The Actress and Bishop | Grapevine Birmingham

The Actress & Bishop first opened in 2003 and has since become one of the city’s most established live music venues.

Situated in the heart of St Pauls Square in The Jewellery Quarter, The Actress & Bishop remains a solid favourite for those seeking live music, with DJs and live musicians performing regularly. There is live music virtually every night, whether it be an open mic night or a full blown band upstairs, it is always an interesting and eclectic vibe.

The music you can expect to hear is varied, from experimental indie to rock covers, ska bands to rockabilly, acoustic to electronica it’s all covered here.

Many Brummies frequent the Actress for two main reasons, the support it shows to local musicians, and the late opening hours, both of which result in the venue being a relaxed hang-out for students and musos both old and young.

Based over two floors, the downstairs holds a DJ booth and huge bar with scattered seating and dance floor, the large room upstairs comprises of a stage for bands, sofa seating and an additional bar which can be hired out for events and meetings also. The outside seating offers a perfect location to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of St Pauls Square, busy on weekends and more chilled during the week.

Apart from the live bands and DJ’s, there is the added lure of regular drinks promotions to accompany the late opening hours. Check out the Monday quiz nights for some big prizes and give-aways. If you’re into history, you may be intrigued to know that the last public hanging in Birmingham took place in here, but if there are any ghosts… they’re more likely to be jiving to the bands than scaring the punters.