Reviews & Features

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

Osman Yousefzada at Ikon by Sophie Bremner

“One dreams to the extent they can” Osman Yousefzada’s exhibition is humbling, diverse, and beautiful. The Birmingham-born fashion designer takes a look at the migrant experience in… Read more »

The Night Owl brings Northern Soul and Disco to International Dance Festival

The Night Owl brings Northern Soul and Disco to International Dance Festival

The soul and retro nightclub on Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth, is known to host all night parties of eclectic dancing and is now proud to bring some… Read more »

YMCA Birmingham to tackle huge rise in mental health problems

As Mental Health trended on Social Media for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, shocking reports are showing a huge rise in mental health problems. Research from the CIPD in association with… Read more »

New independent Irish bar D.J. Quinns to open on 1st June

New independent Irish bar D.J. Quinns to open on 1st June

Formerly known as Behan’s Bar, the large public house in Yardley Wood is being transformed by new owners and is currently undergoing an extensive renovation. Owned by… Read more »

Birmingham Craft Beer: The Growing World of the Traditional, Original and Small Batch in the City.

Is the haze craze getting you in a daze? Can’t decode the blackboard of beers at your local bar? What is the craic with untapped? Want to… Read more »

MJR Group push ahead with Digbeth Arena and The Mill music venues!

The Mill is located on Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth and is set to open in Autumn 2018 with a range of live music and DJ-led events. Following… Read more »

Plough Boca Grande Taqueria Summer Pop Up review

Plough Boca Grande Taqueria Summer Pop Up review

The Plough in Harborne has always been inventive with their food and drink offerings, and last summer saw the launch of their Boca Grande Tacos summer pop-up… Read more »

Cocktail evening inspired by Studio Ghibli review

Cocktail evening inspired by Studio Ghibli review

What I love about this job, is quite simply it continues to expand my mind and knowledge of food, drink and culture, whilst meeting some fascinating people… Read more »

Showcasing the Birmingham Royal Ballet by Imogen Burgoyne

In the world of elegant movements, stunning outfits and beautiful scores, the Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) thrills audiences from around the world with their display of artistic… Read more »

Midlands band The Lids return with new Single Delectable

Midlands band The Lids return with new Single Delectable

After playing Y Not, supporting The Sherlocks and endorsed by Premiere League winning Christian Fuchs, The Lids return with ‘Delectable’ Combine songs about teenage love affairs and… Read more »

New Independent Beer Festival Comes to Digbeth 20th – 22nd July!

A New Independent Beer Festival for The Midlands Comes to Birmingham A brand new independent beer festival is coming to the second city this summer, celebrating the… Read more »

Original Patty Men open their second establishment, Kilder Bar!

Original Patty Men open their second establishment, Kilder Bar!

Owners of Original Patty Men have opened their second establishment, Kilder. Situated next door to OPM, in one of the historic arches of Digbeth’s Shaw’s Passage, Kilder… Read more »

Birmingham’s Food Map Grows!

As the foodie map of Birmingham goes from strength to strength and the city’s streets become more excitingly laden with new places to try, Rhiannon Simpson founder… Read more »

Top 5 Birmingham Bakeries by Rhiannon Simpson

I have tried going carb free before, generally due to bikini times approaching but my down fall is always bread! The light fluffy delight that can be… Read more »

Birmingham Duo Launch New Craft Beer & Natural Wine Bar

Owners of Original Patty Men are opening their second establishment, Kilder on 20 April 2018. Situated next door to OPM, in one of the historic arches of… Read more »

Spring Market Cheese Festival at The Bond 21st April

Spring Market Cheese Festival at The Bond 21st April

On the 21st April 2018 Birmingham’s Seasonal Markets returns with their first ever themed market. The event will be taking place in our regular stomping ground –… Read more »

Teenage Cancer Survivor Launches Musical Campaign to Help Others

Teenage Cancer Survivor Launches Musical Campaign to Help Others

A 22-year-old Birmingham based cancer survivor who received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from her brother has launched a campaign to help others. Only two weeks before… Read more »

Digbeth Dining and Cafe Colette’s Sundown Club

Digbeth Dining and Cafe Colette’s Sundown Club

Situated within Birmingham’s creative quarter, it’s no wonder that Digbeth Dining Club offers a unique experience- perfect for the foodies amongst you. Arguably one of the coolest… Read more »

West Midlands filmmakers sign up Game of Thrones star for their latest film production

West Midlands filmmakers sign up Game of Thrones star for their latest film production

Game of Thrones star James Cosmo will play the lead role in the upcoming supernatural thriller Off Grid from West Midlands production company Dark Matter Films. Award-winning actor Cosmo… Read more »

The Kite Runner Review at The REP by Charlotte Burholt

The Kite Runner Review at The REP by Charlotte Burholt

Matthew Spangler’s adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is captivating from the moment the first kites grace the stage; free-flowing, dove-like and a reminder of the… Read more »

Free Things To Do In Birmingham by Imogen Burgoyne 

Free Things To Do In Birmingham by Imogen Burgoyne 

Whether it’s stepping away from the city centre to the peace of the countryside that you’re looking for, or immersing yourself in fascinating history and culture, Birmingham… Read more »

The Indian Streatery review by Lou Woodley

The Indian Streatery review by Lou Woodley

Myself and a friend were recently invited to review The Indian Streatery on Bennett’s Hill in Birmingham city centre. It was a busy Wednesday evening. We were… Read more »

The Wolf: St Patrick’s Day Irish Takeover review

The Wolf: St Patrick’s Day Irish Takeover review

Just a few minutes’ walk from Snow Hill Station, on the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, is The Wolf. It’s a new independent bar, and a Birmingham… Read more »

The Best Steaks in Birmingham by Rhiannon Simpson

The Best Steaks in Birmingham by Rhiannon Simpson

Carnivores rejoice here it is our top 5, independent sizzling steak spots in Brum town. The Red Lion This proper boozer set in the hub that is… Read more »

Lions of Dissent announce new single and Birmingham live date

After the release of their debut EP, rotation on BBC 6 Music and selling out their debut live show in November 2017, Lions of Dissent return with… Read more »

GorillaBot release new video I’m Just a Robot

GorillaBot follow up last year’s debut EP Malware with new video I’m Just a Robot. There are many great bands in this city but none as mysterious… Read more »

The Best Vintage Shops in Birmingham by Katie Ambler

The Best Vintage Shops in Birmingham by Katie Ambler

With vintage and retro garments becoming increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that Birmingham offers an array of vintage shops to accomplish that perfect look. If you are… Read more »

5 Places I Would Travel to if I Won the Lottery

5 Places I Would Travel to if I Won the Lottery

When we talk about ‘winning’ the lottery, we think about that elusive jackpot which is worth millions of pounds. Most of us secretly (and sometimes not so… Read more »

Quarterworkshop Ring-Making review

Quarterworkshop Ring-Making review

Nestled in the heart of Birminghams thriving Jewellery Quarter lies a gem of a place. The Quarterworkshop is situated in the quirky old Coffin works museum and… Read more »

The Winslow Boy review by Ieva Staveckaite

Based on the real life events of George-Archer Shee, Terrance Rattigan’s ‘The Winslow Boy’ (performed at The Rep) offers a captivating family drama based on a fight… Read more »

Ikon Gallery Bringing bold artists to Brindley Place in 2018

Ikon’s 2017 was nothing short of brilliant. Late November saw the close of an exhibition of German artist Kathë Kollwitz, curated in partnership with The British Museum…. Read more »

Film Birmingham launch FilmApp Birmingham

Film Birmingham today announced the launch of FilmApp Birmingham – a new online application tool for filmmakers: https://app.apply4.com/filmapp/uk/birmingham  Designed to support the city’s rapidly expanding film industry, FilmApp Birmingham… Read more »

Indico Indian street kitchen review

Indico Indian street kitchen review

I’ve passed Parkgate Shopping Centre, Stratford Rd, Shirley many times and until now, I’ve only seen it as an inconvenience, as I always end up in the lane… Read more »

Rainbow Venues welcome new drug policy recommendation by Police Commissioner

The team behind The Rainbow Venues in Birmingham, UK have welcomed recommendations for a new regional drug policy put forward by West Midlands Police Commissioner David Jamieson…. Read more »

Brief Encounter at The REP review Charlotte Burholt

Brief Encounter at The REP review Charlotte Burholt

Kneehigh Theatre’s reimagining of Brief Encounter is a touching and refreshing look at a classic tale of love. It is the story of an impossible dilemma; the… Read more »

Treeline by Salt Road: Exploring Birmingham as a Biophilic city

Unbeknown to some, Birmingham has pioneered an integrated approach to environmental and health problems. In fact, it is intent on becoming the UK’s first ‘natural capital city’… Read more »

Natural Healthy Foods review by Kristin Guzder

With a 360% increase in British people adopting plant-based eating in the last decade it is undeniable that the life style choice is becoming increasingly mainstream. While… Read more »

Fressh Vegan Eatery review

Fressh Vegan Eatery review

I’d heard so many great things about Fressh, a plant-based food haven for veggies and vegans alike. Therefore, I was more than excited to go and try… Read more »

The Closure of The Rainbow Venues – The Easy Way Out?

It’s late on Halloween and my housemates and I are enjoying a party, oblivious to the tragic event unfurling in the going-out venue of choice for many… Read more »

Food, Drink & Discovery on Birmingham’s Canals

The Birmingham canals have evolved from their role as the beating heart of the industrial revolution to be a charming hub of culture and relaxation for all… Read more »

Best Art Galleries in Birmingham by Elin Kaemmer-Bailey

Best Art Galleries in Birmingham by Elin Kaemmer-Bailey

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) first opened in 1885. The gallery, in Chamberlain square, is a very popular landmark in Birmingham…. Read more »

The Best Student Bars in Birmingham

The Best Student Bars in Birmingham

Birmingham is Britain’s second largest student city, with five universities: Aston, Birmingham City, the University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham and Newman University College. Aston (rated 33rd in… Read more »

Wedding Rebels on The March to Brum

Wedding Rebels on The March to Brum

Rebel brides and grooms from across the UK are heading to Birmingham’s Eclectic Wedding Extravaganza 2018 show this March to defy tradition, decline the ordinary and push their personalities… Read more »

The Best Wine Bars in Birmingham

The Best Wine Bars in Birmingham

With the growing number of cocktail bars and ale drinking establishments, it may be easy to overlook some of the plush wine bars in Birmingham. This list… Read more »

Mr Jerk serves up a Jamaican BBQ on Don’t Tell the Bride

Mr Jerk serves up a Jamaican BBQ on Don’t Tell the Bride

Birmingham Street Food Trader Mr Jerk serves up a Jamaican BBQ for Black Country Couple on Don’t Tell the Bride Adrenaline junkie Mark wanted to fly high… Read more »

Rhiannon Simpson’s Top 6 value for money eats in Birmingham!

Rhiannon Simpson’s Top 6 value for money eats in Birmingham!

The season of twinkly lights and Christmas do’s is over, indulgence on all levels has occurred and you are looking to dine but not dent the bank!… Read more »

Best Restaurants with vegetarian options in Brum’s China Quarter

Being a foodie with dietary requirements, on some occasions, can; be a bane of one’s social life. However, the China Quarter in Birmingham is a food haven… Read more »

The Best Spas in Birmingham

With the constant stresses of Christmas shopping and temperatures plummeting daily, winter can often seem an altogether long and dreary season. To combat the winter blues, Grapevine… Read more »

A Guide to Birmingham’s Best Theatres

A Guide to Birmingham’s Best Theatres

One of the most exciting elements of Britain’s second city is its growing theatre scene, providing an impressive depth and variety: from musicals and opera to innovative… Read more »

Low N Slow’s El Borracho Kitchen Takeover review

Low N Slow’s El Borracho Kitchen Takeover review

Part two of my Sunday pop-up tour, took me to the exquisite surroundings of Emma-Louise Yufera’s ‘El Borracho de Oro, Tapas and Wine Bar’ in Edgbaston. The… Read more »