Nestled round the back of Birmingham’s Snow Hill station on One Colmore Square, only 10 minutes’ walk from both New and Moor Street stations sits the newly opened Society. I confess, I’d missed the launch of this shiny addition to Birmingham’s social scene in September when it opened but when lucky enough to be invited to sample its “Festive Feast”, I jumped at the chance.
What can you expect to find there? Well, according to their website: Society Birmingham is home to five independent kitchens each hosted by a talented food trader as well as an expansive craft beer bar, cocktail bar and coffee shop. Collaborating with the best local independent food businesses, Society brings everything together to create a social space that’s laid back, welcoming and filled with authentic, quality food and drink.
(Please note, the following are my observations only, if you have specific needs or requests, please contact the venue directly before your visit).
Upon our arrival, on a Thursday evening, we were first greeted by the venue’s friendly door staff and the sizeable main doors that lead into the open plan main area. The large, very well stocked bar is to your immediate right with the dining area in the middle consisting of tables and benches and the various kitchens running along the outside of the room.
If the accessibility of a space is a concern, there were wide walkways round the central area of tables, which themselves were relatively close together but freestanding so could be moved to accommodate a chair or scooter. There is also an additional small scattering of little tables and chairs at the far corner if back support is preferred rather than benches.
Although the floor design consisted of several different colours, I didn’t see any transition strips which, although not mentioned anywhere online, along with some other design choices felt purposeful and inclusive. Might as well cover the bathrooms too whilst I’m at it but can only give insight into the ladies… lots of stalls, lowered sinks and hand dryers with big mirrors, job done. Again, no transition strips that I could see and of course accessible toilet. I didn’t take a mental note of baby changing areas at the time I’m afraid, I’ll ensure I do for any future reviews!
Right, onto the “Festive Feast”itself. We were treated to an eclectic mix of some “food court” classics each with their own festive twist. These included a Zucchini Christmas pizza from @amorepizzanapoletana (zucchini sauce base rather than tomato, hence the name); The Festive Banger from @shokupanmenu (sizeable doorstop sausage sandwich), All I Want For Christmas Burger and All The Trimmings Fries from @slapandpickles (cheeseburger WITH cake and sausage/cranberry loaded fries); Lobster And Prawn Boas from @manzokustreetfood and to finish Kinder Snow Zeppole
also from @amorepizzanapoletana (sweet doughball churros with sauce) and some pastries from the coffee bar.
My favourite of the night has to be the bao buns: generous portions, packed with flavour and light but filling. I’m a sucker for bao buns at the best of times but these were exceptionally good.
During the course of the evening, we were also able to sample 2 festive cocktails: a mulled negroni (which was a bit on the strong side for me) and a festive mule (which I could happily have drank all evening but grateful not to, seeing as it was a school night).
If you’re not in the mood for something alcoholic, another look at the website and we’re informed of: a full range of soft drinks outside of the usual suspects and a ‘No & Low’ alcohol beers and spirits. The coffee bar will bring artisan coffee, teas and soft drinks all served up from early morning.
So there you have it, hopefully a little something for everyone and a great night out. Sincere thanks to Siobhan and the team at Society for looking after us all night, I will definitely be visiting again to sample what the wider menus offer (and hopefully more of those bao buns).
Oh, and if you like the music when you go, make sure you look out for their live DJ!
Until next time.
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Words by Steph Urquhart for Grapevine Birmingham