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Independent Birmingham

Your go-to guide to independent culture in Birmingham. Believe in Birmingham. Shop Local - Celebrate The Unique - Believe In Birmingham

Enjoy up to 25% off (alongside exclusive 2-for-1 offers, freebies, and more) at over 135 of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull with the IB App. Independent Birmingham is your go-to guide to discovering Birmingham’s independent culture. Dedicated to unearthing the very best of Birmingham’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets, we tour the city in search of the unique and the ins

piring – shedding light on these wonderful establishments so as to inspire you to rediscover your city, one hidden gem at a time. And now you can enjoy up to 25% off (alongside exclusive 2-for-1 offers, freebies, and more) at over 135 of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull with the Independent Birmingham App. Available to download now on Apple and Android, the IB App is your key to the city - allowing you to discover and support independents across Birmingham like never before, and making you fall in love with this city all over again. With a readership of over 100,000 unique visitors a month and a highly-engaged social media platform of over 125,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – with mentions in national newspapers (The Guardian, The Independent), named by Twitter UK as one to follow to discover Birmingham, named by The Birmingham Post as one of the 250 most influential people in the region, and named as one of Birmingham Live’s 30 Under 30 – Independent Birmingham has helped pave the way for independent businesses to blossom in the city and championed a revolution of local. Look out for our online guides and articles chronicling our journey of discovery, and then join our mission and support your independents with the Independent Birmingham App.

08/07/2024

🚨 NEW ADDITION 🚨 The fantastic Inji have joined the Independent Birmingham App, offering members: 25% off the bill (Monday - Thursday, 12pm - 5pm) or 10% off the bill (anytime) - meaning you can save on average £4 - £12 per visit 🔥🔥🔥

Read all about this ace indie restaurant serving up mouth-watering Kerala cuisine at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/profile/inji/

Then download the IB App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ and go enjoy the delightful tastes of Kerala, for less - courtesy of your pal Indy B!

Download the IB App now to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

04/07/2024

🍹🤩 BIRMINGHAM COCKTAIL WEEKEND IS ALMOST HERE 🤩🍹 Cocktail fans, this is your reminder that the truly awesome Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is back this month! Taking place on 11-14 July, this is your chance to explore Brum as you sip on signature serves from the best cocktail bars, pubs and restaurants in the city.

There's still time to grab your tickets (which you will then exchange for your wristband at the festival hub) and join in the cocktail-based fun! Your wristband gives you access to an exclusive £5 serve at each of the participating venues (or a £4 non-alcoholic version).

Whether you choose to dip in and out across the weekend or just enjoy a full day (or four!) of exploring the city one cocktail at a time, with loads of amazing venues involved there's so much fun to be had.

Venues taking part this year include: Chapter / The Church / Fox & Chance / Grain & Glass / Bodega Cantina / Gas Street Social / Qavali / Smoke + Ash / The Victoria / Mooncat and many more - so this is the perfect excuse to visit old favourites and new-to-you venues alike!

Don't forget there will be special food offers at lots of the participating venues (up to 25% off, exclusive menu items and more) and special events exclusive to festival goers including cocktail masterclasses, spirit tastings and lots more. These events usually sell out in advance so make sure you grab any remaining tickets (via their website) to these if they take your fancy.

Grab your tickets now for this unmissable event at: https://birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk

03/07/2024

🚨 NEW ADDITION 🚨 The awesome Seafood City have joined the Independent Birmingham App, offering members: 10% off the bill (meaning you save on average £5 - £7 per visit!) 🔥🔥🔥

Read all about this ace Louisiana-inspired seafood boil restaurant from the team behind Vietnamese Street Kitchen at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/profile/seafood-city/

Then download the IB App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ and go enjoy mouth-watering lobster rolls, crab, crawfish and more, for less - courtesy of your pal Indy B!

Download the IB App to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

02/07/2024

🐻 WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT SCULPTURE TRAIL 🐻 This summer (3 July - 6 September) join in the bear hunt to discover 10 beautifully-designed bear sculptures which will be dotted around Birmingham city centre in a fun-filled adventure trail which also supports Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Curated by Central BID and Wild In Art, you can download a trail map at: https://www.centralbid.co.uk/bear-hunt/ or pick one up at any of the bear sculptures, or at the Bullring Visitor Services desk. On the Central BID website is also information about all of the artists who have created the designs and illustrations for each bear. Be sure to scan the QR code at each bear to support the incredible work of Birmingham Children’s Hospital as you follow the trail around Brum city centre too.

This is a great excuse to get out and about in Brum city centre, and whilst you're exploring be sure to support the amazing array of independent businesses we have in Brum who help make our city so exciting and unique.

If you're looking to discover the very best independents across Brum, be sure to download our Independent Birmingham App (free to download at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/) 📱

Not only does the IB App have a fantastic database of 170+ independents you can discover and support (with a super helpful list and interactive map) but best of all - you can save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull if you sign up for IB Membership - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 🙌

So grab a trail map, then grab your friends and family, and get ready for some fun this summer - because we're all going on a bear hunt!

01/07/2024

☕😍 ENJOY £2 COFFEES + 25% OFF BRUNCH AT WAYLANDS YARD 😍☕ Coffee and brunch fans, we have a real treat for you - two special Independent Birmingham App deals coming your way. First up, this July you can enjoy any of the wonderfully delicious coffees at the fabulous Wayland’s Yard Birmingham for just £2 (everyday, between 2pm - 4pm). And then throughout August you can enjoy a whopping 25% off your brunch bill every Sunday (saving you around £4 per visit) 🔥💯

And if you can't make these times for these 2 terrific IB App deals, fear not - you can still enjoy the usual 10% off the bill (anytime) deal instead 🙌

This is your sign to drop everything and visit the excellent Wayland's Yard. From glorious coffees and hot drinks, to mouth-watering brunch dishes - they're one of Brum's very best cafes and brunch spots. And now you can enjoy £2 coffees in July and 25% off brunch on Sundays in August - all courtesy of your pal Indy B!

Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

Now that's how you support local in style!

30/06/2024

🎭 ENJOY £15 OFF TICKETS TO BIRMINGHAM OPERA COMPANY 🎭 If you've walked around town lately and spotted this HUGE tent in Smithfield and thought 'what is this all about?' then let us clue you in: we know it's not our usual foodie based content but hear us out - Birmingham Opera Company put on some really brilliant events. Like really brilliant, and wacky, and wild - always held in awesome and unique spaces. Their next production, New Year, is taking place this 7 - 13 July (inside this giant Dream Tent) and we're hailing it as unmissable.

Best of all, you can enjoy £15 off your tickets for opening night (7 July) courtesy of your pal Independent Birmingham. Simply head to their website (https://www.birminghamopera.org.uk/new-year) and grab your IB tickets for the show - these discounted tickets are super limited, so if you don't want to miss out be sure to snap them up fast before they're all gone!

The awesome Birmingham Opera Company are all about creating the unexpected and showcasing opera in new and exciting ways. They will be putting on a new production this July with the aim of making opera accessible and relevant to all audiences, by making the entire city their opera house.

Their brand new production of Michael Tippett's 'New Year' features a handful of extremely talented professional soloists and dancers alongside an enthusiastic cast of volunteer actors and chorus and led by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). BOC have been given permission to adapt sections of the work to bring a more modern spotlight across it, whilst the original music remains intact. This new and exciting adaptation takes place from 7 – 13 July at the Dream Tent on the Smithfield site and we are hailing it as totally unmissable! Expect the unexpected.

Check out these photos of their fantastic past productions to see what Birmingham Opera Company is all about - and then get booking those tickets!

Find out more about this fantastic production and book your tickets now at: https://www.birminghamopera.org.uk/new-year

26/06/2024

🚨 NEW OPENING 🚨 A brand new experimental dining restaurant from the team behind The Wilderness has now opened 🤩

Albatross Death Cult (or Albatross for short) is the new sibling restaurant to rock 'n' roll fine dining restaurant The Wilderness. With only 14 seats centred around a monolithic kitchen counter for one sitting per service, expect a mouth-watering tasting menu of 12+ dishes (consisting of mostly seafood and coastal ingredients) served directly by the chefs. This is a hugely exciting new addition to Brum's dining scene, and because it's from the team who brought us The Wilderness we know it's going to be insanely good. Get booking a table now at: https://www.exploretock.com/adc for a truly unmissable foodie experience.

Fancy winning a FREE tasting menu for 2 + drinks flight at Albatross (a prize worth over £300) then enter our fab competition over on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/independentbirmingham/

Give Albatross a follow to see what they're all about - and then be sure to go visit and support them when you can!

Remember, you can enjoy 20% off Tasting Menus (Wednesday - Thursday, valid for up to 2 people) at The Wilderness with the Independent Birmingham App - meaning you save £38 - £50 per visit!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Download the IB App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

📷 Tom Bird

25/06/2024

☀️ BEER GARDEN APPRECIATION POST ☀️ Summer is officially here (for a week at least), which means it's finally beer garden weather! We have some really ace beer gardens here in Brum, but one we'd like to highlight is this glorious spot at the fantastic The Blue Piano in Edgbaston 😍🍺

Go drink some nice cold pints (or whatever you fancy, of course) with your mates, chow down on some delightful South East Asian dishes, and soak up that wonderful summer sunshine in style - all whilst supporting a fab local independent business 🙌💯

24/06/2024

☀️ BEER GARDEN APPRECIATION POST ☀️ It's set to be a heatwave this week and that means one thing - it's officially beer garden weather! There are some really fab beer gardens in Brum and across the 'burbs. One of our very faves is definitely this absolute beauty of a canal-side sun trap at rock 'n' roll live music venue and pub The Flapper 😍

Go support local whilst soaking up that glorious summer sunshine.

16/06/2024

🚨 NEW OPENING 🚨 The highly anticipated new bar from the team behind 1000 Trades has now opened in Bearwood 🙌💯

A brand new tearoom, bar and kitchen (serving food created by Masterchef The Professionals winner Dan Lee, alongside coffee, natural wine, craft beer and more), 1000 Trades On The Park has now officially opened in the beautiful Grade II listed Lightwoods House (located in Lightwoods Park in Bearwood).

Be sure to go visit and support them when you can (and be sure to pop into their JQ pub too!).

📷 Owen De Visser
https://www.instagram.com/luxgalleryuk/

12/06/2024

🌈 QUEENS HEATH PRIDE 🌈 On Sunday 23 June, the brilliant Queens Heath Pride returns for another terrific celebration of all things love. Expect a parade down York Road, cabaret and circus performers, amazing food from local independents (keep an eye out on their socials for Queens Heath Pride specials), live music courtesy of the legendary Hare & Hounds, an artisan market from the team behind Birmingham Artisan Markets (which will be taking place on Heathfield Road), special events, after-parties, and so much more!

In addition to the celebrations on York Road and the artisan market on Heathfield Road, Kings Court will also transform into Queens Court - with various events happening there too. It's all going on!

Give Queens Heath Pride a follow to keep up-to-date on everything that will be happening on Sunday 23 June - and then get ready for a fun-filled and wholesome day celebrating love ❤️🙌

📷 https://www.instagram.com/eilnworb/

10/06/2024

🔥 50% OFF FOOD AT ZINDIYA 🔥 That's right folks, you can now enjoy a massive 50% off the brand new Curry Menu at the brilliant Zindiya (Tuesday - Thursday, 5pm - 6pm) with the Independent Birmingham App - meaning you save on average £10 per visit 🙌💯

If you can't make that time for this terrific off-peak deal, you can still use the 20% off the bill (Tuesday - Thursday, anytime) deal instead - which saves you around £5 - £7 per visit!

Alongside their ever epic street food menu, Zindiya have made an exciting addition to their glorious offering with their brand new dhaba style curry menu, featuring mouth-watering dishes such as: butter chicken, lamb curry, paneer makhani, prawn curry, daal makhani and more - all served with a selection of tasty breads and rice, perfect for soaking up those delicious flavours.

This is your sign to book a table at one of Brum's very best Indian street food restaurants, and tuck into their epic dishes and slurp on their delightful cocktails - all whilst making some massive savings in the process, courtesy of your pal Indy B!

Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

06/06/2024

🔥 ENJOY 50% OFF AT THE BRILLIANT SOI 1268 BY BUDDHA BELLY 🔥 That's right folks, you can now enjoy a whopping 50% off the bill (Wednesday - Thursday, before 6pm) at Soi 1268 by Buddha Belly with the Independent Birmingham App - meaning you save on average £10 - £15 per visit 😍😍😍

And if you can't make that time for this terrific off-peak deal, you can still use the 10% off the bill (Wednesday - Thursday, dinner + Friday - Saturday, lunch) deal instead 🙌💯

Soi 1268 is the debut restaurant from the team behind one of Brum's favourite (and very best) street food traders Buddha Belly, serving up their unbelievably EPIC Thai dishes in their super cool Stirchley restaurant. Be sure to book a table ASAP and go stuff your face with their mouth-watering dishes - all whilst making some massive savings in the process, courtesy of your pal Indy B!

Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

📷 https://www.instagram.com/tomxpreece.photos/

05/06/2024

🤩🐠 ENJOY UP TO £20 OFF AT MICHELIN RECOMMENDED CHAKANA 🐠🤩 Foodies of Brum and beyond, you can now enjoy a fantastic 30% off the bill (for tables seated up to and including 6:30pm on Wednesday - Thursday + up to and including 12:30pm on Saturday) at the brilliant Chakana with the Independent Birmingham App - meaning you can save up to £20 off your visit 🔥🔥🔥

If you can't make that time for this terrific off-peak deal, you can still use the 10% off the bill (excluding Friday and Saturday evenings, after 6pm) deal instead - which saves you around £5 - £10 per visit 🙌💯

If you're yet to visit the incredible Michelin recommended Chakana to indulge in their mouth-watering and super pretty Peruvian dishes, this is your sign to book that table. And if you have been, there's never been a better time to go again - foodie glory awaits!

Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

05/06/2024

🚨 NEW OPENING 🚨 The awesome Porto Douro are opening a brand new restaurant in Solihull 😍😍😍

Porto Douro is a terrific Portuguese restaurant (previously located in Acocks Green, where they've become a firm favourite of locals and foodies in the know with a menu that packs flavour punch after flavour punch). They now plan to relocate their popular restaurant to Solihull town centre (on Warwick Road, where Esabella's used to be). Make sure to go visit and support them when they open!

If you want to discover the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull, make sure to download our Independent Birmingham App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ 📱

You can save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at each of the venues listed on the IB App - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 🙌💯

Download the Independent Birmingham App, and then get out there and rediscover your city - one hidden gem at a time.

📷 Solihull BID

04/06/2024

Whisky tasting and Father's Day go together like Hall & Oates. It's a good thing then that we just happen to have one of the very best whisky bars in the UK right here in Brum. Book yourself a whisky tasting session at Grain & Glass, JQ (followed by an obligatory deli board, and maybe a few more bevs) and you'll definitely win at Father's Day. Because that's how it works, right?

Grain & Glass is Birmingham's home-grown specialist whisky bar and a treasure trove of knowledge about that glorious ‘water of life’. Their World Of Whisky tasting session is a perfect experience for any whisky-lover (and the ideal Father's Day gift, just saying), providing you and your chosen companions with a super fun, super informative, and super tasty way to learn more about the diverse and wonderful world of whisky in the stunning surrounds of this fantastic Grade II listed bar.

Book a whisky tasting session now at: https://grainandglass.co/private-tastings/world-of-whisky/?tasting_type=a-world-of-whisky - and thank us for the top tip later!

03/06/2024

🚨 NEW ADDITION 🚨 The lovely Hello Café have joined the Independent Birmingham App, offering members: 20% off the bill when you spend £10 or more 🙌💯

Read all about this wonderful family-run coffee shop in Bearwood at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/profile/hello-cafe/

Then download the IB App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ and go enjoy delightful coffee, cakes, pastries, paninis and more, for less - courtesy of your pal Indy B!

Download the IB App now to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

29/05/2024

Perry Hall Park is simply gorgeous. Birmingham really does have some incredible green spaces 🤩🤩🤩

📷 Alex Nicholson-Evans
https://www.instagram.com/alex_ne/

28/05/2024

🚨 NEW ADDITION 🚨 The brilliant Fox, Hampton Lane has joined the Independent Birmingham App, offering members: 10% off the bill (meaning you save on average £5 per visit) 🙌💯

Read all about this truly incredible neighbourhood restaurant that has received rave reviews in the Good Food Guide at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/profile/fox-hampton-lane/

Then download the IB App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ and go enjoy a wonderful meal at this fantastic indie, for less - courtesy of your pal Indy B!

Download the IB App now to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

13/05/2024

💯🙌 50% OFF FOOD AT QAVALI 🙌💯 That's right folks, you can now enjoy a whopping 50% off food when you book a table at 12pm (Monday - Wednesday) at Qavali with the Independent Birmingham App - meaning you save on average £30 - £40 per visit 🔥🔥🔥

And if you can't make that time, you can still enjoy 15% off the bill (Sunday - Thursday, anytime) + a FREE glass of prosecco with your meal for reservations made in the Bar & Lounge (Friday - Saturday) - saving you on average £7 - £10 per visit 🙌

If you've not yet visited this terrific Indo-Persian restaurant and cocktail bar, then this is your sign to book a table at: https://qavali.com - and go enjoy their mouth-watering dishes amidst the stunning decor. And if you have already been, then here's your chance to go again - and make some massive savings in the process! Now open everyday from 12pm.

Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

12/05/2024

🚨 NEW ADDITION 🚨 The fantastic At The Woods have joined the Independent Birmingham App, offering members: 50% off food during the first hour of opening (Monday - Thursday, excluding the takeaway window) + 30% off food (Monday - Thursday, 2pm - 4pm) or 10% off food (anytime) - meaning you can save up to £10 off your meal 😍

To read all about this woodland-themed brunch cafe, restaurant and bar, visit: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/profile/at-the-woods/

Then download the IB App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ and go enjoy a whopping 50% off your breakfast/brunch - courtesy of your pal Indy B! 🙌💯

Download the IB App now to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

11/05/2024

Aurora Borealis over Fox Hollies Park, captured by the insanely talented Verity E. Milligan Photography 🤩🤩🤩

09/05/2024

This is so heart-breaking to hear. If you're out and about in town today or over the weekend (or just anytime really), be sure to pop into the always excellent The Meat Shack Burgers for one of the very best burgers around. It's super tough out there for hospitality right now, and the last thing we want to hear is of another terrific independent closing its doors. So please, if you're able, go support this amazing burger joint and help put a smile back on the face of the owners ❤️

08/05/2024

🚨 3 NEW OPENINGS THAT NEED TO BE ON YOUR RADAR 🚨 As ever, there are loads of ace new openings across Birmingham for us all to get excited about - and we're here for it. There are some really, really fantastic new openings on the way that we can't tell you about just yet, but for now here are 3 that definitely need to be on your radar:

Albatross Death Cult - the exciting new restaurant from the team behind The Wilderness, set to open this June. An intimate 14-cover restaurant focusing on seafood and coastal ingredients in what will be a chef-led 12+ dish foodie experience with only one sitting per service. Follow them on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/albatrossbhx/

Ciaro Pasta & Wine Bar - sister to Ciaro Italian Deli, this new pasta and wine bar will be located next door and open on 10 May, featuring a pasta menu with 10 specials which changes monthly, antipasti boards, and tasty wines to wash all that pasta down with. Follow them on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ciaro.italiandeli/

Bakehouse by Baked In Brick - The fantastic Bakehouse are opening a brand new coffee shop in the Jewellery Quarter. According to their website, the new coffee shop will be located on Northwood Street. Expect the same level of awesome baked goods, artisan breads, coffees, hot drinks, sandwiches and more that has made Bakehouse such a smash hit in Sutton Coldfield - but now in the heart of the JQ. Bakehouse have also taken over the former Odissi site on Broad Street - so there's another fantastic location for you to get your coffee and baked goods fix. And they're set to open a Bakehouse in Digbeth soon too. It's all going on! Follow them on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/bakehousebib/

Give each of these businesses a follow to see what they're all about - and then be sure to go visit and support them when you can. Viva Brum!

If you want to discover Birmingham's very best independents, make sure to download our Independent Birmingham App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ 📱

You can save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at each of the venues listed on the IB App - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 🙌💯

Download the Independent Birmingham App, and then get out there and rediscover your city - one hidden gem at a time

07/05/2024

Birmingham is blessed with a booming foodie scene, historic architecture mixed with contemporary buildings, a rich and diverse culture, and fascinating history all contributing to the fabric of our city.

One of Brum's historic buildings which we feel deserves its moment in the spotlight is the old municipal bank on Centenary Square, now home to University of Birmingham's hub The Exchange. This building is not only stunning but The Exchange offers a programme of largely FREE events and exhibitions for the public.

These events invite the public to join in the University's efforts to understand and tackle today's complex challenges, exploring topics like clean air, adult social care, and AI. From heritage tours to wonderful workshops for families and collaborations with organisations such as Flatpack, DESIblitz Literature Festival, Brum Rocks and more, there are so many exciting events to get stuck into.

Some of the events taking place over the next few months include heritage tours of the building including a look at the original safety deposit boxes and rooms not usually open to the public, a family-friendly workshop by the University's Extreme Robotics Lab, an unforgettable afternoon of music with award-winning Tenement Jazz Band, a one-off event exploring the experiences of refugees to mark World Refugee Day, an evening exploring the impact of AI on creativity as part of Flatpack Festival, and an AI based dating app exhibition exploring love and romance in an age driven by data.

This truly is a magnificent building and a wonderful hub of exciting and engaging activities for the whole community to enjoy. If you're yet to visit, make sure you check out the full programme of events at: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/the-exchange and pick an event that sounds appealing to you. Then go out there and explore this glorious hidden gem.

02/05/2024

💯🙌 50% OFF BRUNCH AT CAFE LOVELIFE THIS MAY 🙌💯 Throughout May, the brilliant Cafe Lovelife are now offering Independent Birmingham Members a whopping: 50% off food when you purchase a drink (Tuesday - Friday, until 12pm - valid for up to 4 people, excluding pastries) as well as the usual 15% off dinner (anytime) + 10% off Sunday Roasts - meaning you can save up to £40 off your bill courtesy of the IB App 🔥🔥🔥

Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at 170+ of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 📱

01/05/2024

🚨 NEW OPENING 🚨 A brand new Napoli-inspired Caffetteria and Pizzeria from the team behind the Lasan Group called Fatto a Napoli - Solihull has now opened in Shirley.

Bringing a slice of Naples to the heart of Shirley, Fatto a Napoli is first and foremost a Caffetteria (that's Italian for coffee bar), serving breakfast/brunch from 9am - 11:45am everyday, alongside glorious sweet and savoury pastries, cakes and treats from their pasticceria. Pizza ovens on from 12pm.

Brunch includes the likes of: ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and mascarpone gelato, the Full Neapolitan (an Italian twist on the Full English, with veggie version available), tomato and mozzarella twirls, square pizza slices with an array of toppings, piadina (flatbreads filled with tasty fillings - think: Neapolitan sausage, pesto, San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, grilled peppers and rocket) - all served alongside a variety of coffees, iced coffees, hot chocolate, teas, fresh juices, slushies and more. Sounds divine!

From 12pm the caffetteria turns into a pizzeria where you can sink your teeth into 12 different Neapolitan pizzas (yum!), plus 2 different calzones (for those who love a calzone), a range of antipasti (think: arancini, lasagne fritte, a cheese and charcuterie platter), with various sides to accompany your meal (caprese salad, 'nduja and parmesan potatoes, fries) and, of course, various desserts that include lemon tart (a personal fave), tiramisu, affogato, dark chocolate torta, gelato and more. Wash your meal down with a range of apperitivos, spritzes, beers and wine, and you're having the best time!

Give Fatto a Napoli a follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fattoanapoli/ to see what they're all about - and then be sure to go visit and support them when you can. A sun-kissed slice of Naples awaits!

📷 https://www.instagram.com/brumphotography/

25/04/2024

The bluebells of Clent Hills 😍😍😍

📷 Verity E. Milligan Photography

24/04/2024

🚨 11 NEW OPENINGS THAT NEED TO BE ON YOUR RADAR 🚨 We love hearing about new openings in Brum. There are loads of really awesome openings coming soon that we can't wait to tell you all about, but for now here are 11 that need to be on your radar:

St Basils Vintage Shop - a temporary pop-up shop in Great Western Arcade where you can purchase vintage footy jerseys, NFL merch, WWE merch and more - all while supporting St Basils Charity who help young people experiencing homelessness. Open now, Monday - Friday.

Cheddar Rd - a new cheese and wine bar opening on 10 May in Stirchley. Sister venue to the fantastic Stir Stores.

Silhill Brewery - Silhill Brewery are opening a new brewery and taproom in Aston on 31 May where you can drink their freshly-brewed beers.

Folklore - a speciality coffee shop serving up Montreal-inspired bagels opening this September in Sutton Coldfield.

Inji - an Indian restaurant opening early May in Sutton Coldfield, serving up Kerala cuisine.

Bonami - a Turkish bakery and coffee shop opening soon on Great Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, which will also serve brunch.

Dil Se - an Indian restaurant opening in The Mailbox this May with a focus on Kerala cuisine, alongside serving a Bombay Bottomless Brunch, Indian Afternoon Tea, cocktails and more.

Naked Bakes - following the success of their Kings Heath brunch cafe and coffee shop, Naked Bakes will be opening a new venue in Wythall this June which will also have a soft play area.

Seafood City - a Louisiana inspired seafood boil, opening in The Arcadian this June.

Toffs At Hogarths Hotel - chef Rob Palmer of Toffs fame will be joining Hogarths Hotel as executive head chef from 7 May and creating new menus for the hotel, before then bringing the Toffs culinary experience to Hogarths in September.

Monica's Bakes - following the success of their first venue in Knowle, Monica's Bakes are opening a new cake shop and cafe soon in Balsall Common.

Be sure to go visit and support these ace indie businesses when you can. Viva Brum!

If you want to discover Birmingham's very best independents, make sure to download our Independent Birmingham App at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ 📱

You can save up to £5, £10, £20, £30, even up to hundreds of pounds off (at certain venues) at each of the venues listed on the IB App - all for just £1.99 a month or £21.90 a year 🙌💯

Download the Independent Birmingham App, and then get out there and rediscover your city - one hidden gem at a time

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EPIC sushi scenes at the brilliant Sushi Passion in Great Western Arcade. Now that is what we call a mouth-watering sushi feast 😍🍣⛵️ You can enjoy 10% off the bill (Monday - Thursday) or a FREE glass of Classic Sake with your meal (Friday - Sunday) at Sushi Passion with the Independent Birmingham App. Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ The IB App not only provides a fantastic database of independents for you to discover and support, it also allows you to enjoy up to 25% off (alongside exclusive 2-for-1 offers, freebies, and more) at over 150 of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month!

Check out these awesome Thursday Christmas Night Markets at the brilliant At The Kingsway (taking place every Thursday from 25 November until Christmas, alongside their regular craft markets every Saturday, a Vintage Market taking place on Sunday 28 November, and 2 special Sunday markets on 5 December and 19 December). Grab your friends, discover these fabulous Christmas Night Markets, purchase a few Christmas gifts for your loved ones, eat tasty food, drink tasty bevs, and support a whole host of awesome independents in the process. Now that's how you support local in style! Follow At The Kingsway on Instagram for more info about these ace markets at: https://www.instagram.com/atthekingsway/ - and then go visit and support! Remember, you can enjoy FREE entry + 10% off drinks at the bar + 20% off purchases at Off The Scale Vintage Clothes Bus at At The Kingsway with the Independent Birmingham App. Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ to enjoy up to 25% off (alongside exclusive 2-for-1 offers, freebies, and more) at over 150 of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month!

The absolutely brilliant Flatpack Festival is back this September with a bang, showcasing a whole host of terrific cinematic events across the city. From otherworldly audio visual performances, to live improvised jazz paired with classic family shorts, extraordinary films showcased in beautiful surroundings and more - if you love cinema, and you love Birmingham, then THIS is the film festival for you! Taking place from 23-26 September at locations across the city, our top picks include: - An outdoor cinema event taking place in the stunning Martineau Gardens (complete with cosy fire pit and bar), screening the film ‘Here For Life' (24 September) - A hilarious comedy (and masterpiece of the New Black Cinema movement) called ‘Sidewalk Stories’ which will be accompanied by a live 8-piece jazz ensemble, taking place at Midlands Arts Centre (25 September) - A documentary called ‘Paradise Lost: History in the Un-Making’ about Brum’s beloved Central Library (RIP), complete with Q&A from the documentary maker (Andy Howlett), taking place at Midlands Arts Centre (26 September) And this is just the tip of the awesome iceberg that is Flatpack Festival. For the last 15 years the amazing Flatpack Festival team have curated a seriously cool series of events across the city each year - showcasing and celebrating Birmingham’s hidden gems, and creating magnificent cinematic events that make our city special and unique. Grab tickets to individual events, or attend the entire festival - the choice is yours. Either way, head to: https://flatpackfestival.org.uk right now to grab your tickets to this mind-blowingly awesome cinematic festival - and then go celebrate your city in style.

The Independent Birmingham Festival at Aston Hall is just over a week away! To get you in the mood for the EPIC feasting and drinking to come (not to mention shopping local in our Indoor Market Hall, and rocking out to live music from local bands on our Main Stage), here's just a taste of what to expect on 14/15 August. We apologise to your wallets and waistlines in advance, because things are about to get mouth-watering! Here's who you can discover (and devour) at the IB Festival At Aston Hall next weekend: Tiger Bites Pig / Hampton Manor / Original Patty Men / The Pineapple Club Birmingham / Low 'N' Slow / 40 St Paul's / Baked in Brick / Zindiya / Yardbirds / Burning Soul Brewing / La-Pop Edgbaston Village / Bodega Cantina Birmingham / Kodawari / Laghi's Deli/ Buddha Belly / Arch 13 Bar / Vietnamese Street Kitchen / The Java Laksa Co. / Attic Brew Co. / BA-HA / Ikigai at 1000 Trades / The Wolf Birmingham / Stripclub Streetfood / Quarter Horse Coffee / Wine Freedom / Faculty / The Bournville Waffle Company All that's left to do now is to plan your epic feasting and drinking. We recommend trying out as many traders as possible so as to get the full IB Festival foodie experience (and to support some truly brilliant independents during these difficult times). Make sure you follow these traders too, to see what they're all about and to show your support - and then let's get ready to FEAST! We'll see you there (bring your stretchy pants!).

The Independent Birmingham Festival is not just about glorious food and drink (although we have curated the biggest and very best food/drink line-up we've ever seen for any event in Birmingham before). Alongside eating your bodyweight in mouth-watering dishes from around the world, and drinking tasty drinks (think craft beer, natural wine, cocktails, coffee, and more), as always we have a truly fantastic line-up of the city's finest indie retailers, artists, designers, makers and bakers in our Indoor Market Hall. The Indoor Market Hall is your perfect opportunity to discover some really awesome new independents, and to purchase yourself something handmade with love. From glorious prints depicting our wonderful city, to handmade jewellery, Brum merch, baked goods (think brownies, French baguettes, focaccia sandwiches and more), artistic prints, vegan pick 'n' mix sweets, hot sauce, children's clothing, houseplants, and much more - the Indoor Market Hall is your one-stop-shop for supporting local and the perfect place to pick up some incredible purchases from Brum's very best indie retailers (glorious mementos of your time at the IB Festival, or something edible to scoff on the way home). The Indoor Market Hall will be located near to our Main Stage. Head inside to discover our epic line-up of market traders, including: Brumhaus / levain_and_cherry / Punks & Chancers / Pip's Hot Sauce / My Vintage Prints / Frilly Industries / Working Clasp Jewellery / Sparklymouse Illustration + Embroidery / The Nine of Hearts Jewellery / Viridian Orb / Lucky Pablo / RUN OF A KIND / Made In B30 / Paul Stringer / Wnder Chocolate / EpicuriosityEats / Beki's Brownies / Chiddlers Boutique / Alleway's Confectionary Excited? Us too! All that's left to do now is to check out each of these fantastic indie businesses (maybe give them a follow too, to show your support) and then wait in eager anticipation for the Independent Birmingham Festival on 14-15 August. We'll see you there!

Birmingham's Very Best Independent Beer Gardens

Want to discover Birmingham's very best independent beer gardens? Check out this video to give you some beer garden inspo, and then pick an independent that takes your fancy and go support local whilst drinking epic beers and basking in the sunshine with your mates 🍺 Featuring: The Prince of Wales Moseley, The Plough Harborne, Mama Roux's, Loft Bar & Kitchen, The Blue Piano, The Old Crown, The Boot Inn, Birdies Bar & BBQ Birmingham, British Oak, The Pig & Tail, At The Kingsway, Burning Soul Brewing, The Ruin Bar and Kitchen, Saint Pauls House, Attic Brew Co., Anchor Digbeth, The Indian Brewery, The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge, Dark Horse Moseley, Hop Garden Harborne, Birmingham Brewing Company, Alam Restaurant, The Jekyll & Hyde, Henman & Cooper, The Floodgate, Nortons Digbeth, and more. Discover our full list of Brum's very best independent beer gardens 👇 https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/blog/birminghams-very-best-independent-beer-gardens/ If you'd like to discover and support Brum's very best independents, download the Independent Birmingham App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ The IB App not only provides a fantastic database of independents for you to discover and support, it also allows you to enjoy up to 25% off (alongside exclusive 2-for-1 offers, freebies, and more) at over 140 of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month!

Have You Discovered At The Kingsway, Kings Heath's Weekly Independent Market?

Have you visited the brilliant At The Kingsway yet? At The Kingsway is a weekly independent market in Kings Heath located behind the iconic facade of a former cinema, showcasing local makers, creatives and artists, as well as having bars, street food, DJs, outdoor seating for those beautiful beer garden vibes, and more. Follow them on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/atthekingsway/ to see what they're all about, and then go visit this fantastic weekly independent market to peruse their market stalls, purchase yourself something handmade and unique, and to eat some amazing food from their rotating street food traders - all washed down with drinks from the bar. Perfect! What's more, you can enjoy FREE entry + 10% off drinks at the bar + 20% off purchases at Off The Scale Vintage Clothes Bus at At The Kingsway with the Independent Birmingham App. Download the IB App now at: https://www.independent-birmingham.co.uk/our-app/ The IB App not only provides a fantastic database of independents for you to discover and support, it also allows you to enjoy up to 25% off (alongside exclusive 2-for-1 offers, freebies, and more) at over 140 of the very best independents across Birmingham and Solihull - all for just £1.99 a month!

Indoor Drinking and Dining Returns And We're Super Excited!

Watching this video from Colmore Business District showcasing some of our city's brilliant hospitality venues finally being able to reopen gives us so many feels. Our city's independents have had an incredibly tough 14 months since Covid hit, and it's wonderful to see so many of them back open again. Please (if you can) go and support as many independents as possible over the coming days, weeks and months. Despite many venues reopening, a lot are still in jeopardy and the months ahead are crucial to their survival. Your support really does make a huge difference.

WIN £100 TO SPEND AT YOUR FAVOURITE INDEPENDENTS

Indoor dining and drinking returns next week! As part of the citywide Cheers To Hospitality campaign, Southside, Birmingham want you to get involved and let them know which independent venue (or venues) you can't wait to visit! Upload a 10-20 second video to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram stating which venues and dishes/drinks you've missed the most over lockdown and you could win a £100 voucher to spend at your chosen venue! Make sure to use the hashtag #CheersToHospitality and you'll be entered into their prize draw.

Natural Wine Bottled In Birmingham, Delivered To Your Door!

Wine lovers, rejoice! The brilliant Wine Freedom have answered all of our prayers and now offer a fantastic monthly wine subscription service: where you can get 4 freshly-bottled, delicious, organic natural wines delivered to your door (with free delivery within 10 miles). All hail HOUSE WINE! With an exciting and ever-changing wine list to choose from (all wines are vegan too), and a free bottle collection/recycling service that means by drinking wine you're helping the environment (right?), HOUSE WINE is everything you need in life and we suggest you head to the Wine Freedom website right now at: https://winefreedom.co.uk/pages/wine-delivery to sign up for your monthly natural wine fix (what's more, you get 50% off your first instalment too - now that is awesome!). Drink natural wine, support independent, repeat.

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Birmingham's Very Best Independent Beer Gardens

Have You Discovered At The Kingsway, Kings Heath's Weekly Independent Market?

Indoor Drinking and Dining Returns And We're Super Excited!

WIN £100 TO SPEND AT YOUR FAVOURITE INDEPENDENTS

Natural Wine Bottled In Birmingham, Delivered To Your Door!

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