One of Birmingham’s most iconic pub and music venues, The Flapper, is throwing a huge all day party this month to celebrate it being safe from demolition and future development. Now owned entirely by the family that has tirelessly spent years campaigning to ensure it’s safety, The Flapper Celebration Evening will feature acoustic musicians, drink giveaways, food offers, tattoo artists and a free live show. Taking place on Friday 24thNovember, the free event will take over the entire pub including the basement gig space from 4pm until late. Owner Sam, who took over the pub back in July 2021, sa ..read more

The Sunday lunch is a staple for many of us, but with lots of restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes across the city cooking up a storm, why bother making it at home? Here’s my top 8 venues for all you hungry folk looking for a decent bit of grub come Sunday – without the washing up. Orelle – City Centre Up in the clouds, Orelle is THE venue for Sunday lunch with view. Located on floor 24 within 103 Colmore, this beautiful restaurant offers exemplary service and probably the fanciest of all the roasts Brum has to offer. As well as delicious roast meat options, you can also choose from a variety o ..read more

Staffordshire-based Freedom Brewery is set to host the first ever ‘Freedom Sessions’ stage at this year’s Big Feastival. *AD – this post contains information from a freelance client of mine* Helping to amplify and support local talent, the popular Midlands beer brand is launching the Freedom Session stage, with unsigned acts secured from across the region. Running from Friday 26thto Sunday 28thAugust in Kingham, Cotswolds, Big Feastival is the top summer festival for food, drink and music lovers. Following on from being the lager sponsor of last year’s festival, the Freedom Brewery team is thr ..read more

Back once again with a low cost hidden gem! At the weekend I took myself off for a solo lunch date. I know some people hate it, but I love eating in restaurants on my own, especially when you’re hungover and you just need some peace. I’m not sure the masses have heard of Gustami (I think I’ve seen one person post about it the last few years) which is probably because it’s in a bit of a weird place; just off the Soho Loop canal walk in an unloved part of Ladywood that I only rediscovered when I got my C19 jab at the ropey looking pharmacy next door. It’s run by some lovely Italian chaps and i ..read more

Would you like a sneak peek of the soon to be open Passing Fancies that’s going to be taking Digbeth by storm this autumn? I thought you might.. I was very lucky to get a preview of this new bar earlier this week before it opens to the public on Friday 9th Sept – and let me tell you now: you’re in for a right treat. The brainchild of Tommy, Matt and Eve (you may recognise these babes from lots of the popular Brum bars they’ve honed their skills in over the years) Passing Fancies is a gorgeous bar/restaurant taking pride of place slap bang in the middle of the Custard Factory. So what can you ..read more

One of my favourite cocktail bars in the city, The Pineapple Club, is turning two this month – and to celebrate owner Sam and the gang are launching a brand new drinks menu on 13th September. *AD – sponsored post* Titled ‘Faces of Our Industry’, this exciting new cocktail selection has been curated by the bar’s drinks experts and is themed around representation: cocktails that recognise and celebrate the differences in people within the industry. All of the brands and products used in this new menu have been specially selected by The Pineapple Club team for their ethos and values as well ..read more

Ad – this post includes a freelance client of mine The best of Birmingham’s bartenders have joined forces to help keep a popular Jewellery Quarter bar open after a health disaster struck its owner. When Amanjot Singh Johal discovered he needed surgery – after a broken ankle left him unable to walk – he feared he’d be calling time on his beloved bar: 40 St Pauls.   But after reaching out to fellow local bartenders and owners he was greeted with a flurry of support and the community has rallied, giving up their time and expertise to help Amanjot keep his award-winning cocktail bar open. Bet ..read more

Looking to enjoy some after work drinks but keen to keep to a budget? These happy hour deals are just what you need. We all love a bargain and with the cost of living crisis hitting everyone there’s never been a better time to look out for deals when it comes to enjoying food and drink across the city. Birmingham is positively bursting at the seams with bars, restaurants and pubs, but did you know many of them also offer brilliant happy hour deals? From creative cocktails to bostin beers; there’s plenty of choice if you know where to look. The Pineapple Club, City Centre Having just landed a s ..read more

One of the most popular questions I’m asked is where to go for brunch in Birmingham. Whether you’re just looking for a simple breakfast or you want a fancy fizz-fuelled bottomless brunch, there are plenty of options. Here’s ten of the destinations for those of you looking for a quality brunch in and around Birmingham city centre. Chapter, Edgbaston One of my favourite venues for a breakfast or brunch – ideal if you want something away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The breakfast dishes are wonderful (particularly the brisket skillet) and they have *the* best Bloody Mary I ..read more

A festive market is coming to The Flapper at the end of this month, as part of a campaign to encourage people to ‘shop small’ this Christmas – and beyond. * ad – this post includes a freelance client of mine * The iconic pub and alternative music venue will be the setting for a collection of community events to support local independents, kicking off with the Winter Market on 27th November. Ideal for those seeking stocking fillers and gifts, visitors can shop from 17 stalls – all independent traders and small businesses – when the two-story pub is turned into a winter wonderland for ..read more