As the youngest city in Europe, home to 5 universities, and with a population of over 1 million, you can be sure that there are hundreds of first dates happening every night in Birmingham, so the city is sure to have a wealth of spots for a romantic day out. Whether it be a one-night-in-town Tinder match or something more serious, here are a list of some great Birmingham date ideas to impress the other half.
Kitchen Garden Café
Nestled away between a row of shops and restaurants lies a quiet oasis of plants called the Kitchen Garden. By day it is a small café that serves some classic British breakfast and lunch options such as varieties of a Full English and jacket potatoes, as well as a fresh deli menu and baked goodies. But if you’re more of a night owl, they are host to live acoustic music, so you can treat your date to an intimate gig too.
17 York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7SA
Otto Pizza
Pizza is a classic for a reason; who doesn’t love pizza? On the edge of the jewellery quarter is a fantastic little pizzeria. Although not usually the fanciest first date location, Otto Pizza is an exception. Serving wood-fired pizzas with some deluxe toppings and a selection of classic Italian desserts, no-one could deny that this is a very fancy date night.
15 Caroline St, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1TR
The Pineapple Club
For those really trying to dazzle their date, The Pineapple Club is the place for you. Situated in the elegant Great Western Arcade, this bar is the perfect excuse to get dolled up and dress to impress. They have an incredible selection of cocktails, as well as a bottomless brunch every Saturday with some delicious small plate options. And since no-one can resist a date with a dog, they allow your pooch to come with you and soak up the atmosphere too!
16 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU
Golf Fang
For a host of fun dates in Birmingham, you need look no further than the historic Custard Factory. From Baked in Brick to the Mockingbird Cinema, the place is packed with places to eat, drink, and be merry. But our top pick for a fantastic first date has to be Golf Fang. This is no ordinary golfing experience. With neon décor and artwork, hip hop DJs, and many, many cocktails, this will be a night to remember. Formerly known as “Ghetto Golf”, the place has had a fresh facelift, only having re-opened at the end July, so now is the perfect time to go.
The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA
Tilt
Let out your inner nerd, channel some Stranger Things, and see who between you is the ultimate pinball champion. Tilt offers a unique coming together of craft beer, specialty coffee, and pinball, and thus is the perfect place for a more chill Birmingham date night. Located in the city centre, their BYOF (bring your own food) policy makes it easy to find a great to-go lunch spot and then wind down the end of the date with a few games on one of their 21 pinball machines.
City Arcade, 2 Union St, Birmingham B2 4TX
Lane7 Bowling Alley
Yes, bowling is a cliché, but clichés exist for a reason: they’re tried and true and tonnes of fun. In this case however, a night at Lane7 is more than your average high school date. The luxury atmosphere surrounding the lanes makes this a date to remember. And there’s more than just the ten pins. Have a game of beer pong, down some cocktails, and end up embarrassing yourself with a spot of karaoke. This place is like a cocktail bar and a Hollywood Bowl all in one. In other words, the perfect first date spot.
The Cube, Lane7 Level 6, Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RN
The Electric Cinema
Another date night classic, but something a little more relaxing this time. The Electric Cinema is known for being the oldest working cinema in the UK, so a night out here is like going back in time. Watch the newest Marvel blockbuster, or check out an indie darling, this place has it all. And it’s not just new releases. The Electric often has showings of classic Hollywood films such as Jaws and Jumanji, as well as live screenings of theatre productions. Why not order a cocktail to accompany an old Bond movie? Shaken, not stirred, of course.
47-49 Station St, Birmingham B5 4DY
The Glee Club
Ever try to tell a joke to your date as an ice breaker, but it doesn’t land the way you hoped it would? Yeah, embarrassing. So let someone else do the job and just sit back and relax with a night at the Glee Club. From local legends like Joe Lycett, the pride of Birmingham, to newcomers on the scene, you will be sure to get one entertaining evening out of this comedy club. As it’s in the Arcadian, you are spoilt for choice for an after-show dinner date, although there is always Spoons in a pinch!
The Arcadian, 70 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TD
The Jam House
There is in the Jewellery Quarter a gorgeous Georgian building called The Jam House, and it is a treasure trove of date nights in Birmingham. This places has been rocking the city since 1999, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down! A live music venue first and foremost, you can see jazz, soul, and blues artists, as well as the odd rock act, in a large yet surprisingly informal venue. They have offered the stage to artists from The Specials to Chaka Khan, so who knows what new star you’ll end up seeing! There’s also a fantastic choice of hearty food to keep your energy up for a good singalong, and being placed in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s Square, even stepping outside feels magical.
3-5 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1QU
