Entertainment in The Midlands
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Café Bar Inspire
Coventry's Christchurch church was destroyed during World War II, leaving only the spire, which now, slightly sacrilegiously, shelters this bar. This is forgivable as it is very good. It serves an international selection of bottled brews, as well as baguette and salad snacks throughout the day.
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A
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Tucked into the cliff below the castle, this fantastically atmospheric alehouse claims to be England's oldest pub; it supposedly slaked the thirst of departing crusaders. The phrase 'nooks and crannies' could have been invented for here. Just when you think there are no more, you'll find another - and there are usually more than enough to accommodate the many tourists who come to sample the brews.
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B
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.
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Royal Shakespeare Company
Coming to Stratford without seeing a production of Shakespeare would be like going to Rome and not visiting the Vatican. The three theatre spaces run by the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company have witnessed performances by such legends as Lawrence Olivier, Richard Burton, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek fame) and former Dr Who, David Tennant.
There are three grand stages in Stratford – Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre on Waterside and the Courtyard Theatre on Southern La. The first two properties were extensively redeveloped between 2007 and 2010 – contact the RSC for the latest news on performance times at the three …
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D
Dirty Duck
If you only have one drink in Stratford, come here. It's almost as essential as a trip to the theatre. Officially called the Black Swan, this enchanting alehouse is a favourite postperformance thespian watering hole, and has a roll call of former regulars (Olivier, Attenborough etc) that reads like an actors' Who's Who. It's in a very pretty location across from the river. The adjoining restaurant (11:00 to 22:00) is good value.
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E
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.
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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.
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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.
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Kozi Bar
The dark orange walls, leather sofas and deep rattan armchairs create a warm ambience at this coffee shop, restaurant and cocktail bar. There's a sunny garden at the back for the summer and on the weekend it turns into Warwick's only late-night bar playing mainstream house and club classics.
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Hippodrome
The place to come to see stars off the telly, plus highbrow entertainment from the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
reviewed
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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.
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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.
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Malt Cross
What a great place! In an old music hall with a colourful history (it was a brothel in a previous incarnation), this has got the best vibe in town. Good live music and decent food are all dished up under the glass arched roof, an architectural treasure in itself.
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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.
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Charlotte
Leicester's legendary venue has staged Oasis and the Stone Roses, among others, before they became megastars. With a late licence and club nights, it's grungy, it's lively, it caters for all sorts of musical tastes - and it keeps packing 'em in.
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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.
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O2 Academy
Replacing the defunct Carling Academy at Dale End, this is Birmingham's leading venue for big-name rockers and tribute bands.
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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.
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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.
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Tin Angel
It's a shame Coventry's coolest bar is the size of a sardine tin (although there are expansion plans), but this is the most hip, laid-back place in town. DJs, acoustic music and poetry evenings are just part of the entertainment.
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.
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Ye Olde Salutation Inn
A dual carriageway disguises the centuries-old atmosphere (c 1240) of 'the Sal', as regulars know it. Ask at the bar if you can have a peek at the labyrinth of underground caves spiralling down behind an innocuous-looking door.
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Looking Glass
If you hadn't sussed it from the name, this is the place to see and be seen on Braunstone Gate. Funky mirror-decked walls, beautiful young things and a basement with decent live acoustic music make this well worth a visit.
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Globe
At last, that rare beast, a traditional old pub (built in 1720) in a city centre where there's no edge to the night-time drinking - just fine draught ales, a warm atmosphere and little alcoves to lose yourself in.
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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
