Entertainment in Birmingham
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Electric Cinema
Projectors have been rolling here for more than 100 years, making it the oldest working cinema in the UK. It boasts an interesting art-house line-up as well as two-seater sofas (no concessions), so snuggle up, text in an order and have food and drink (including champagne) brought to your seat.
reviewed
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B
Rainbow
Somehow this rambling venue manages to be both counterculture and cosy at the same time. Battered bench tables and etched-glass windows lend the bar a traditional vibe, while a covered courtyard, an intimate garden and a roomy warehouse host everything from established artists and cutting edge DJs to up-and-coming bands – The Prodigy, Joss Stone and UB40 have all turned up here. It’s worn, warm, funky and a whole lot of fun.
reviewed
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C
Gin Parlour
For a taste of life in a Victorian gentleman’s club, head to this sophisticated drinking den. Purple banquettes and dark wood panels frame a backlit bar stocked with the largest selection of gin in the West Midlands. Legal eagles, city slickers and students bowl up for classic movies on Wednesday, Gin’ll Fix It on Friday and a burlesque show on the last Thursday of every month.
reviewed
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Gatecrasher
Huge, heaving and hypnotic, this multimillion pound superclub is a glammedup, Ibiza-inspired experience, featuring four clubs, nine bars and one of the snazziest light and sound systems in the country. Music styles range from dance and house, via alternative mashup and cool indie, to R&B and live bands.
reviewed
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E
Hippodrome
This is the venue for musical extravaganzas such as Mary Poppins and West Side Story. It’s also home to the renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet, and DanceXchange (www.dancexchange.org.uk), which creates opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved in performances.
reviewed
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Sunflower Lounge
A quirky little mod bar in an unlikely setting by a dual carriageway near the New St rail station, this is a relatively undiscovered little gem favoured by the indie crowd, and with a great alternative soundtrack. Live gigs occur regularly in the tiny underground basement venue.
reviewed
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Glee Club
It may be better known for tickling the city’s funny bone, but this intimate comedy venue also hosts a range of mellow singer-songwriters, plus world music, jazz and blues. Alternatively, chortle along with some of the best emerging acts of Britain’s comedy scene.
reviewed
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Q Club
A student stalwart, the legendary Q Club has been brought back to life after an absence of six years. Drum & bass, electrostep, breakthru, house, jungle and old-school club classics reverberate in a Grade II–listed former Methodist central hall.
reviewed
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Barfly
Recently opened, this place is a grooming stable for up-and-coming indie bands, spawned by the success of a London-based night. It is warming up now - the bands are getting bigger, and the crowds are getting thicker. The entrance is on Milk St.
reviewed
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O2 Academy
This £5.5 million venue has three stages: two showcase new and developing talent, while the big auditorium hosts international names playing to 3000 fans. Look out for acts like The Streets, The Wonder Stuff, Bloc Party, Ian Brown and Editors.
reviewed
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Jam House
This live-music bar in the Jewellery Quarter is all class. Sometimes presided over by pianist Jools Holland, it comprises three floors featuring live swing, jazz, R&B and rock and roll, mixed in with the occasional bit of reggae and ska.
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Medicine Bar
The crew working this joint are too cool for school. But they know only too well they are mixing it in the hippest, most happening nightspot in town with a truly eclectic range of nights, from Asian dub to hip-hop to electro pop. A blast.
reviewed
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Factory Club
The city’s former custard factory is now home to one of the hippest clubs in town. The feel is fi rmly contemporary industrial and it all resounds to a truly eclectic range of sounds, from Asian dub to breakbeat and electro pop.
reviewed
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N
Old Joint Stock
This vast, high-ceilinged cathedral of beer, a former bank, is marred by service without a smile. But the glittering furnishings and impressive setting, together with some half-decent ales, make it worth a stop.
reviewed
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Prague
Leather sofas, white-tile floor, glammed-up crowds and a cool, funk-grooved dance soundtrack make this the bar of choice among discerning Arcadian Centre revellers. Portuguese-inspired dishes are also served.
reviewed
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Lord Clifden
This atmospheric boozer is tucked away in the Jewellery Quarter. It features real ale, wi-fi , a groovy beer garden and some of the best urban art in Brum – look out for works by Banksy, D*Face and Army Lion.
reviewed
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Tap and Spile
Overlooking the canal, this traditional pub is full of hidden alcoves and corners, especially once you move away from the minuscule top bar. There’s a good selection of ales on tap here, too.
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Zinc
Though it's probably obvious from the name, this is a Conran bar-diner; there's an enticing menu, and the cool, relaxed space lends itself to chilling to the jazz and funk soundtrack.
reviewed
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National Indoor Arena
Plays host to a improbable variety of sports and acts – ranging from indoor rowing, athletics and ice skating to artists like Oasis, Prince and Coldplay, as well as Peter Kay.
reviewed
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Nightingale
At more than 40 years old, the Nightingale is the city’s most established gay and lesbian club. It rocks on three levels, with pop on the ground floor and techno upstairs.
reviewed
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Birmingham Academy
The best rock and pop venue in town, regularly attracting big name acts - The Strokes and Primal Scream are two recent guests. Its indie club nights are also a big draw.
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Jekyll & Hyde
Set below the Gin Parlour, this quirky pub offers cask ales and cocktails, plus a heated purple courtyard presided over by a mannequin with a chunk of hedge for a head.
reviewed
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Symphony Hall
Classical music fans love the Symphony Hall’s stunning auditorium and truly world-class acoustics, best enjoyed when the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performs.
reviewed
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Birmingham Repertory Theatre
In two venues, the Main House and the more experimental Door studio, ‘the Rep’ presents top-notch drama, with an emphasis on contemporary work.
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LG Arena
LG Arena attracts over 1 million visitors a year and is best known for its outstanding concerts and sporting events.
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