Top Tips
student nights... 
EDDIES Rock Club
EDDIES Student Night is EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, entry is only £2 Between 10pm & 11pm and £3 afterwards.
EDDIES also run 'CLUB TRON' a Goth/EBM/Industrial Night on the 1st Friday of the Month.
Sports Cafe
Seduction on Friday nights - Free entry for student card holders all night and £1.50 drinks all day and night till 3:00 am
Bar Risa
Check out "I Love Risa" on Broad Street every Wednesday. It is the city's only official student night of all four universities - Birmingham, Aston, UCB and BCU.
music scene... 
Birmingham sees the world's best artists take to the stages of outstanding venues, week in, week out. Symphony Hall, acclaimed for the purity of its sound, is in the heart of the city. Live music fills the air at O2 Academy, while The NEC and NIA are still the place to catch the world's best bands.
July sees the annual Birmingham Jazz Festival drawing in thousands of fans and musicians from all over the world. Held over ten days, it's got more jazz per square metre than New Orleans.
Reflex, Broad St
An 80's bar - excellent for a fun lively night out. Now has a diner and karaoke booth. The karaoke booth can accomodate up to 12 people and has all the classic karaoke tunes. The diner is great value and brilliant for big groups.
Suggested by Laura.
Walkabout Birmingham
At Walkabout Birmingham there is always something going on. We insist you let loose and release the inner Aussie...Walkabout, Partying 8 Days a Week!
The Rainbow & The Hare & Hounds
The Rainbow pub's a Digbeth institution (walk down the High Street past the Custard Factory...keep going...have faith...a little further...there it is. Expect to see some of the best up and coming bands and some rather fine DJ type nights. The Hare and Hounds pub is in Kings Heath and, just like The Rainbow, it's host to stacks of new bands and DJ's. Oh, there's The Flapper in central Birmingham too (down by the canal, behind the ICC). It's another pub with a good rep for putting on decent local and touring bands.
Suggested by The Baron.
The Victoria
The Victoria on John Bright Street is the talk of the town at the moment..They've got some of the best promoters in brum (coldrice, sweat, chicks dig jerks, enid blight on, bang bang) on board hosting nights, amazing beers / real ales / wines, and all home cooked food, along with art on the walls from local art collective Them Lot...
Rick's Garden Cafe Bar
Perfect for a lively night out to remember. During the day the skylight lets you enjoy your table on a street-side bistro, while at night relax under the stars. The cuisine is typically Mediterranean. The 'Live at the Hall' programme features an exciting range of live bands.
Oceana
This £5million development is Birmingham's largest late night entertainment venue. It's a unique and exciting club experience offering 'The World in One Night'. The 3,300 capacity venue consists of five bars, two nightclubs, a dining room and private VIP suites each with their own theme based on a famous world city, including New York Disco, Parisian Boudoir, Aspen Ski Lodge, Monte Carlo,Tokyo Wakyama and Reykjavik Icehouse.
Mechu
Indulge in the award-winning surroundings of this glamorous venue which boasts its own champagne bar, cocktail bar, late lounge and stunning outdoor terrace. As a space, Mechu offers flexibility and can accommodate groups of 5 to 500 for social gatherings, film shoots, fashion shows, meetings and much more.
The Jam House
An extremely popular venue in St Paul's Square just on the edge of Birmingham City Centre. The venue is supported by Jools Holland and is spread over three floors, holding up to 600 people with dining for over 150. International cuisine is served in the restaurant on the mezzanine floor overlooking the dance floor or alternatively bar snacks are available. Live entertainment is available every night. The Jam House is open for lunch and dinner.
Factory Club
Set around the swimming pool courtyard of a converted building that used to be a custard factory, the Factory Club is home to cracking music, a great organic menu, and an atmosphere that's more dynamic than most would usually associate with Digbeth. The building has a three-tiered, glass-fronted facade and its possible to sip drinks on the top floor and gaze down on the lively action and industrial architecture below. Music nights include name DJs and Asian underground bands.
O2 Academy
Popular live music venue and nightclub, famous for offering unrivalled live events the O2 Academy has a packed schedule of live gigs featuring bands like Sex Pistols, the Fratellis, Robyn and Alanis Morissette. There is also a constant selection of local and unsigned bands performing throughout the year.
Disagree? Any other suggestions?
Your Suggestion...
CloseGay and Lesbian... 
Gay Village
Make a beeline for the Gay Village which is located in the heart of the
city and boasts plenty of great places to eat, drink and party until
the early hours. The atmosphere in the Village is lively, friendly and
welcoming - but don't just take my word for it, get along there and
find out for yourself! Whether you're looking for a relaxing drink with
friends, a high-energy all-night party or an evening of fun cabaret,
you're sure to find something that takes your fancy!
The longest-established venue in the Gay Village is the Nightingale Club.
'The Gale', as it's lovingly known which celebrated its fortieth birthday in
2009.
Spread over three floors, the venue presents live entertainment
with top-name acts every Saturday night. It also boasts a large dance
arena, an outdoor beer garden and smoking area, and a restaurant.
Other nightclub-style venues of note in the Gay Village include Club Chic and Club DV8.
As well as the nightclubs, there are also many bars which are ideal for chilling out. The Loft Lounge,
for example, is a venue that's inspired by the 'New York City living'
concept, and is noted for its relaxed atmosphere and stylish
restaurant. Another place to grab a bite to eat is Equator, which serves both breakfast and brunch.
The Village Inn, Missing and Glamorous Show Bar,
meanwhile, are venues which specialise in presenting some of the
biggest names on the gay cabaret scene.
The new-kid-on-the-block is Eden, which opened in 2008 and provides regular live music and a great atmosphere.
The Gay Village also boasts a lesbian bar, The Fox, and a couple of venues which appeal mainly to men - Boltz and The Fountain Inn. Other venues of note in the Village are Angels Cafe Bar, Route 2 and The Wellington Hotel.
budget nights out - restaurants... 
Old Orleans
Old Orleans is a culinary explosion blending the cuisines of the American South, Creole and Cajun cultures.
The Old Joint Stock
Step inside this Grade II listed building and you will discover a truly breathtaking pub. Built in 1864 by a local architect, Julius Alfred Chatwin, the opulent finish and style complements the fantastic architecture and imposing glass-domed ceiling. Freshly prepared food is served from 12 noon each day with a full range of Fullers Ales, a local guest beer and an extensive wine list.
Apres
Apres has the feel of an exclusive European Chateau and now has sites open in Birmingham, Solihull and Broadway Plaza. Apres offers a relaxed, informal approach to dining with wood burned pizzas, pastas, sausage batons, paninis and mussels.
The Loft Lounge
The Loft Lounge is a
theStudio Restaurant
theStudio's second floor glass atrium restaurant and roof garden offers modern British cuisine in a relaxed environment. A great place to unwind with friends and colleagues. All our food is cooked fresh on the premises and sourced from local suppliers.
The Old Crown
Our restaurant is one of
splashing out - restaurants... 
Brindleyplace is home to some of the best eating in the city. Bank is a stylish fusion of French and British. Cielo does Italian, City Cafe the best of British. Thai Edge, Tin Tin and Shogun Teppan-Yaki cater for fans of Far Eastern cuisine.
Summerrow boasts two trend-setting bars in Apras and Mechu. Cornwall Street takes you past Purnell's, Metro Bar & Grill and Opus, all offering the highest quality food in the city's business district or head for Michelin-starred Simpsons in Edgbaston.
The Mailbox menu includes Strada, The Oriental and Red Peppers, all serving up contemporary canalside dining. Barflies will love Bar Room Bar, Bar Estilo and the Champagne and revolving piano of Bar Epernay. Hungry for more? There's great food to go with the live music at The Jam House and a host of top bars around The Arcadian, Broad Street and Hurst Street.
Rajdoot Restaurant
Rajdoot, located in the City Centre, is part of an award-winning chain of restaurants established in 1966 with branches throughout the UK and Europe. The highly skilled chefs from India create authentic north Indian cuisine with ingenuity and enthusiasm. The Tandoori (clay oven) preparations are a speciality.
Thai Edge
At Thai Edge, we aim to provide the very best in Thai cuisine in a specially designed, contemporary oriental setting, creating a most exciting and memorable dining experience. Thai cuisines are popular for their subtle blending of flavours, utilising herbs and roots to create a variety of tastes and textures.
Las Iguanas
The Latin American specialists who bring a twist to eating out, Las Iguanas deliver a menu bursting with fresh, tangy flavours, quality ingredients cooked fresh to order and inspiration from countries including Cuba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Superb service, cool, contemporary interior and a stunning cocktail menu complement the buzzing atmosphere.
Shogun Sushi & Noodle Bar
Shogun Sushi & Noodle Bar located at The Mailbox, is the undisputed master of Japanese cuisine, offering the best sushi in town. The noodle bar has a wide variety of delicious noodles while the Teppan-Yaki caters for connoisseurs
with meals cooked at the table.
Kinnaree Thai Restaurant
Kinnaree Thai Restaurant, named after The Kinnaree, a beautiful halfwoman half-swan creature from Thai mythology, opened on 7th June 2006 and serves authentic Thai cuisine seven days a week. Situated along the canalside at the
San Carlo Ristorante
San Carlo is not a theme restaurant. We are proud to provide the true essence of authentic Italian food with Italian director management and chefs. Using the finest ingredients, many of which are specially imported from
Strada
Strada offers diners a contemporary and stylish setting to enjoy a break from shopping, exploring the city's many sights and attractions or to unwind after a conference. The restaurant is also perfect for business lunches, informal parties and functions and has a menu dedicated to providing exactly the kind of rustic, traditional dishes one would expect to find travelling around
Mechu bar and grill
Our stunning boutique brassiere offers 120 covers and will infuse a sensational dynamic to the Summerrow experience. Expect an airy, fresh space that's full of personality and exquisite detail. Grab lunch, dine al fresco, mix and match menus then move into Mechu for a late-night cocktail. Marvellous!
Cielo
Based in the heart of the City Centre along the prestigious streets of Brindleyplace, Cielo is the perfect place for meeting, eating and sharing. Our tempting menu of over 75 elite dishes has been carefully deigned using the very finest and freshest Italian ingredients, all prepared and served to an xceptionally high standard.
Malmaison Brasserie
A beautifully designed modern brasserie, with plenty of natural light and full of little pockets of privacy, surrounded by walls lined with wine bottles. Offering a traditional brasserie dining experience with a modern twist and plenty of charisma.
Lasan Restaurant
Lasan was voted one of the 'Top 10 Indian Restaurants in the
Maharaja Restaurant
Opened in 1971 and serving genuine north Indian food, the Maharaja Restaurant is one of the oldest established Indian restaurants in
Itihaas Indian Restaurant
Winners of 'The Best Restaurant in the UK Award 2007', this £2 million project has fast become the place to eat and be seen in
Simpsons Restaurant with Rooms
Simpsons is a Michelin-starred restaurant presenting light, modern dishes based on classical French cuisine. It is situated on the Calthorpe Estate in a beautiful Georgian Grade II Listed Building with a restaurant and orangery seating 70, a separate lounge area and private dining room accommodating 18.
Asha's Indian Bar & Restaurant
Within 10 months of opening, Asha's already banked three national awards. Situated in
Ulysses Greek Restaurant
Ulysses Authentic Greek Restaurant is in a city centre location with ample parking to rear. Owned and run by a Greek family boasting a Greek chef, with many imported Greek foods and wines for our extensive menu, including vegetarian and organic choices. Live, traditional Greek music and dancing. Fully licensed bar. Small or large parties catered for in our recently refurbished restaurant, and always a warm welcome, Yia Mas.
The White Swan
Wine REPublic Restaurant & Bar
A bright and airy open-plan bar and restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, centrally located at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Freshly cooked and delicately flavoured cosmopolitan food is served in the restaurant, whilst the Wine Altar boasts a superb choice of 50 international wines at excellent prices for you to taste prior to selection.
Chung Ying Garden Cantonese Restaurant
OPUS Restaurant
OPUS Restaurant's modern British menu celebrates the seasonal variety of regionally sourced, quality produce. Our commitment is to free range meat and we have freshly caught wild fish delivered daily. All of our breads and desserts are homemade on the premises.
City Cafe
City Cafe features contemporary cuisine served in stylish surroundings. Innovative, modern European cuisine comes courtesy of City Cafe's head chef. Seasonal menus, vegetarian choices, healthy options and an extensive wine list can all be enjoyed in the stylish restaurant surroundings or on the alfresco terraces.
Disagree? Any other suggestions?
Your Suggestion...
Closepool halls... 
Rileys Pool, Snooker & Poker Club
21-22 Essex Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4TR
Tel: 0121 666 6811
Frames 6 Snooker & Social Club
233 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, West Midlands, B21 9RY
Tel: 0121 554 9546
Churchills Snooker Club
Piccadilly Arcade, Stephenson STreet, Birmingham, West Midlands B2 4HD
Tel: 0121 643 5251
Birmingham Pool League
192 Umberslade Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands, B29 7SQ
Tel: 07875 367234
Kings Snooker Club
50 York Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B14 7RZ
Tel: 0121 443 5255
bowling... 
cinema... 
VUE Cinema
Unit 29, Star City, Watson Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B7 5SA
Tel: 0871 2240 240
The Electric Cinema
47 Station Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DY
Tel: 0121 643 7879
AMC Theatres of UK Ltd
Broadway Plaza, 220 Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B16 8EU
Tel: 0870 755 5657
Odeon Cinema
139 New Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4NU
Tel: 0871 224 4007
theatre & concert venues... 
Town Hall
Following its closure in 1996 and a £35m renovation, the Grade 1 listed Town Hall Birmingham re-opened in October 2007 as a flexible, world-class venue with 1,100 seats. Managed and programmed jointly with the Symphony Hall, it will welcome everyone with an exciting and varied programme of over 300 concerts and events each year, involving local, national and international performers.
Symphony Hall
With its world-class acoustics and stunning auditorium, Symphony Hall is considered to be not only the UK's finest concert hall but also one of the best in the world. It promotes its own season of prestigious international orchestras and is also home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Complementing the programme is the best in jazz, world music, folk, rock, pop and stand-up comedy.
CBSO
The CBSO is widely acknowledged as one of the world's finest musical ensembles. The Orchestra performs around 75 concerts each year as the resident orchestra of Symphony Hall and also acts as a cultural ambassador for Birmingham when it performs in other UK venues and overseas.
The Crescent Theatre
The Crescent Theatre is one of Birmingham's oldest theatres with a reputation for producing high quality entertainment at affordable prices. Located just off Broad Street, the theatre is part of the Brindleyplace development and celebrated its 7th anniversary in 2007.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
One of Britain's most successful producing theatres, having achieved national recognition and prestigious awards for the quality, excitement and innovation of its programme. Classic, contemporary new plays and dance are staged in its 850 seat Theatre. The 140 seat studio, The Door, is dedicated to new writing.
Birmingham Hippodrome
Since its award-winning £35m redevelopment, Birmingham Hippodrome is now one of the UK's finest theatres, boasting a superb range of conference and meeting rooms on site, along with outstanding in-house catering and technical support. The theatre itself has a 1,850 auditorium plus a new 200 seat studio space ideally suited to seminars, presentations and a flexible 120-cover restaurant.
Alexandra Theatre
The Alexandra Theatre located in Birmingham City Centre is one of the top touring theatres in the country, featuring a wide range of entertainment from West End musicals, dramas and comedies to one night concerts.
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Great restaurants, funky bars, live music, top shows. Birmingham has it all and then some.
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Skint. Penniless. Flat out broke. All that's needed is a little creative thinking.
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Impress the folks by taking them somewhere fancy. Show them how cultured you really are.
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Eat, drink and be merry without breaking the bank. Sounds like a plan to us.
My Birmingham
| Name: | Asif |
| Age: | 20 |
| University: | Aston University |
The city is extremely multi-cultural, with fantastic shopping and some of the best clubs and curry houses in the Midlands - what more could you ask for?!
