Entertainment in Birmingham
-
A
Electric Cinema
At the oldest working cinema in the UK (the projectors have been rolling since 1909), you can enjoy a mix of mainstream and art-house cinema, while sitting in plush two-seater sofas.
reviewed
-
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
-
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
-
D
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
-
E
Hippodrome
The place to come to see stars off the telly, plus highbrow entertainment from the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
reviewed
-
F
Sunflower Lounge
A quirky little mod bar tucked away on the dual carriageway near New St train station, with a great alternative soundtrack and a regular program of live gigs and DJ nights.
reviewed
-
G
Glee Club
No connection to the hit TV show, this rib-tickler is Birmingham's favourite comedy club, attracting local talent and big names on tour.
reviewed
-
H
Q Club
The old brick Central Hall that houses this legendary club is on its last legs, but the 'Q' is still going strong. DJs pump out boisterous electro, house, jungle and old-school club classics.
reviewed
-
I
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
-
J
O2 Academy
Replacing the defunct Carling Academy at Dale End, this is Birmingham's leading venue for big-name rockers and tribute bands.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Jam House
Nasal-toned piano-meister Jools Holland was the brains behind this moody music venue in posh St Paul's Sq. Acts range from jazz big bands to famous soul crooners. Over 21s only.
reviewed
-
L
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
-
M
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
-
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
-
O
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
-
P
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
-
Q
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.
reviewed
-
R
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
-
S
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
-
T
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
Advertisement
-
U
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.
reviewed
-
V
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
-
W
Symphony Hall
To hear top talent from the world of classical music, head to the ultramodern Symphony Hall, the official home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Shows also take place in the handsome auditorium at the Town Hall.
reviewed
-
X
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
With two performances spaces – the Main House and the more experimental Door – 'the Rep' presents edgy drama and musicals, with an emphasis on contemporary work.
reviewed
-
Y
LG Arena
LG Arena attracts over 1 million visitors a year and is best known for its outstanding concerts and sporting events.
reviewed
