Action must be taken to avoid “the slow death of Birmingham’s culture and hospitality ecosystem.”
Birmingham nightlife experts have called for government action at all levels and multi-agency cooperation to help the city’s beleaguered entertainment and cultural industry. The call comes as a wave of closures to renowned local venues further threatens a sector that is struggling to maintain a positive image of the city at the beginning of summer.
Last week brought news that the iconic Anchor real ale pub in Digbeth, one of the new remaining traditional backstreet boozers in the area, is to shut. Then on Monday the pioneering Hockley Social Club announced that it will be closing at the end of the year. The venue, which has combined highly-acclaimed food with entertainment ranging from comedy nights to performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet and the CBSO since opening in 2020, will cease trading on New Year’s Eve in what owners Digbeth Dining Club called, “The natural end to our five-year project.”
DDC will make an imminent announcement of a new venue in the Black Country – unconnected to the closure of HSC – as part of expansion plans and they aim to continuing with their touring food events. The businesses operates Longbridge food and events venue Herbert’s Yard, is a partner in Comedy at the Castle taking place in Warwick, and will visit up to 40 locations across the Midlands with its Summer Tour 2025.
Reacting to the news, Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham, working on behalf of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “Local and central government, as well as police and other public sector agencies, have to work harder to protect businesses in the city and region. There is a widely shared view in our industries that politicians, policymakers and leaders of various organisations with responsibility for our city’s future are continuing to wilfuly ignoring the calls of an increasingly beleaguered sector.
“In the space of less than a month, four Birmingham venues – the 5:15 Club, The Anchor Digbeth, Hockley Social Club, and Zumhof – have announced either immediate or imminent closures. It is unacceptable that many businesses are now struggling to stay open, and our elected representatives are either nowhere to be seen, or choose not to meaningfully engage over what has been months and months of calls for action.”
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, commented: “The closure of a number of venues in Birmingham highlights a deeply concerning narrative of high-profile venue losses across the UK. This isn’t isolated — it’s symptomatic of a wider crisis in our sector.”
“The message is clear: the Government, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and others must step up urgently with meaningful support before more vital cultural spaces disappear in the city and region.”
However, there has been one piece of good news in recent days with the announcement that acclaimed chef Glynn Purnell and wine expert Phil Innes, of city centre-based Loki Wines, will be opening a restaurant, Trillium, later this year. Located at Snow Hill, the new owners say that the venture, which is due to open in September, brings together “bold, seasonal dishes with a dynamic, ever-evolving wine list”.
