Birmingham’s Best Bars And Pubs For Live Music

Birmingham is a city known for its vibrant culture and rich history. For decades and coming, musicians have started their journey to stardom in the many pubs and bars that patrons frequent in the United Kingdom’s second city. 

I have been travelling to the city centre by train for many years to see some local talent on display. I know we’ve beaten this horse to death, but the city did spawn Black Sabbath, so there is a bit of magic when it comes to watching bands from Brum. 

Of course, artists from all over the U.K. (and sometimes further afield) come to Birmingham to entertain, so Counteract has come up with a definitive list of the best pubs and bars to go to if you want to catch a show. 

The Actress & Bishop

The Actress & Bishop is a popular destination for live music enthusiasts in the historic Jewellery Quarter. With frequent performances by D.J.s and live artists, it’s a mainstay of Birmingham’s music scene. I have a personal affection for the place, as I had the honour of playing at this venue when I was a much younger man ( I say, man, I was 18). 

The Actress & Bishop has a wide range of events on. One of the most popular being held every Sunday is their Blues Night, hosted by their own Blues Club. They have more on offer, such as live sports (like any good pub) and a decent open mic night for anyone who fancies having a jam. 

The Jam House

The Jam House in St. Paul’s Square is a must-visit venue for jazz, blues, and rock fans. Founded by renowned musician Jools Holland, it boasts intimate live performances and a rich musical heritage.

They have a set of core values displayed on their website and pride themself as being a venue that caters to everybody and everyone. Take a look below, 

“We support music that reflects Birmingham’s multicultural makeup. 

Music is vital to breaking down barriers within our community.

We will support young musicians with grassroots opportunities to hone their musical craft to a live audience. 

Encourage the participation of disabled & disadvantaged children and adults to be involved in music. “

Renowned musicians like Chaka Khan, Hot Chocolate, and the iconic Jools Holland and his Rhythm ‘n’ Blues Orchestra have graced its stage. Other notable names that have played at this venue are The Stylistics, Shakatak, and Shalamar. Sorry to name-drop, but it helps drive the point home. 

The Brasshouse

The Brasshouse is a beloved pub located in the Gas Street Basin area. Its historic charm and live music offer a welcoming atmosphere for people who frequent this fine establishment ( too posh?).

This spot has featured D.J.s on weekends, a Karaoke night on Thursdays, and they hold a tidy little event called The Brass House Sunday Social, which usually involves a live band or an artist plus a few supporting. The beer is good, too; it’s a solid pint. They also play live sports.

The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre

For a blend of history and entertainment, The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre on Temple Row provides a unique experience. Originally a 19th-century library, it now serves as a charming pub by day and a vibrant theatre by night, offering live music events and a variety of activities. 

This spot has many bands and theatre productions monthly, as you can imagine, and once a month, they even have an open mic night, so anyone can have a chance to play there and give it a go. 

The Hare & Hounds

In the Kings Heath neighbourhood, The Hare & Hounds offers a cosy setting to enjoy fine cocktails and live music. Its historic architecture and vibrant ambience make it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.

I know we are here to talk about live music, but it is also worth mentioning that the Hare & Hound does a damn good burger, as well as some other lovely nibbles. As for the tunes, they have a band or some form of live music every night and even host a quiz night on Wednesdays. I won’t say no to that!

The Victoria

The Victoria on John Bright St hosts themed nights and live music performances, providing a lively atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. Another traditional pub offering loads of different events. Of course, live music is this place’s bread and butter, but they also have comedy nights on, and it is another excellent spot for a weekly pub quiz. 

The Flapper

Finally, The Flapper, known for its independent music scene, offers a laid-back atmosphere and live performances for patrons to enjoy. Its relaxed vibe and diverse musical offerings make it a favourite among locals and visitors. It is also in a gorgeous location right by the water, which makes it a great place to frequent, especially during the warmer months of the year. A live show and some garden beers are always a treat. 

The Flapper has supported the grassroots music scene in Birmingham since the early 90s, making it one of Birmingham Stella’s independent institutions. The Flapper is another spot that serves tasty food, has a weekly quiz night, and features live bands. 

The Flapper also tends to lean towards heavier acts. They feature a lot of metal on punk bands (this appeals to me massively if anyone is remotely interested in what I like), but they still feature many other genres as well, so there is a little bit of something for everyone. 

So there we have it. We have some of the best bars and pubs in the second city where punters can listen to live music. The live music scene is more important than ever, so I hope you lovely humans manage to get yourself to a few gigs for some banging tunes and a few jars of ale soon. Hopefully, this lovely little list helps with that. 

All you have to do now is give it a go and see where your night takes you while exploring Birmingham’s local music scene.