Home to one of the biggest music scenes in the UK, Birmingham has the upmost respect for its indie patrons and has even given them their own bars to frolic in! From independent boozers that double up as basement gig venues, to indie clubs in Birmingham that play only the very best in indie classics from The Smiths to The Maccabees, there's plenty of great places for you to go on a night out in the city. Check out our recommendations for the best indie bars in Birmingham and get your fill of some of the best NME-friendly tracks in the business.
Last edited by Olivia Cheves
If you're looking for cheap drinks in Birmingham in a bar that plays your favourite NME hits all night longs then you had better make haste for Snobs in Birmingham city centre. A bar in Birmingham that boast two rooms worth of cult indie classics and rocking drinks deals, this is a popular haunt in the city for students.
If you want indie music in Birmingham, you can't go far wrong than the O2 Academy Birmingham. One of the biggest music venues in the city, not only does it host your favourite bands live within its walls, you can also catch some great comedy and the odd club night.
If you folks know anything of the Jewellery Quarter by now, you'll know that the Actress and Bishop is one of its most heralded destinations for indie kids in the city. With their incredibly regular turnover of live music, to festivals and indie nights, it's no wonder that the city's be-boppers like to call it their home away from home.
Known for its home grown indie goodness and raucous basement gigs, this bar in Birmingham city centre is a hot spot for indie Cindy's. The Sunflower Lounge have been at the forefront of the indie scene in Birmingham and don't plan on stopping anytime soon with their relaxed vibes and cracking DJ nights in the city.
A mecca for mods, rockers and indie lovers in Birmingham, this city centre pub is bound by relaxed vibes and a booming music scene. From indie nights and acoustic sessions to intimate gigs in their basement bar in Birmingham, The Flapper is a great canalside venue that benefits from its premium location and buzzing indie crowd.
Boasting the most stellar selection of craft beer in the city, Brewdog is not only independent by brand, it's indie by clientele too. Host to a cool, and boisterous young selection of liquid guests, Brewdog invites the throngs of Birmingham's indie kids thanks to their craft picks and live music nights.
Known for their lively gig nights and indie vibes, The Hare and Hounds is a cool and quirky pub in Kings Heath. With space for two gig venues and two bars, this charming bar combines tradition with indie cool. A buzz with young creatives and indie-kids alike, this is one lively pub in Birmingham; a must if you're after something a littler different where you can take in top notch live music.
