Fists clenched, ready to throw down if another national journalist describes Digbeth as "the Shoreditch of Birmingham". It's not and it's never wanted to be. All its ever wanted to be is what it is. Unmistakable. Inimitable. Digbeth. Creative and historic. Forward looking and ugly-beautiful. Our Digbeth, previously pegged with that "one day" label — a badge of promise yet to be realised. Now, though, total nonsense. Have you been recently? A short walk from the city centre and sweet mercy the potential pours through the walls and the rivers and warehouses. Realised. Real.
THE DINING AND IMBIBING
There was once a time many (*checks notes*) THOUSANDS of years ago when custard was the pinnacle of Digbeth food options. But things are somewhat more advanced these days. Digbeth Dining Club led the charge and continues to be the nation's best street food event — and that's a hill we will fight and die upon — while Baked In Brick is responsible for, not just sensational pizza, but arguably the city's finest Sunday roast. Brum tapas pioneers, Rico Libre, are providing the Spanish food equivalent of the sort of happiness Ben Affleck is talking about in Good Will Hunting, while brunchy bits and coffee hits are sewn up by Rico's hosts, Kanteen, who hand over their kitchen for evenings. Dig Brew Co is producing the kind of hoppy pints that have seen it featured on bar-tops across Brum since its launch in 2017, while if cocktails are more your merrymaker then newly winter-proofed Birdies has your back. You can even get beer at the barbers in Digbeth, thanks to the Stag.
THE MADNESS AND RADNESS
In the interests of excess, Digbo has gone potty for social sports and main stage events. Liam Gallagher and Biffy Clyro tore up Digbeth Arena back in September and October respectively, while the arena's little sister venue, the roof garden-bedecked The Mill, host Brum band Swim Deep on December 18. Hard scientific fact: Crazy golf doesn't get more brilliantly twisted than Ghetto Golf, while new opening The Floodgate comes with baseball batting cages (you read that right), curling (*shakes head in total disbelief*) and our favourite, pit-pat — which involves you pool cueing your way around batshit obstacles. Dropshot has got ping pong covered and Chance & Counters puts boardgames centre stage. If it's cinema you're after then the perfectly independent Mockingbird has The Rise Of Skywalker showing from December 19, and retro gaming nostalgia-fest NQ64 will soon offer thumb wiggling old skool arcade classics like Tekken, Space Invaders and Street Fighter II. Next year will also see the arrival of Roxy Ballroom, complete with tenpin bowling, baby.
THE SHOPPING AND TOPPINGS
Last time we were in curios emporium, Ridding and Wynn, we walked out with a 2-foot hand painted tiger, multiple flamingoes, and a mild hangover. You should too. If you’re in the market for Christmas gifts check out Sara Priesler who's been making contemporary, handmade jewellery since 1993 and was voted Corporate Livewire's Contemporary Jewellery Designer 2019. One of the Custard Factory’s longest standing tenants, The Framers is easily the city's best value independent framing shop, showcasing both print and photography, while House Of Thieves brings art to your body, as one of Brum's standout tattoo studios. Just around the corner, Stickie Fingers is your single port of call for Oreo stuffed pancakes, wafflepops, shakes and doughnuts with ludicrous topping options. Close-by, Graffitiartist.com offers wonderfully left-field team building packages in the realm of street art (it sure beats trust exercises), as well as hosting spray can workshops. Ideal skate shop has been furnishing the Birmingham skate scene with boards, footwear and clothing for 25 years and their neighbours Jinxy offer drawings and paintings of icons from Tommy Shelby to the Beatles. In summary: Digbeth is ace.
Some one-off Digbeth events for your consideration
The Old Crown is putting on a Christmas Quiz this Wednesday. Rounds like "Impossible Questions" (they sound fun) are in the mix and prizes include a full Lynx Africa
body wash set. FRESH —
Eastside Projects are hosting a masterclass in photographing your own work. Be it art, jewellery, or whatever else you make, advice and explanations as to why your photography needs to be tippety-top are all taught.
—
Digbo's Zen Birmingham is holding a fashionably late Yule Wreath Workshop, £40 on December 18.
—
Unlimited beer, Prosecco or rum punch for the first hour? Sounds like a challenge. Introducing the Night Owl's disco brunch. On December 14, it's £20.
"Old ways won't open new doors." — Age-old saying
Imagery: Tom Bird (street scene, top) We will never share your email address. Ads and commercial offers are clearly marked. We sometimes run paid for Partnership Emails with selected affiliates, like this one. These will be marked as Partnership Emails at the top of the email.
