Top Nights Out In Birmingham; Broad Street, The Arcadian, Hurst Street

Whether you are a Brummy looking for something different, or a tourist looking for the best hotspots, these places are sure to equal a top night (and possibly, horrendous facebook photographs!)

1) Gatecrasher on the famous Broad Street. It had to be first on my list! Since opening in September 2008, replacing the old The Works nightclub, Gatecrasher has welcomed over a million clubbers through it’s doors. Recently voted as the best nightclub and overall venue in Birmingham, it also has titles of ‘Club of the Year’, and ‘Best of Broadstreet 2008 and 2009’ – It definitely deserves those titles. With 4 levels, 4 individual club rooms, 6 VIP/feature areas, and 9 bars, this club is definitely the biggest in Birmingham. Gatecrasher plays a huge selection of music genres depending on the club night. Friday’s is ‘Supersonic Vague’ – an indie night, whilst Saturday’s are purely dance, trance and R’n’B. For students, there are special student nights and reduced prices with a NUS card; definitely something I used and abused whilst at Uni! With special guest DJ’s, including TV stars, such as the ‘Inbetweener’s’, and Matthew Horne, and famous DJs, such as Deamau5, Calvin Harris and the Sweedish House Mafia, there is no wonder Gatecrasher is full almost every night. Gatecrasher is situated at the top of Broad Street- Birmingham’s busiest and most popular entertainment area, so a perfect place to end bar crawls.

2) Next on my list of top nights out in Birmingham is another venue on Broad Street; Bar Risa and Highlight Comedy Club. Bar Risa is another of Birmingham’s best clubbing venues and was the top place to go before Gatecrasher opened it’s doors! Since 2008, Bar Risa has been updated and renewed to compete with Mr GC, and to be honest has done a great job. Risa has 6 rooms and 7 bars, one which transforms to Highlight Comedy Club on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Highlight serves quality bar food, and is ideal for work, university and societies socials. Having a comedy club and nightclub in one is great to make a complete night out. However, my favourite night is probably the ‘I LOVE RISA’ Student Night on Wednesday’s, where upstairs plays the best of pop and cheese, whilst downstairs the best of R’n’B. Great drinks offers and always a great atmosphere.

3) The Arcadian. This is the name given to the area situated near Birmingham’s Hippodrome Theatre and China Town. Although not always as busy as Broad Street, The Arcadian is a good alternative place to go, especially in the summer as most of the bars and restaurants located here have balcony’s and gardens for ‘al fresco’ dining and drinking. It boasts a huge Oceana nightclub, a Reflex and a large selection of independent bars, such as Indi Bar and Arcabar. The Arcadian is also home to some fantastic restaurants and the Glee Club...

4) The Glee Club is a top comedy venue. When it first opened in 1994 it was the first club to present regular shows outside London. Regular nights have four comedians, but the club often welcomes touring comedy acts and groups. Always a great night out.

5) Live Music in the Jewellery Quarter. Perhaps the most famous of venues in the Jewellery Quarter is the Jam House, owned by Jools Holland. I have seen latin, rock and big blues bands play here, all which have been class acts. Classy and sophisticated, Jam House is a perfect place to go when looking for something extra special. Another popular live music venue is The Actress and Bishop, just down the road. On their Myspace page they claim to be ‘Birmingham’s favourite music pub’, and it definitely is mine! Live music in Birmingham doesn’t stop at the Jewellery Quarter though; remember to check gig listings at the new 02 Academy, the NIA, NEC and Symphony Hall.

6)The Hippodrome Theatre. If a night at the ballet, opera or theatre is more your thing you won’t be disappointed. The home of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Hippodrome is probably the best theatre outside London. In the next few months the Hippodrome is showing Hairspray, the Vagina Monologues, Blood Brothers, Romeo and Juilet ballet, Dick Whittington pantomine and more! The Birmingham Rep Theatre, Symphony Hall, and Alexandra Theatre are also in the centre of town and show a wide range of performances, musicals and plays – who needs the West End?

7) Food and Cocktails in the Mailbox. Very cosmopolitan, a step up from Broad Street and the Arcadian. Make mine a mojito!

8) The Gay Village – Hurst Street and Wrentham Street. There are many gay clubs and bars in Birmingham close to the Arcadian and Hippodrome area. The atmosphere is fantastic, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The Nightingale Club (or The Gale as it is fondly called) is the most established place to go, just having celebrated its 40^th birthday! Spread across 3 floors and welcoming guest DJs, celebrities and live acts, The Gale is always really popular. Club DV8 is another club in the Gay Village which promises a good night. Glamorous Show Bar (voted Best Midlands Gay Bar in 2008) has something for everybody; drag queens, vocalists, karaoke and male strippers. They have their own theme song (DON’T leave without hearing it!). Their website tagline is ‘Camp and Classy’, and I would say that is a definitely an accurate description of the place - I love it! The Village Inn and The Missing Bar also specialise in the gay cabaret scene and put on some amazingly entertaining acts.

9) The Custard Factory. An amazing venue, built 100 years ago by Sir Alfred Bird, the inventor of custard. 100 years ago it was a working factory, employing thousands of staff. Now, it has been transformed into offices, shops, art galleries, tea rooms and entertainment venues. The Custard Factory regularly hosts raves, club nights and balls in many different rooms, outside courtyard and (empty!) swimming pool. A top night out simply due to the fantastic and historic venue.

10) Broadway Plaza. Restaurants, Bars, Bowling, Cinema, Casino’s. Broadway Plaza is an entertainment centre which has a family vibe. Obviously not top of the list if you want a club night, but a perfect venue just to hang out with friends or family, or have a ‘movie and dinner’ date.

11) I know I was only going to do 10 points, but I can't help but add one more. I will keep it short - google 'The Electric Cinema, Brimingham'. It's the UK's oldest working cinema and it's gorgeous!

Birmingham is an incredible city and I bet you could find a thousand more top nights out, but still, these are my faves and I bet they will be yours too.

Thanks for reading my first ever hub (wooooo)

© Copyright 2010 fayehelen with all rights reserved.