GigPig's Guide to Vibrant Multi-Venue Quarters: Birmingham
Birmingham is a multi-cultural melting pot as it boasts some of the most diverse independent businesses in the UK, which is a credit to its eclectic mix of vibrant multi-venue quarters. These spaces have made choices plentiful for customers, with independent businesses excelling in hospitality. Yet this is your guide to the finest establishments a stone's throw apart from each other.
Digbeth’s famous Custard Factory has history pouring from its walls. What was once home to Bird’s Custard, is now home to a quality creative space with an abundance of indie bars, restaurants and the brilliant Mockingbird Cinema.
Birdies Bar is the perfect shindig to soak up the sun with some of the finest cocktails around. Boasting a spectacular outdoor area, it will take you to a tropical hideaway resort, accompanied by some live music, it is the place to be.
The Mill starts as a few drinks in their sun-trapped roof garden but inevitably ends up incredibly difficult to leave as its offers some of the greatest club nights whilst accommodating everyone’s tastes. This creates a recipe for an unforgettable night, even after the alcohol.
Chance and Counters is a mecca for board games. With over 500 in their catalogue, it is guaranteed to bring the competitive side out of your group. Their banging, yet filthy food menu washed down with their extensive drinks creates an unrivalled buzzing atmosphere from a venue which has turned hospitality on its head with this brilliant concept.
The Jewellery Quarter is a nod to Birmingham's manufacturing history and still produces Jewellery to this day with over 700 jewellers operating there. Yet there’s also a thriving food and drink scene with a plethora of artisan sellers.
1000 Trades brilliantly champions local and regional drinks with an ever-changing diverse menu in their kitchen. This establishment sits in an old jeweller's and holds quality over anything whilst proudly holding Birmingham’s best produce and DJs on a pedestal.
Hockley Social Club is one of the finest venue spaces within the Midlands, and that statement really is no surprise with 4 kitchens, 2 bars, a record store, a coffee shop and an outdoor terrace all under one roof, there’s something here to please everyone in your group. The hangout also has regular live music and DJs, which will truly make it your favourite establishment in Birmingham.
The Actress & Bishop is one of the city's most established live music bars. If you’re on the hunt for some brilliant indie musicians then look no further, operating as a late-night bar in the evening with DJs helming the decks, which spills out to their decking area come the summer. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the lighter evenings.
Great Western Arcade is oozing in Victorian charm and holds some of the best independent stores for a tipple, a nibble, or a shopping spree. It has often been described as ‘the home of hidden gems’ which has never rung so true. But we’re about to unearth some of these gems.
The Good Intent is Britain's first not-for-profit bar and is doing some incredible work donating all its profits to local charities. They’re offering some of the finest local beers across the region in their historically charming decor which replicates the Great Western Arcade. The local community truly is at the heart of this bar.
Loki Wine excels as a fine wine merchant which has earnt them more awards than a trophy room could house. A true passion project for owner Phil Innes, whose knowledge of wine is unrivalled. Enjoy a wine tasting or a relaxing sip on some of the greatest and most diverse wines from across the globe.
