From underground club nights to gigs and Summer street parties, I have spent more than my fair share of nights at The Rainbow Venues during my time at uni; after a bit of time away, I was itching to get back inside to see if it had changed.
The Venue
A cellar, an arena, a pub, warehouse and now a rooftop mezzanine, even now I was spoilt for choice about where to sip on a tipple at The Rainbow Venues. All with their own bars, of course; my advice is, explore it all! Doctor Who fans will be more than comfortable in the pub. Complete with retro games consoles and a cosy exposed brickwork décor with a dash of the industrial; With great music and room to bust a move but still the chance to sit and have a bit of a natter, the pub is my personal favourite of all The Rainbow space.
If underground and intimate is more your style, The Cellar with its red brick and low lighting make this club room all the more intense come a busy Saturday night. The Warehouse is a top spot for big nights out, a vast space with minimal furnishings. I’ve seen both gigs and been to club nights in here and it really still is ideal for both.
The Garden and the Arena also sum up everything you would want from an urban club space. Whilst I didn’t manage to get up to the mezzanine on this visit, I can think of few things I would rather do on a summer’s day than venture up there with an ice-cold cider.
From underground club cavern to sky high mezzanine, this punchy party plot in Digbeth boasts a cracking bunch of arenas.
The Drink
The bars (every single darn one of them) in The Rainbow were amply stocked with everything you would want from a boozer. Whilst I wouldn’t try your hand asking for fancy cocktails because I doubt you'll get them, there was more than enough to slurp your way through. We headed over on a Saturday so weren’t expecting the rock bottom prices that you might find at some student nights but don’t worry you’ll more than likely have enough change for some chips on the way home!
Forget quirky concoctions, liquid bevvies at The Rainbow are your basic fare, but more than ample for the atmosphere you'll drink up instead.
The Atmosphere and Clientele
If you’re after a quiet couple of drinks at a weekend then the Rainbow probably isn’t the place for you. If you were after a big ol' club night then you’d be hard pushed to find anywhere better. Filled with students and twenty-somethings, FACE brought Birmingham’s party masses together on a Saturday night in the city. After a short queue, we headed straight to the pub where it’s a bit calmer than the other rooms. An eclectic mix of tunes had the dance floor bustling and it didn’t take us long to be up there with the rest of them!
A good time crowd, looking to make the most of some of the best underground DJ’s in town is what you’ll find here; Particularly in the Cellar and Warehouse rooms. Don’t expect to be singing out punchy party classics but definitely do expect some of the best house, electro and underground music that Birmingham has to offer.
One of the most bustling party spaces in Digbeth, there ain't no party like a Rainbow Venues party.
Summary
A clubbing mecca for Birmingham’s cool and creative crowd, The Rainbow has got Digbeth clubbing covered. From weekly club nights, to special events there’s never a dull moment. We’re already excited to see what treats they have in store over the summer, I’ll see you up on the mezzanine!
