Did you know that the Custard Factory was built by Sir Alfred Bird – the actual creator behind the delish dessert? With a quirky backstory, it comes as no surprise that the area has a cool vibe to match. Once you’re done snapping pics of the graffiti-covered walls and hitting all the independent shops, kick back and cure those hunger pangs with the best restaurants and bars in the Custard Factory in Digbeth. From fancy dining in a swish interior to an arcade bar with kooky cocktails, we’ve got your exclusive guide.
NQ64
Game fanatics, rejoice. NQ64 is a cool bar fronting a stellar selection of video games to have a crack at. From Mario Kart to Tekken and Crazy Taxi, the retro vibes are undeniable. Plus, the cocktails are equally as enticing, making for one of the best experiences when it comes to the Custard Factory Birmingham bars. We recommend trying the Grape Soda, a mix of raisin-infused golden rum, amaretto and blueberry grape fizz.
It's game on at NQ64.
Birdies Bar
Birdies Bar is a fun outdoor cocktail cavern. Boasting tropical vibes, palm trees, and live music, the venue is great for date night so you can tropic like it’s hot. Whether you're out with friends or after a post-golf drink, sip on vibrant tiki tipples, alongside killer BBQ eats. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy with a burger doused in truffle mayo, cheesy bacon fries or curry chicken wings.
Where to drink near the Custard Factory? Birdie's Bar is a pretty paradise.
670 Grams
For luxury fine dining, we know just the spot when it comes to the Custard Factory restaurants. Founded by Great British Menu finalist Kray Treadwell, 670 Grams showcases an open kitchen and only 16 seats for guests – so be quick to book. For an Insta moment, the plates are absolute stunners with an eclectic taste to match. Enjoy 10-course tasting menus with kimchi pork belly and scallops in a watermelon gin.
One of the best restaurants in the Custard Factory, 670 Grams serves gourmet eats in a cool space.
Chance & Counters
If you're after things to do in the Custard Factory, Chance & Counters is a quirky board game café and bar. From Uno and Scrabble to Clue and Battleship, this drinking den flaunts over 500 games to get stuck into as well as delicious coffee and yummy bites. We're talking the likes of garlic chicken burgers, dirty fries and masala fish tacos. Delish.
Bars don't get any better than this entertaining board game joint.
Baked In Brick
One of the best places to eat, Baked In Brick has the
most mouthwatering pizzas with terrific toppings – think goat's
cheese, wild mushrooms and smoked salmon. While munching on your
slices, pair with burrata salads and cheesy garlic bread. Located
on Gibb Street, it’s a carb lover’s dream for those wanting a
weekend feast and a touch of pinot grigio.
This restaurant has a pizza of our heart.
Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen
Want to dine, then recline? When you’re done hitting all the Custard Factory shops in Birmingham, head to the Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen for food, drinks and movie screenings. The entertainment spot slings out craft beer, fabulous cocktails, and delicious eats – think chilli cheese fries and buttermilk chicken bites. Once you're well-fed, head to its cosy theatre and catch the latest film.
Grab your popcorn and settle into this chic cinema spot.
Kanteen
If you’re searching for hangover cures or daytime haunts to snuggle up in, Kanteen has everything you need. With a focus on responsibly-sourced food, the restaurant has a mix of cuisine from Spanish tapas to delicious poke bowls and brunch classics. The venue also echoes a shabby chic vibe with its sleek tiled walls, orange cushioned seating and greenery dotted everywhere – a fab sanctuary for plant lovers.
Get in my belly ASAP.
Sobremesa
Located at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, Sobremesa offers plenty of classic tipples whether you’re in the mood for draught beer, cider or classic cocktail. With a namesake meaning ‘upon the table’, it’s no surprise that the staff are mega friendly and the drink deals are always generous – 4 shots for just a tenner? Sign us up. The ambience is inviting yet quirky as it features neon signs and ceramic animals.
Meet you at the bar for a little pornstar martini action.
Golf Fang
Offering an experience that's completely whacky yet wonderful all the same is Golf Fang, an 18-hole haunt that's surrounded by custom-made art pieces and home to many a DJ set. It also happens to whip up some scrumptious street food and tempting cocktails. Dig into the likes of pepperoni-loaded fries, salt and pepper halloumi burgers and boneless chicken tenders, all washed down with a Malibu-based Graffiti Groove, or a Purple Drank, featuring strawberry puree and topped up with Appletiser.
In the market for some Custard Factory golf? We've got you covered with this cool spot.
Passing Fancies
Having gained acclaim by placing third in the top 50 cocktail bars 2024 and featuring in the Pinnacle Guide, it would be rude not to include Passing Fancies in our guide. It has an open-door policy meaning that other bartenders in the area can use their assets, as well as an open-book one, where it's more than happy to share any of the recipes for its delicious concoctions. Keep an eye out for quirky trinkets in its cool surrounds (like a rubber shark or the baseball bat that's made from repurposed skateboards) while you sip on an ever-changing menu featuring house martinis and a Short & Stout, made with stout caramel and walnut.
There's no passing this gem of a bar.
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