I'm seriously disappointed with myself that I hadn't actually heard of jam house before, I love…read morethis sort of place, so I'm glad it ended up being introduced to me. Owned by jools Holland you can expect to see some seriously awesome (and rather loud) live music, and quite a mixed crowd - we were rather entertained by a very grumpy looking middle aged couple. Drinks are reasonably priced, but it did take a very long time to get served, the staff seemed pretty chilled out, and there were a good number of pushy customers. The place is well kept, there are some pretty features like the ceiling and sculptures, and it's a good place for **proper** dancing. One thing I will say, is that it took an odd turn after the band finished, where it's went from soul, blues, jazz and a little 80s goodness that fitted in quite well to 90s club music, which just seemed really strange to us. Saying that, I would definitely go again.

Located in the heart of the jewellery quarter of Birmingham the Jam House occupies a traditional…read moreand Historic Georgian building with seating spread over three stylish yet informal airy floors. Both food and drink are expensive in here, but good quality and the live music is fantastic but stay away if you do not like it loud!

I fulfilled a boyhood dream this year…read more Badminton is Malaysia's favourite sport and one of the sport's premier events, the All England Championships, has been held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham since 1994. I recall being allowed to stay up late to watch my badminton heroes play on live telecast when I was growing up in Malaysia. It all seemed so far away, so exotic, so out of reach. So, I was overjoyed this year to find out that my parents were visiting me from Malaysia exactly on the dates that the All England Badminton Championships would be taking place this year. Booking tickets for all of us on line proved quite painless. We were able to walk to the NIA from our city centre hotel in about 15 minutes. There is parking available at the arena though it does seem to be in the middle of a fairly residential area. The excitement built as we ran into more badminton fans and we kept passing posters advertising the All Englands with Malaysia's world number 1 Lee Chong Wei taking centre stage. The only delay was in collecting pre-booked tickets. It wasn't really clear which of the many windows to join and lots of people were kept outside in the rain as people shuffled forward slowly to get the tickets. Once in, we could hardly believe we were actually at the finals of this legendary event that we used to watch on TV for so many years. The venue seemed a little more friendly than the rather stark Wembley Arena which used to host this event before it moved to Birmingham. There were enough fast food stands serving the usual fare and the toilets were clean. There were a lot of stands selling badminton kit and memorabilia. They had laid on some pre-match entertainment in the form of a classical music trio playing live before the badminton began. The actual set up for the badminton was good with side lighting making it easy for the players to spot the shuttles when they were lifted high and sightlines were good for spectators. The full house of good-natured supporters from all over the globe created a wonderful atmosphere, chanting and cheering on their favourites. Unlike football, no crowd segregation was necessary to keep the peace. The final icing on the cake came for us when we watched Lee Chong Wei defeat his personal nemesis and close rival Lin Dan in the final match of the championship to successfully defend his All England title. One of the best live sporting events in my life

Disney or any production by Disney isn't usually my thing but went to see Disney Frozen on ice with…read morea friend who had a spare ticket so I thought why not. The Barclaycard arena was like any other venue for concerts or shows. It seemed very organised with the Stuards ushering people into lines to go through. Lots of little girls dressed as Elsa so I felt little left out! Once in there it was chaos with so many stands of Frozen merchandise, food and memorabilia. The seating area was quite a large arena. I'm not sure I would go again unless my favourite artist was playing and seemed like the place for kids shows.

Friendly staff, customers and band played a range of music. A good atmosphere if you fancy a…read morerelaxing night out

I got to the pub for the Daytime Menu, and I was starving, luckily the Hare and Hounds has a large…read moremenu of tasty sandwiches, omelets, pancakes and burgers on hand to stimulate my culinary desires. I tried the recommended Organic Burger £6.50 with chunky chips and side salad. It was a clean plate of food with a healthy sized burger that tasted fresh and wholesome, the way a good burger should be. It was only until after I had devoured my meal that I noticed the large selections of Ales they have on offer from breweries across the country. My friend indulged in a reasonably priced IPA whilst I had a Coke as I had to drive home. Well, the car got left outside overnight, I couldn't drive home in the end. Crowds of chain smoking revelers outside were anticipating the arrival of a band at one of the Hares' two live music rooms. I noticed that UB40's first ever gig took place here in 1979 - commemorated recently with a PRS Music Heritage award and plaque - to establishing itself as one of the top small music venues in Birmingham. We were in for a good night! We had a few more ales and the band came on in the Main Room. The acoustics and smaller intimate feel of the venue put a big smile on my face, so did the band, so did the night. The Hare and Hounds is definitely the place to visit.

There are many great venues in Kings Heath, but one that often comes up in conversation is the Hare…read moreand Hounds. This is not just a great little pub, but a bustling music venue that covers a huge range of genres (it can be forgiven for the blue plaque stating "UB40 played here"). Easy to get to on the number 50 bus and with plenty of on-street parking (if you're not drinking, of course) available, it's well located on Kings Heath High Street. Like so many of the great venues in Birmingham, the exterior is smart and well kept (giving off a "traditional village pub" vibe). The interior isn't hipster, but rather twee and portraying a feel of antiquity. There are comfy booths and plentiful tables and chairs, but this venue can get very busy due to it's reputation and collection of fiercely loyal regulars. It has a smoking area just off the street (at the side of the pub on York Road), which is a great place to start chatting with the other frequenters. Last Friday we ended up having great conversations with total strangers about the cost of the Bloody Mary in London and Don Letts (who is due to be appearing at the venue soon). As with so many of the bars in this "up and coming" area, a drink aint cheap. It certainly isn't as bad as some Central bars - but you are looking over £3 a pint .It was £1.90 a half of guinness (rather than £1.80 as previously stated), making a full pint of the black stuff £3.90. A double vodka and tonic was north of £5. That being said, I still believe the venue is worthy of 4* (for it's fantastic atmosphere and well kept decor). If you are a keen Muso, I would recommend regularly checking the listings. There are some really great events being put on right through the year with big and small names rocking the H&H. If you're in Kings Heath, I recommend this as a bar to check out - but being based on the High Street and York Road; you are spoiled for choice in this area.

When I walked in here late one weekday afternoon, I increased the number of customers by…read moreapproximately 100%. In fairness though, what looks from the outside like it's going to be an old-school real-ale boozer is actually fairly and squarely aimed at night-time trade. Inside, the large interior is all geared towards the stage, with a small dancefloor and plenty of tables. There's also a large bar which covers everything from shots to EPA (if you don't know what that is, then you wouldn't be interested if I explained). The listings show that this pub deals almost exclusively in tribute acts and karaoke. So if an evening with Maetloaf (yes, he really calls himself that) or apparent local Karaoke 'legend', Predator (who I believe also does a turn at the Shoulder of Mutton) is your bag, then this is your amply car-parked venue.

Very nice restaurant. We were greeted as soon as we came in. The service was great, the food was…read moregood, and the place had a very nice atmosphere.

Urban Village aims to offer the people of Selly Oak something a little different, when it's mostly…read moremore of the same: Acting like a trendy club, when it's more appropriately a large bar hiding behind a nightclub's décor. Not that there's a problem with this at all, as more often than not it's the best place to end up if you don't quite feel like making the trip in the town to have a tragic night on Broad Street, but still feel like you might want to get up, dance and embarrass yourself at some point. On warmer nights, you can quite easily spend your whole night downstairs in the beer garden/smoking area/paradise island. The furniture and fountains are a little bit tacky, but it certainly makes for a nice change as opposed to all the intentionally, overly 'British vibe and homely furniture' pubs. Upstairs however, there is a generously sized bar and a large open space which roughly works out as three medium sized rooms. As you enter, on your right there is a fairly tucked away 'lounge' area, the bar straight ahead is fairly empty to accommodate the hordes of those queueing, and off to the left there is a kind of, neither here nor there room where they have just chucked everything else: Pool tables, foosball, a pinball machine, a few tables dotted around, and small-ish open space which acts as a sort of dance floor and a small stage which is where you might find DJs, or an unfortunate band playing. Urban serves all the usual drinks at a competitive price, and like most pubs in the area operates a kind of discount system which merely involves flashing a student card: OK for those still studying, but for anyone else it can leave you feeling a bit cold. Trying too hard to be too eclectic, Urban is definitely not suited to live band nights. Perhaps more of an afterthought, it is no better or no worse than any other 'venues' on the Bristol Road (I would argue that there are none, in principle). Having said that, a jazz band that turned up one night were actually quite good, mostly choosing to ignore the venue's lame setup and deciding to play acoustically. DJs on the other hand, are perfect for the small space and it also serves as a place for 'quizmaster Na$' to sit on Tuesday nights in the horrifically named pub quiz 'Lethal Quizzle'. I went once with a group of friends and we'd been answering consistently, but sadly lost to two girls who had definitely cheated. Ah well. Urban is usually packed, so it's definitely not the best place to try and watch any football - it's arguably too noisy and not suited to watching live sport and I'd recommend The Soak or The Bristol Pear instead if you're thinking about it. Monday nights see 'Pounded', where the drinks are even cheaper and the place is a heaving mass of eager pre-drinking students and the occasional dodgy local. While it can get messy, this is arguably Urban Village's niche in the Selly Oak area: A warm up zone for the terrible events that will unfold later after getting a taxi in to town, or at least a compromise for those wise enough to not take the risk of hitting Broad Street.

Urban prides itself of being Selly Oaks only bar, with little competition from the likes of the…read moreSoak and Goose where you compete with diners for seats. It's a little hard to find, sandwiched between 2 shops is the entrance alleyway which leads on to a patio area with heaters and a big screen for live sport. From there, up a set of stairs, and you'll reach the main area with the bar in front of you. Decor is little more than a black room, but on a Monday and Tuesday drinks are dirt cheap and you can often find a comfy sofa. A definite contender for a pre drinks spot, but not the place if you're at all interested in conversation due to the escalating noise.

Hidden gem. Beautiful family run pub in the heart of digbeth with live music and events. Lovely…read morescotch eggs and cobs on offer with friendly bar staff

Do you suffer from the chain pub blues? Well, The Spotted Dog is here as a perfect cure for what…read moreales you! This pub is located in Deritend/Digbeth and has the look and feel perfect for Brum's Irish Quarter. It has a real sense of place and history, as should any pub with its own theme song (seriously, check it out on youtube). The landlord John has built a reputation as a friendly face of the pub and representative of the neighbourhood. In a sea of bars and gastropubs serving £12 'craft' cocktails, the Spotted Dog serves as a landmark of sanity. The pub has a charmingly worn interior that is ridiculously clean for a boozer in Digbeth. Table tops adorned with candles sit inside, while a side door through the lounge exits onto what is probably the best covered garden in the whole of Brum. The drinks menu is simple yet satisfying. You'll find some of the usual suspects like Guiness on draft in addition to several rotating real ales. Liquor covers a breadth of options, with regular specials. On jazz night (Tuesday), Bushmills Irish Whiskey can be had for a pound and certain ales for £2.50. Even on a normal night, The Spotted Dog is one of the best values in Birmingham. The pub opens at 5PM most nights (sometimes later in the winter). Crisps are offered as the only snack, so you'll want to plan for food accordingly. The customer service is above expectations. A friend and I stopped in one evening right as the pub opened to sip some whiskey. As the first and only customers for over an hour, John shared with us some special Polish vodka a personal friend had brought to him. One of his bartenders asked what music to put on over the sound system and his reply was 'anything you want, as long as it's Bo Diddley'. These types of charmingly quaint memories are what makes The Spotted Dog so special for me. If you are in search of a proper Irish pub experience, look no further than The Spotted Dog.

I have to admit, this is not my usual pub of choice. When you walk in it has that typical old…read moreworking mens club vibe... and smell! That aside the pub has been kept in great condition with pretty much all of the original features remaining which gives it that priceless 'back in time' feel when you walk in. However, if you're looking for a cheap pub that plays all the sports on TV then this is for you. I went with a friend to watch the football and have a couple of beers. Overall it had a nice chilled out vibe, unlike some of the city centre sport bars which can get a bit overwhelming at times. On a Sunday they have a free music event upstairs which plays everything from Jazz and soul to rock and country music. Personally I wish it was on every night as it really does provide the perfect soundtrack to such a characteristic classic venue.

This is the best pub in Birmingham by a country mile. I've been using The Old Mo (as its known) for…read morewell over a decade and it's a home-from-home. If the TV show Cheers had been made in Birmingham then it would have been set here - literally, everybody knows your name. Even though I don't get down there as much as I used to (when I lived a few hundred years away!) I'm always greeted by name by both the bar staff and some of the locals. It's a genuinely friendly place with great beer that is a PROPER PUB. Some might call it an 'Old Man's Pub', which is completely fair, but that's what is so great about it. It's a particularly great place to watch sport, and football and cricket in particular. The locals are a knowledgeable crowd when it comes to both games and there is always a lively and friendly discussion to be had. They have recently started doing a different range of foods. You can get a pretty decent roast on a Sunday for around £4 and there is often a curry night that is well worth a visit. The curry is cooked by the landlord's wife and is excellent home cooked Indian food. The only word of caution I would offer about this place is to be careful when leaving late at night. It's not in the best or safest part of town and there have been a few nasty incidents in the park behind the place. These are pretty rare, in fairness, but I would recommend taking a cab home, or else going in sufficient numbers and with your wits about you, if travelling on foot.

It was a great show, we saw hamilton, good quality sound and comfortable seats, we had a nice tub…read moreof popcorn and the staff were friendly and helpful, hamilton is a great show and white it's in town I recommend you see it!

I was here last night for a freinds birthday to watch a play called The Curious Incident of the Dog…read morein the Night-Time. We have both read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. At first glance it didn't look like much, the stage setting looks simple, minimalistic. Then suddenly the play begins with thunder-like music and flashing strobes of intense light. a dog is seen in the light that has been killed with a garden fork (i dont want to give too much of the plot away) but as the story unfolds, it morphs into an impressive display of modern technology! Experienced through the eyes & ears of a teen suffering from Aspergers syndrome, be prepared for moments of sensory overload with blinding bright lights, 3D mapping visuals & intensely loud noise. The main character Christopher is intelligent, honest, & funny even when he doesn't intend to be. Christopher uncovers secrets about his mom & dad when the dog next door is murdered, & what ensues is a two-hour mystery that asks questions about truths & lies, & the ramifications of your choice to do one or the other. Certain scenes are difficult to watch, and even heartbreaking, it really does hit home and allows you time to think too...perhaps because don't we all have somewhat dysfunctional families?! Heavy topics are explored, but I like feeling that weight, so I definitely recommend this great British play to everyone. Hats off to the actors who played the characters and for entertaining us. Be sure to stay till the end.. as the end is not the end until the confetti falls. SPOILER ALERT: watch out for the adorable puppy towards the end of the play! Tickets price was £37.50 excluding bf also free parking 6pm-8am around hurst/ kent street area if your lucky to find a spot.

Hooray to the independent music venues!…read more I love the fact that the Ballroom has been refurbished by private developers in a bid to restore the heart in Birminghams central music scene. Nowadays, bands tend to be left with 2 options. Either play at a small dingy venue where a limited number of fans can afford to come and see you, or play at a large arena which not only costs fans a ridiculous amount of money to come but you also need to be pretty big time to fill the gig. That's where the Ballroom shines and continues to make its mark on the industry. Large enough to put on a memorable gig but so reasonably priced it enables everyone to come and enjoy the experience. The sound system was OK, I have heard better but overall it was a good night, crackin atmosphere and the drinks weren't too expensive either.

Although it's early days, the Birmingham Ballroom already shows signs of settling down as the city…read morecentre's premier mid-large music venue experience. Having laid empty and derelict for over a year, the venue was bought up by disillusioned ex-employees from the Academy group with a view to open a venue that openly challenged the O2 Academy. Having refurbished the old Academy 1 and 2 (and the Bar Academy next door), there is a nostalgic familiarity attached to The Ballroom that its owners have knowingly traded in on: Although the floor is no longer notoriously sticky, it feels like visiting an old friend. The bar is far more reasonable than the new O2, and is constantly offering night-specific drinks promotions. Touring acts are becoming more frequent as the venue becomes more established and it will be competing with the O2 and the Institute within a few months, arguably. But the Ballroom's real lure for me is knowing that an independent venue lies within the city centre once more (the Flapper is perhaps too far a walk to be considered truly 'central'), and that goes a long way with me.