Reviews & Features

Our reviews and ‘best of’ articles relating to music, food, art, shopping and more in and around Birmingham.

A Beer Central Special Brummie Brew for Festival!

A Beer Central Special Brummie Brew for Festival!

Grapevine was recently invited a very special open day at Dig Brew Co. where the guys at Beer Central Festival had gathered together some of the region’s… Read more »

Lasan Review by Ollie Lloyd

It’s been a few years since my first visit to Lasan, tucked down James Street, a stones throw from St Paul’s Square. Upon entering the restaurant I… Read more »

TAPS Beer Festival Review

TAPS Beer Festival Review

The afternoon of Saturday 30th March, I decided to take a trip to TAPS Beer Festival which was taking shape at the recently refurbished Custard Factory Hall… Read more »

Hyatt Regency – Aria Restaurant Review

Hyatt Regency – Aria Restaurant Review

A recent invitation to sample the Hyatt Regency’s Aria restaurant new Spring menu, was greeted with intrigue, particularly as I had enjoyed my last visit to their… Read more »

Edmond De Bergerac REP Review

Edmond De Bergerac REP Review

The 36-year-old, Paris born and multitalented playwright, Alexis Michalik, surprises Birmingham with his celebrated play of Edmond de Bergerac which has been successfully running in France since… Read more »

Wing Wah review by Zoe Hornby-Walsh

Wing Wah review by Zoe Hornby-Walsh

Having relocated its restaurant to the Chinese Quarter in Birmingham’s City Centre, you wouldn’t have known what you were about to walk into. Walking down a very… Read more »

Laghi’s deli review by Rhiannon Simpson

I’ve had the joy of dog sitting this last week, an absolute gem of a Labrador. Not wanting my new 4 legged side kick Juno to get… Read more »

Birmingham’s Coolest & Best Bars

Birmingham’s Coolest & Best Bars

Birmingham has a growing selection of cool hang outs and bars. But what makes a bar “cool” and stand out above the rest. It’s subjective of course,… Read more »

A Night of Food & Drink in the Jewellery Quarter by Ollie ‘Yardbird’ Lloyd.

A Night of Food & Drink in the Jewellery Quarter by Ollie ‘Yardbird’ Lloyd.

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter may be known for its gold, silver and stones, yet since the licensed renaissance of the area a few years ago, there are many… Read more »

Bodega Cantina review by Rhiannon Simpson

Bodega Cantina review by Rhiannon Simpson

A cold January night made all the more bright with a colourful trip to Bodega. Bodega has stood the test of time and still delights. Its fine… Read more »

Arch 13 Toastie & Wine review by Zoe Walsh

Arch 13 Toastie & Wine review by Zoe Walsh

Arch 13 will have you melting for more. Their latest toastie offer, paired with one of their finest wines, will have you counting the clock until your… Read more »

A movement that can’t be ignored – The Best Vegan Cuisine in Birmingham

Christmas over indulgence true to you? Vegetarian but considering vegan? Embarking on Veganuary for a challenge? As the fastest growing food movement in the world, restaurants are… Read more »

Birmingham’s Oldest Recording Studios Rock On

Built in 1872, the ornately Victorian No. 16 Grosvenor Road, today, sits unassumingly in the middle of a Perry Barr street. However, sat amid the fascinating mish mash… Read more »

New Kids on the Culinary Streets of Brum

Our city is paired in Michelin goodness with Edinburgh to have the most accoladed dining spots outside of the big smoke. Our homegrown talent continues to grow… Read more »

What to do if you absolutely cannot avoid being in Birmingham

Whilst the thought of having to spend time in Birmingham was once a daunting inevitability, the city now boasts a surprising array of enjoyable things to do…. Read more »

The Gentleman & Scholar Pub Menu Review

The Gentleman & Scholar Pub Menu Review

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to sample the food at the Gentleman & Scholar Pub inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Guests can enjoy a… Read more »

Festive Things to do in Brum by Rhiannon Simpson

Tis the season to… Buy Local Medicine Bakery– Market Place 1-14 Dec As if I needed more of an excuse to visit the alchemists of buttery goodness… Read more »

All Greek Street Food review by Ollie Lloyd

All Greek Street Food review by Ollie Lloyd

Tucked down Stephenson Street just by the Grand Central Station mirrored ‘eye’ entrance is a little food outlet that has brought authentic Greek kebabs to another level…. Read more »

The Polaris Festival 2018 review By Rachel Bambrough

The Polaris Festival 2018 review By Rachel Bambrough

An unimaginable experience with panoramic views in its unique natural beauty, dramatic surroundings. An environment where all are welcome whether you have a beard, beanie or a… Read more »

Ocho Tapas Review by Ollie Lloyd

Ocho Tapas Review by Ollie Lloyd

We all need tapas in our lives, so when I was invited to the launch of Ocho in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, my brain and belly did a… Read more »

Re-opened Buzz Bingo Becomes Great Park’s Latest Nightlife Addition

Re-opened Buzz Bingo Becomes Great Park’s Latest Nightlife Addition

The national bingo chain Buzz Bingo has recently re-opened their Great Park site in B45 following a complete overhaul of the previous venue, opening its doors as… Read more »

GLM Foodbank Services and Homeless Project

GLM Foodbank Services and Homeless Project

Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre are currently working on a number of projects such as a foodbank, food kitchen for the homeless and a big elderly… Read more »

Lauryn Hill at Arena Birmingham by Rhiannon Storer

‘As we all know, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill came out in 1998. So you’re either from that era or your parents are,’ said Hill’s DJ Reborn… Read more »

Heart of Darkness review by Charlotte Burholt

Imitating the dog’s take on Joseph Conrad’s seminal Heart of Darkness is innovative and bold; yet the production fails to create a fully formed theatrical experience. Structured… Read more »

The Surrenders Unplugged at Actress & Bishop review

The Surrenders Unplugged at Actress & Bishop review

It’s a cold late October night and myself and a mate are headed to The Actress & Bishop music pub. I know the Actress well and was… Read more »

Bored in Birmingham? Do Something Different

If you’re looking for things to do in the night time or the day, sometimes it’s hard to find fresh ideas, especially in your own city. Whether… Read more »

Tom Misch Gig at O2 Academy Review by Rhiannon Storer

“You should come south of the river – this is where it all starts.” And maybe he’s right. The Dulwich- born guitarist is celebrating what has been… Read more »

Polaris Festival Reveals Line Up of its 4th Edition!

Polaris, the mountain-top festival in Verbier, Switzerland, returns for its fourth edition, from Thursday 29th November – Sunday 2nd December. Set in a beautiful mountain-top alpine village, Polaris… Read more »

Q & A with Local Photographer Jack Spicer Adams

Hello Jack, We have been rubbing shoulders so to speak since my early days with Grapevine. You were photographer at the first Dine Birmingham event at Millennium… Read more »

Aluna restaurant review by Rhiannon Simpson

A golden Tuesday autumn evening had us delighting in the new menu launch at Aluna restaurant in the Mail Box. Arriving as the sun began to glisten… Read more »

Five Whisky Cocktails Everyone Should Try

As all whisky connoisseurs know, only Scotch can be spelt whisky, all others are spelt ‘whiskey’. Many will say that to use Scotch in a cocktail would… Read more »

The Pint Shop Food & Drink Review

The Pint Shop Food & Drink Review

When I heard there was yet another bar to open, top of Bennett’s Hill, off New Street, I immediately thought large chain, commercial, cheesy decor and somewhere… Read more »

The Sunday Times Crowns Digbeth Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain!

‘More reasons to hang out after hours’ at The Custard Factory The Sunday Times has christened Digbeth the ‘Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain’ in its guide to the… Read more »

The Mill Digbeth Opens Its Doors!

The Mill Digbeth Opens Its Doors!

The Mill, a new 1600 capacity live music and events space opened in Digbeth, Birmingham over the weekend; 3 days which saw almost 4000 revellers cross the threshold.  Located… Read more »

The Rebel Chicken review

The Rebel Chicken review

For the last few weeks, I have been dreaming of a chicken burger. Don’t ask me why.. not something I normally crave, but it was there, lodged… Read more »

Akamba – A hidden gem in Shirley

As we wave a super summer goodbye, autumn is truly beginning to tickle and that was the case the Saturday evening we visited Akamba. As we entered… Read more »

From fab food to terrific tech Brums buzzing for business

If the Midlands was the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Birmingham’s it’s beating heart. And it still excels as an economic centre — Business Birmingham reports that… Read more »

Lions of Dissent present video to accompany new vinyl release

HONEY FROM HELL Lions of Dissent present beautifully brutal video to accompany new vinyl release After a busy summer of activity, including headlining Birmingham’s well renowned Hott… Read more »

Five of the Best Date Destinations in Birmingham

Five of the Best Date Destinations in Birmingham

We might be a little biased but, in our humble opinion, Birmingham is one of the best cities in the world. Chic, cosmopolitan and most definitely up-and-coming, it… Read more »

Did You Know that Birmingham City Council Streams its Sessions Online?

Did You Know that Birmingham City Council Streams its Sessions Online?

Many people who hear about Birmingham or think about paying it a visit picture the city’s immense historical and cultural landmarks. Areas like the Tolkien Trail or… Read more »

Pint Shop Birmingham to open October 2018

Pint Shop Birmingham to open October 2018

Pint Shop will open it’s doors this October on Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham bringing it’s brand of fresh, seasonal British produce and fantastic selection of local and national… Read more »

The Best Brunches in Birmingham

The Best Brunches in Birmingham

We have Brum Brunch Covered. I had always been lead to believe that brunch, that delightful meal that is sandwiched between breakfast and a late lunch was… Read more »

Bright Minds Daycare Summer Open Day 20th July 2018

On Friday 20th July, Bright Minds Daycare will be opening their doors to their magical Edgbaston nursery to all parents living in Birmingham to showcase their incredible… Read more »

Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival review – Sunday!

Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival review – Sunday!

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival was founded in 2010. Since that time this mini-music-festival has welcomed some of the world’s most legendary musicians to the leafy… Read more »

Deap Vally live at Castle & Falcon review

The Castle & Falcon continues to draw in the crowds for its live music events, and last Monday we had the pleasure of reviewing Deap Vally. In… Read more »

The Jailbird Cocktail Masterclass Review

The Jailbird Cocktail Masterclass Review

The Jailbird is Birmingham’s New York seafood & steak restaurant and cocktail lounge. Situated facing onto the beautiful Victoria Square, this cool establishment is the latest offering… Read more »

Sun and the city: Birmingham’s best rooftop gardens

Sun and the city: Birmingham’s best rooftop gardens

I am like a stuck record currently, a Victor Meldrew, ‘I just can’t believe how hot it is!’ I am certainly not grumbling but after a hard… Read more »

Digbeth Dining Club Review June 2018

Digbeth Dining Club Review June 2018

For those that don’t know, Digbeth Dining Club is a shining light, flying the Brummie ‘Forward’ flag every Thursday, Friday and Saturday across a complex of four individually… Read more »

Birmingham’s culture for visitors by Imogen Burgoyne

Birmingham is a vibrant hub of culture and tradition where the streets teem with history, the arts, and a chance to explore a fascinating heritage. Sometimes referred… Read more »

BE FESTIVAL – The soul of Europe in the heart of Birmingham

BE FESTIVAL – The soul of Europe in the heart of Birmingham

BE FESTIVAL, Birmingham’s annual summer festival of international performing arts, returns to Birmingham Repertory Theatre from 3 – 7 July. Serving up Europe’s frontline artists to Birmingham… Read more »