind, one time only event!
Titillate your tastebuds with gummy bears, adult pick and mix and Champagne flavored candy floss – this is all the fun of the fair fare!
Lane7
If you’re looking for something a little different, then Lane7 is the perfect venue for you. An exciting new concept within The Cube in the heart of Birmingham, Lane7 is the home of boutique bowling. Let your guests bowl their socks off, sing their hearts out and perfect their shuffleboard and beer pong playing powers. And that’s before they even mention the retro arcades. If you fancy something a little more exclusive – just choose which area or combination of areas within Lane7 you’d like for the exclusive use of you and your guests and then get in touch.
Serve
Hit ’em with your best shot at Serve. SERVE Birmingham is amazing basement space worthy of the glorious game. This ping pong haven will be giving the place a new lease of life. Serving up entertainment from dusk ’til dawn, this innovative ping pong experience boasts an upscale food offering alongside a modern bar. With 17 ping pong tables over 12,000 sq ft, Serve is a family-friendly space by day and a DJ-led nightclub in the evenings. The first of its kind outside of London, founder James Day was inspired by the idea of combining this particular sport with food and drinks, for a fun venue from day to night. Bring your kids in the day, party with DJ through the night, or reserve your own private room for an exclusive event.
Best Bars in Birmingham
Whether you like craft beer bars, glamorous cocktail bars or good old fashioned boozers, Birmingham City has plenty to choose from. We have put together a list of what we think are the ‘Best Bars in Birmingham that serve up a boss cocktail. Why not check out our recommendations for the coolest and quirky bars in Birmingham:
Pig and Tail
The Pig and Tail are housed in The George and Dragon pub in the Jewellery Quarter – one of the oldest and most historic in the city. It has reopened 20 years later as a new quirky new bar and restaurant serving craft beers and wines alongside tasty small plates – this place is owned by the same people who own acclaimed Pickled Piglet in Broad Street.
Revolution
Revolution Birmingham is located on Broad Street at the heart of Birmingham nightlife! The bar prides itself on its fabulous collection of premium vodkas and its truly engaging atmosphere. Whatever the night of the week, there is always something going on . . . The beauty of the bar is that it can take you on a journey from the relaxed atmosphere of a meal with your friends to the uplifting party atmosphere of a club. Revolution Birmingham specializes in creating a party environment! With over 10 private party areas to choose from and can cater for all of your needs and are happy to create bespoke party packages for you!
The Jekyll and Hyde
With Retro Quiz Nights, Film Clubs and a Gin Parlour to boot, jump down the rabbit hole and visit the ever-so-tempting The Jekyll and Hyde in Steelhouse Lane. From the Alice in Wonderland themed courtyard out back to their sophisticated Victorian Parlor upstairs, the bar is cool and quirky, primed for gin-guzzlers and cocktail lovers alike. Importantly it is probably one of the best spots for a relaxed weekday drink in Birmingham. This unique bar is the place for those looking to push the boat out a bit on their next night out in Birmingham, thanks to their inventive cocktails and unique, period style.
If it’s even quirkier cocktails you’re looking for, head upstairs to the Parlour after 5 pm on a Friday and Saturday night for your fill of Victorian-themed decor, antiquarian charm, and delectable cocktails. Inspired by none other than the bar’s name itself, Saturday nights in Birmingham are home to Dr. Jekyll’s Potion, a feisty evening of Jazz Soul and Motown tracks from the best of Birmingham’s soulful DJs.
Wine at Wine Shop Prices, Harvey Nichols Restaurant
Start your evening in the best possible way: with a glass of wine in hand. Every Wednesday at the Harvey Nichols Restaurant, dine on a delicious menu and top it off with a bottle of wine from the Wine Shop without any corkage fee. Toast to the middle of the week (so close to Friday…), celebrate a catch up with friends or simply raise a glass to some excellent wines. With no corkage costs, purchase delights such as Harvey Nichols Own Label Champagne and enjoy alongside two or three delicious courses of the finest seasonal fair.
Picnic Gin Cruise
Recreate those lazy days of summer with their inspired liquid picnic, enjoy a genteel 2-hour narrow boat cruise along with the Birmingham canal network whilst enjoying 5 picnic inspired Gin serves. Maximum seating on the boat is 24 set up as 10 tables of 2 with gangway space along the center and a front Cabin area seating 4, tables are allocated on a first come basis, so large groups won’t sit together there.
Birmingham Microbrewery Experience
Join them on a brewery tour in Birmingham where you visit Rock and Roll Brewery, Burning Soul Brewery and then head onto The Wolf for beers with cheese and meats to finish, it will be a great walking tour, made even better by a lovely sunny day. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce to some local breweries and socialize with likeminded folk and an absolutely amazing day. The breweries and bars are visited are very interesting and informative. Indeed, it will be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
Best Bar Restaurants in Birmingham
When you are out and about fulfilling your cocktail needs in Birmingham, chances are pretty high that at some point you’re going to crave for the food as well. With Birmingham’s culinary options continuing to grow and innovate, it’s no wonder that a restaurant bar programs are a good choice. From posh concept and classy to solid neighborhood institutions, Birmingham’s has some of the finest restaurants that serve deliciously exotic food along with freshly brewed boozes to become a perfect combination. And for a city that likes to drink a lot, it’s no surprise that they’re quickly becoming drinking spots in their own way. The best thing one could do is to select a bar that also serves delicious food. That way you’ll never even have to leave your bar stool whenever there is a hold off hunger on you.
The best bars in Birmingham have shaken up the local drinking scene like a killer martini. With a host of new and exciting venues opening, there’s never been a better time to grab a serious cocktail or a small-batch artisanal gin in the city. If you are looking for an obscure craft beer to enjoy while you play pinball, you’ve definitely hit the jackpot. Whether you’re hunkering down with colleagues after work or living it up with mates on the weekend, Birmingham has, quite simply, raised the bar. From hidden speakeasies to glitzy Birmingham cocktail bars and restaurant drinking dens that will revamp your taste buds, here’s the juice on the city’s best bars.
Therefore, to fulfill your extreme craving for delightful food and awesome booze, we’ve got you covered with a list of Birmingham’s best bar restaurants, good enough to try on the go:
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
Despite offering a gigantic beer menu, pure is as often the pick of Brum’s gin-swigging contingent as it is the protectorate of boys’ business lunches or post-work ales. With local legends Purity Brewing partly behind the city center’s industrial chic, the beer is unsurprisingly served right every time, and the drinks list includes a blackboard chock full of tasty surprises. As well as a more substantial food menu – itself featuring an array of ales and lagers – a plethora of moreish, pastry-based bar bites keeps the rabble on the right side of lively all evening. We’ve been known to get very enthusiastic about the dense and juicy pork pie, which is served with the house piccalilli or mustard.
40 St Paul’s
40 St Paul’s has been becoming an emerging option for hanging out- a specialist bar stocking over 100 different varieties was always going to be a hit in a city enamored of gin. The minuscule bar is situated in the Jewellery Quarter, near the picturesque St Paul’s Square. It’s small and select, seating only 24 people, which adds to its aura of desirability. There is a vast range of gins available, hailing from all over the world and with a broad variety of flavor profiles. One of the bar’s most unusual offerings is Anty Gin, flavored with actual English ants to provide a citrusy character. There are a host of regular themed evenings and cocktail events, bringing the exploration of food and culture into play alongside mixology and the diversity of gin. So, give it a try to experience good food and booze.
1000 Trades
During the industrial revolution, Birmingham was known as the City of 1000 Trades, the same thing motivated the owner of this bar to call it by this name. This hip hangout in a listed building in the heart of the jewelry Quarter is all about craft. From craft beers to natural organic wines, the bar is thoughtfully stocked with artisanal goodies. The same philosophy applies to the kitchen residencies, DJs and artwork adorning the exposed brick walls: everything is local, expertly crafted and proudly presented as the very best of Brum. Don’t forget to hope in there because they’ve got a really nice blend of food and booze.
Tilt
Tilt is another exciting bar-restaurant from Birmingham that is solely dedicated to pinball? There has to be a twist. And there is, because as well as a flashing, bashing collection of some 20 modern and retro machines, this City Arcade bar is a wizard when it comes to craft beer, specialty coffee, and loose leaf tea. Whether you’re twitching the flippers on a 1993 Twilight Zone table or wetting your whistle with something rare and tasty, you’ll be guaranteed to want a replay.
Bodega
Hailed as one of the best spots for Mexican grub in the city, Bodega is a hotspot for South American enthusiasts looking to gorge themselves on exotic delights. Their menus are loaded with lots of flavors, from the tequila-infused cocktails to their favored, fiery fajita’s. Ready to dance off dinner? Head downstairs to Sugarloaf for another round of cool cocktails and DJ nights in a Mexican wrestler themed basement bar. All in all, it’s a perfect combination of food, drink, and dance.
Best Nightclubs in Birmingham
Birmingham is a city of exciting places that offer premium nightlife entertainment. There are ample amount of bars and restaurant in the city. So eating out is almost a whole new and entirely separate field in this food-crazed town. But few people pursuits dancing as compared to other activities. Giving yourself over to the beats, the lights, and the energy is a total release. When want to let your inner soul feel such release, we’ve come with a list of some of the best dance clubs in Birmingham. Top DJs get your foot moving, and other patrons ensure that there’s plenty to see along the way.
No matter where you end up sitting in this city, you’ll surely find great drinks, music, and the chance to show your lit moves, which is really what it’s all about. Hop into the following clubs to enjoy the above experience:
Lab11
Those of you with a desire for proper clubbing should enjoy the work of this brilliant and exotic venue. A warehouse plot known for their heaving house-themed nights, renowned DJs and pop-up street food events, there’s a reason Lab11 is notably one of the best clubs around and has developed a reputation for throwing some of the wildest parties in town.
The Core Club
Setting new standards and welcoming every person warmly, Core Club is one of Birmingham’s biggest Clubs. With weekly club nights drawing in party animals from all over the Midlands, the fun-loving vibe that courses through the venue will leave you with a beaming smile. Grab a drink at the bar and dance long into the night to all your favorite hip hop, RnB and dance tracks.
Bambu
Bambu is one of Birmingham most opulent spots. Often hosting a number of famous faces, the sleek decor and velvet-clad furniture set this venue above the others in the city. The Moroccan Garden offers an idyllic spot to unwind, while the many private booths inside make it the perfect club for an intimate celebration.
Rosies
It is the most luxurious and posh nightclub of Birmingham city. A relatively new girl on the block, they offer five rooms of partying across two floors, ranging from a retro room and Martini & Mojito room, to an Asian-inspired VIP cocktail bar. And if you get a bit peckish, they even have a pizza shack in their beer garden.
Walkabout Birmingham
This is a renowned Australian-themed Walkabout Bar that has a reputation in Birmingham for never sitting still and providing premium nightlife entertainment, always offering the cities party-mad crowds a great party. Open until the early hours 7-days a week and with an impressive team of resident DJs, the bar staff keeps the fun-loving vibes going all night with their collection of ice cold beers, crisp wines, and fiery spirits.
Festival & Events in Birmingham City
Brummies know how to celebrate. One of the best things about this city is that there is a diverse range of colorful events and festivals taking place wherever you go. From Carnival Magnifico in Digbeth, world-renowned shows held at Birmingham Hippodrome and Symphony Hall, to the amazing Flatpack Festival, you’ll find something to suit all tastes! The second biggest city in the UK is literally crammed with things to do, from music to film, comedy to books, family to the arts there’s a wide range of cultural festivals being held throughout the year! Inhabitants of the city feel pride themselves on keeping you up to date on events taking place throughout the year, from the latest theatre events and live music performances to local activities and fantastic attractions.
It’s hard to deny the importance of Birmingham’s influence to the world in the arts, with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath, Duran Duran, UB40 and The Streets all coming from the city, as well as celebrated comedians like Jasper Carrott and Tony Hancock. There is also an incredibly thriving dance music community, with such venues as The O2 Institute being regular fixtures of Birmingham’s nightlife, not to mention a tonne of other underground promoters.
Head here for our comprehensive guide to what’s on in Birmingham, including a Birmingham Festivals & Events, Nightlife, Bars & Restaurants, as well as full clubbing, comedy, and theatre listings :
Arena Birmingham
Whether it’s 15,800 screaming fans or an intimate, atmospheric once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ll find it here, one of the best places to go in Birmingham. Home to everything from record-breaking sports to Mickey Mouse and friends; from the latest pop sensations to side-splitting comedy from some of the world’s best comics, Arena Birmingham is bigger and better than ever bringing you events you won’t want to forget!
Land Rover Sports and Social Club
The large Sports Field adjacent to the club has full sized football pitches and also small sided pitches suitable to children’s 7-a-side football used by various different local football teams, there are also Rugby pitches used by local teams. Regular matches and training take place over the weekends. They also hire the Sports Field to outside events such as Fun Days and Charity Days.
They have a variety of rooms available for hire for private functions that are suitable for weddings, anniversaries, funerals and all types of celebrations. The Lounge Bar is a Members only area and is a place to enjoy a drink in comfortable surroundings, no children are allowed in this lounge. The Greenaleigh Room has entertainment every week which welcomes both members and the general public. On Saturdays they have live singers and Sundays and Thursdays there is Karaoke. The Rosewood suite also has various events on every week which welcomes both members and the general public for e.g. Aerobics; Sequence Dancing, Ceroc and Salsa.
Brindleyplace Family Festival
The countdown is officially on for this year’s Dragonboat Race, which returns to the canal at Brindleyplace as part of the estate’s Family Festival, sponsored by Deutsche Bank, the Dragonboat Race is just one of the activities taking place at this year’s festival. Offering fun for all ages, there is plenty planned throughout the day in Central Square, including a food market, dance workshops, live music, a magician show, and even a mini petting farm – plus it’s completely free to attend!
The Glee Club
Established in 1994, this flagship Glee Club hosts regular ‘Best in Live Stand-up Comedy’ every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. In addition to this, they have comedy tour shows featuring a long list of comedy greats. Live music shows fill the venue throughout the year, ranging from loud standing gigs in our main room to intimate pin-drop seated shows in our studio room.
Make Believe
A new summer exhibition Make Believe is a playful, interactive space for all ages. The exhibition features four international artists – Gene Kogan, Violet Forest, Will Pappenheimer and Sofia Crespo – who use the latest technologies to create colorful experiences that delight and entertain. Add your own doodle to a giant constellation of drawings that float in a space made with augmented reality. Have a go with the brilliant Google Tilt Brush, and create your own 3D paintings in virtual reality. Control a computer-generated sensory scene with your fingertips. Discover the creatures from a ‘neural zoo’, imagined by artificial intelligence. Make your own creature at our activity station!
Conclusion
To conclude the whole article, it can be said that Birmingham is a supreme house of bars, restaurants and loads of fun things one could ever think of. To overcome your boozing needs the city, no doubt, has some of the finest breweries. You can enjoy your drink with the mesmerizing architectural beauty of the hand-crafted bars and their decor.
Moreover, to really bump up the entertainment game, the city has covered you with plenty of the festivals and events that one can attend throughout the year. We have already established, how these festivals can really help you grasp the culture of Birmingham and to understand the norms and believes of the people there.
To give you a feel of what a nightclub really mean in Birmingham we also went through a comprehensive list of Nightclubs that further refines your experience of the Birmingham Trip.
All of the experiences above work together to make your trip memorable. A perfect and balanced blend of the above-identified activities can really boost your experience and make your trip unbelievably memorable.
Video To Watch To Discover
What is the nightlife like in Birmingham?
With grand pubs and bustling bars, Birmingham is the perfect place for you to party. But the night doesn’t have to finish when they’re calling ‘time’ at the bar, because the city has great-value student nights and some of the hottest nightclubs in the country.
Is Birmingham good for partying?
Nightlife in Birmingham is legendary, from its huge clubs hosting top DJs to underground live gigs, plus all manner of bars, glamorous speakeasies, comedy nights and karaoke bars – this is a city that knows how to have fun.
