Love the Mockingbird!…read more Great beers on tap, including a selection of Belgian fruit beers, and a neat cocktail menu. The food is also very good (try the Mockingburger- It's got a giant fried duck egg on it). The cuban sandwich isn't really a cuban sandwich (it's basically BBQ pulled pork) but it's still really delicious! Really chill vibe, with exposed brick inside and outdoor seating in the custard factory courtyard when the weather's nice. What really makes the Mockingbird awesome though, is it's theatre and the regular events hosted there. Movie screenings paired with live music and cocktails... most recently Brandon A. and I went to a screening of The Blues Brothers and it was great! If you're in Digbeth it's definitely worth checking out.

After attending my first instameet, I was so excited to visit Mocking bird again to watch a film…read morehere and couldn't be more happy with my experience, The Film I watched was '10 Things I hate about you' I made sure that I didn't look up the film as I wanted this to remain as a surprise, all I knew was that it's a classical chic flick :P The cinema is incredibly comfortable, as I tucked into my mint tea and popcorn. With a great bar and restaurant area feel feel to eat and drink afterwards too, some nights the venue also offer food that are themed according to what film has been shown. The particulary love the bright and insta worthy décor! Based in Custard factory of what a gem, I'll be back again for sure Have a good day everyone, thanks a bunch for reading ----

So.... I tried. I tried once and I tried again and the Everyman still hasn't quite won me over yet…read more After the initial launch, I booked tickets to go and see Avengers in April for a bit of a date night treat with Dan G. As the cinema specialises in bringing food to your seat, I figured it would be worth heading down for a spot of dinner and a film on a Thursday evening to give this place a proper try. Firstly, I do love the layout and vibe. You're welcomed into a smart, stylised bar and eatery area and invited to take a seat before your film. You can order food before the showing if you would prefer or order for delivery during the film. On our first trip we flashed our tickets (on email, rather an a paper ticket system) and headed to the bar to order a couple of burgers and beer. I went for a veggie burger and Dan went for a smoked. This with a couple of beers came to around £30 (which was incorrect as per the website and seemed to be quite pricey - especially for drinks), still, we duly paid up and headed to the screen for a punchy extravaganza of superhero proportions. The food was bought out to us during the adverts and bought out to us on a tray (so you can pop it on your lap). The burger was really atrocious. I couldn't taste anything at all! Considering it was packed with all kinds of lovely veg - this was a total shame. The seats were comfy enough (every seat at the Everyman is a sofa seat), but as Dan has pointed out - the sound didn't seem to be great (which was another disappointment). Following this visit I got in touch with the Everyman to tell them about my experience (I would have spoken to the manager on the night, but the film didn't finish until nearly 12pm and I was shattered). Their customer service was top notch (that gets 5*) and I received an email reply stating that they would update their website and offered another two burgers on the house to make up for our sub-par food on our first visit. We decided to give them another go and visited a second time in May to see Mad Max. We popped in, flashed the email and were offered the free food without any issues. I went for a house burger this time and we just ordered a couple of glasses of water (as it was a roasting hot day and we were parched). The screen we were in a second time (downstairs) was a lot better. Even comfier, more leg room and better sound. This was a much more pleasant screening experience than we had, had previously. The food didn't come out until the film had started (which was a bit of a pain as we had to eat in the dark) and although my burger seemed to be a lot more flavoursome, it was a tad burned. All in all, I would give the venue 3.5 stars due to the great customer service, comfy seating and great screening area downstairs (which has it's own dedicated bar). I am not in a hurry to head back (it's quite expensive for films at around £12 - £13 a ticket) and the food hasn't wowed me yet. Don't let that put you off though! It's definitely worth a visit if you haven't yet been, just be sure to keep in mind that the drinks are quite pricey. I would recommend it for a date night or a treat, but for an everyday cinema experience I would probably head elsewhere.

This is one of those places that has been on my radar for ages but I haven't been inclined to…read morevisit. I am not a huge film watcher so always give it a miss.....I was surprised how much I loved it here. So this place take the edge of the hardcore cinema Experience by playing on two on my weaknesses...hunger and thirst. To watch the film we had nachos, nuts and hummus delivered to our seats and I also had an elderflower fizz. I admit not the most manly of drinks but we were watching Bridget Jones....I think t can be excused. I really like the way that the cinema has sofas instead of chairs so you can be more comfortable watching your chick flick and I also love the way the manager comes out to say hello and introduce the film. Small finishing touches...great effect.

I spend a lot of time here. it's convenient and fairly accessible. I can pop in between shopping,…read morein my way somewhere, in the way home. I have a limitless card so I've been known to watch 4 films in one day. Last week I saw Avengers: Endgame and yesterday I saw The Favourite. The staff are friendly, tickets are reasonably priced. Senior Screen has changed a bit. We no longer do Tuesdays and only have one screening on Thursdays. 12 noon is not as possible as 11am but we had no say in the matter.

Ticketing machines didn't work and awkward to access screensread more

It may have had something to do with the choice of play or the fact that I visited the Old Rep…read moreduring an unseasonal heat wave, but I find it hard to get too excited about the place. Yes, I like the fact that it is a bastion of high culture in a pretty seedy part of town. It just lacks a bit of sparkle. The 383 seat theatre is home to Birmingham Stage Company and stages an eclectic mix of dramatic productions. It also played home to the Birmingham Repertory theatre company during The Rep's recent refurbishments.

Ventured down here with Simon H thanks to tickets from Dave M for Edinburgh Fringe previews…read more Walking down the street you wouldn't realise that a theatre was here. Considering the works going on for the new shopping centre it doesn't look as good as it should but once that's done all should be fine! The staff were pleasant and friendly and the foyer was nice and open. On entering we quickly received our tickets and were directed upstairs to the theatre. Our seats where right at the front so we had a great view of the stage. The seats aren't the most comfortable in the world and there could be more leg room but you're only there for a few hours so it's not too bad. At the half time break we went and had some refreshments in the back bar. It was well-stocked and there's a good choice of ice-cream. I like the venue, it's old school decor brings a bit of history to the place but the seats could do with an update!

The Rep has been in my life for as long as I've lived in Brum, getting on for 30 yrs now. We get…read morethere once or twice a year and the productions we've seen have always been enjoyable, some of them have been outstanding. As a review about the venue I can honestly say that the Rep has got better and better over time. Tonight I was in the House for 'The Exorcist', comfortable seating and wonderful production on the stage. Last year we were in the studio for 'Beryl', one of the best plays I have seen. Again great production values and a very comfortable experience for the audience. The Marmalade bar offers great cocktails, you can dine here too. Centenary Square is a big part of the cultural quarter of Birmingham with Symphony Hall, The Rep and Library of Birmingham all lined up like ducks in a row. Whilst the Rep seems to have been here forever, it feels brand new on the inside. There's a wonderful ambience around here, it's part of the Birmingham buzz. The real challenge of living in Birmingham, is that there is so much going on and only so much time. Then again, time spent at the Rep is happy time.

This was my first visit to the Rep, and one that was eagerly anticipated, being a keen theatregoer…read more So when the opportunity arose to sign up for the double feature of The Exorcist and Seance, I jumped at the chance. My first impressions of the building itself were positive, there was a buzz about the place and the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Finding our seats was easy and the seating was generous, with plenty of legroom and offered an unobstructed view of the stage. Comfy too, having been to many performances elsewhere where fidgeting becomes the norm. The production itself was impressive, with a cast that were mostly familiar. I had been wondering how such a performance of the iconic horror tale would translate on stage and I was not disappointed. From the glare of the lights going up, to being suddenly (and loudly) plunged into darkness set the tone for the evening. The effects were spectacular, with a mix of live action, projections and more traditional effects. Yes, we get the iconic scenes, voice effects and some blood and gore. I had been trying to work out who was voicing the demon, and had the of course moment when I read my programme of Sir Ian McKellen. An eerie and unsettling tone is kept throughout, and is a treat for any horror fan. The Seance was a trippy mind game from start to finish. I don't want to spoil too much (I went in knowing nothing), as people are booked in over the coming days. What I will say is this. Your senses are deprived and the tension ramped up to boiling point. I don't scare easily but when the lights finally came on, I realised I had been holding my breath mostly. Had my eyes been open or closed? Such fun though. I also got to experience the bar, Marmalade and the atmosphere in there was fantastic. I look forward to sampling the menu on my next visit!

Ohhhh, well now. This is exciting. The first thing I love about Birmingham Open Media is the fact…read morethat it's known as BOM Lab. I'm sorry, but it's so great to see peoples faces when you tell them your popping there... A mixture of stress and confusion contorts their features until you explain what IT ACTUALLY IS. So, BOM opened fairly quietly in November 2014. It's a collaborative space with a focus on art, technology and science. A very cool mix indeed. One of their current focuses is "Hacktivism" (ethical hacking to prove the flaws to public system) and they've got a great exhibition on around that at the moment. The BOM centre comprises of a coffee shop (http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/urban-coffee-company-birmingham-5), photography studio (currently hired by Fotofilia http://www.fotofilia.co.uk/), an open gallery space, co-working space and several different rooms which can be hired out for events, showcases and festivals. It seems to attract an interesting, arty crowd (as you might expect) and has a chilled out and friendly vibe to it. It's very unpretentious in terms of design and the interior features bare wood and cream coloured neutral walls (perfect for showcasing art). This is a great area for the centre to take over. Just around the corner from the Bullring, but with very little around it - I recommend you pop in once in a while and check out the exhibitions and grab a coffee for a chilled and arty experience...

BOM is a new space for art, technology and science. It launched on Friday night (14/11/14) with a…read morebang. The aroma of emotion paint wafted over people happily sipping Prosecco. Attendees were invited to walk around the space to see the fruits of their hard work. In many areas the space still feels like a blank canvas, ready for transformation into a bustling community hub. Downstairs is Fotofilia's large photography studio, whilst upstairs there's a bank of laptops, a dark room and a chill-out space with beanbags. For the opening night they also had Birmingham Camera Obscura on hand showing off their mobile low-tech, pre-photography 'optical device'. The ground floor boasts exhibition space as well as Birmingham's latest addition to the Urban Coffee chain (bringing UC up to 5 in total). It is early days for BOM, so it is difficult to see how the space will develop, and be used. In their upcoming programme they have live hacks, 'Maker Mondays', kids workshops, talks, and a 'Crap Camera Challenge'. I'm sure there will be a whole plethora of future events. What really makes this place stand out is its location. It's the kind of space one would expect to be in deepest Digbeth, down a back street surrounded by industry or empty former industry units. BOM have secured an old shop unit just around the back of the Electric Cinema and New Street Station's grand new (soon to be open) entrance on the corner of Station St and Hill St. It's location will certainly attract locals, as often it can feel like a daunting trek down to Digbeth when one is having pre 'art show' drinks at a bar on John Bright St. BOM won't suffer from this as it is just around the corner from major transport links, thus will benefit from people being able to 'pop-in quickly after work'. Although will they suffer from being slightly distanced from Birmingham's close art scene in Digbeth? Probably not, but it's interesting to speculate. I will certainly be back to check out some of the forthcoming events.

It was a great show, we saw hamilton, good quality sound and comfortable seats, we had a nice tub…read moreof popcorn and the staff were friendly and helpful, hamilton is a great show and white it's in town I recommend you see it!

A grand old theatre, dating back to 1899, yet very comfortable, with great bars and the option of a…read morepre-show meal too. The Hippodome has brought wonderful shows to Birmingham for generations. Long May that continue

Steve Hillage Band 31 March 2023 in the Main Room.This was probably one of the most disappointing…read moreconcerts I have ever attended. The Venue is very quaint and the staff are extremely friendly (with the exception of the woman running the cloak room (£4 per coat). There is a nice bar and drink prices are not extortionate (£7 per pint). No cash taken, all transactions are using cards. The problem is the sound quality and I suspect the in-house PA system. The sound quality was absolutely horrendous. When the band hit certain frequencies it sounded like a chain saw going off. The abysmal sound quality totally ruined the concert. I think the band must have been aware of the sound issues as the seemed to pulling faces at each other. I certainly would not consider coming back to see any band at this venue. Such a shame.

This venue has changed hands and names more times than I care to remember. I have been going to…read moregigs, club nights and events at this venue for about 10 years, but I have only been to the venue as "The Institute" 2 or 3 times. The building itself is really quite beautiful. With a lovely stone entrance and lovely sandstone detail, you might have missed how nice it actually is when there are queues and queues of people waiting for gigs outside. The interior is quirky too. There are at least 3 different areas in this venue; the Library, the Institute and a roof area (which hosts private events). Last night I was at the venue to see Lamb at the Institute. Being a bit wise to door opening times vs. actual band times (and having been warned that the support act were a little sub par), we grabbed some food at Rico Libre before heading down to venue for 8:30pm. The doors were technically 7pm and the main act was due on stage at 9pm, so consider that a rough guideline to timings if you are planning to attend a gig here in the near future. Good job we had, had some drinks before the gig too! A pint will set you back £4.40 at this venue during a gig night (spirits are even more expensive). Saying that, the set up and sound were pretty good last night. I have attended nights where the sound has been pretty bad before, so I was pleased that the sound and lights were pretty good for last nights band. If you want a space at the front for a gig here, get to the venue early. Queuing for gigs normally starts pre-doors time and can get a little manic. If you're not fussed, head to venue around 1.5 to 2 hours after doors to casually saunter in, grab a pint, have time to use the facilities before catching the main act. This venue is A Ok. It's not the best I've been to before, but it's certainly not the worst.

I visited the Edge for an arts evening and was thrilled by what I found…read more Combining both a presentation by a local forrager and baker, a VJ or visual artist and a full size cinema screen with oil drum fires and free punch, i'd recommend the edge to anyone who wants to experience a distinctly different evenings entertainment. Inside there's what looks slightly ramshackle looking kitchen and toilet facilities but edge made the most of the large yard and really hosted a great event which will live on my memory as a memerable evening in Birmingham. I wonder what edge has up it's sleeve next!

The Edge is another one of those venues hidden away on the Bradford Street side of Digbeth. Be…read moreprepared to explain to a taxi driver exactly how to get there, and if you don't know how to get there yourself, the best thing to say is that it's up the road from The Fountain pub on Cheapside. I've been to this venue for an array of different performances and festivals such as Flatpack and Network Music Festival - and I think the space is perfect for emerging talent. I've never experienced a bad night at this venue, and I've also DJed here once. I'm usually quite scared and nervous when DJing, but the relaxed atmosphere contained inside The Edge gave me great confidence. Although it is another abandoned warehouse, there's this amazing secret vibrancy kept inside which is different from other venues, mainly expressed from the friendly staff and people. There are also permanent art fixtures on the walls, and the warehouse itself seems a lot cleaner and tidier inside when compared to other converted factories. The Edge also sells delicious brownies and other cakes and sweets, which take you back to your childhood days. Keep your eyes peeled for events here.