Address: 16-18 Horse Fair, Birmingham, B1 1DB, United Kingdom
Phone: +441216228250
Rating: 4.2
based on 422 reviews.
Security
Pros:
"The security was absolutely amazing."
"I've never had security take such good care of the crowd at a gig before."
"Security was amazing and this is the first time i have seen security guards handing out half a pint of water to the people standing in front of the concert."
"Security were very friendly, the Box Office team working on that night were extremely helpful with collecting our tickets!"
"The security staff were excellent. Super friendly and handed out water throughout the entire show."
"Staff are so friendly and helpful and seem to care about the people attending the venue."
"The door staff were great, fast and efficient."
Cons:
"Security seemed to work differently for everyone entering."
"The only problem was how long it took to get into the venue."
"The first issue was the huge queue outside which I didn't mind, but we walked all the way to the end which took five minutes only to find out that there was a different queue for the stalls."
"Security are far too slow in checking people and there seemed to be no strategy of which Security bod takes which queue."
"Heavily searched, including body search, which I understand for security reasons. But when they start taking water from people."
"showsec security is a bit useless and very rude so be wary."
"To say I'm disgusted is an understatement. My son was assaulted last night for intervening when a man was being aggressive towards his aunt. As no security intervened, I had to, which resulted in me also being assaulted. Still no security in sight!!!"
Venue Layout & Accessibility
Pros:
"Small venue with stalls & balcony, lovely staff, bar with drinks & crisps etc."
"Fantastic venue, intimate setting for watching bands."
"Great live music venue. Doesn't feel too big, which considering the popularity of the artists that perform here is a great plus!"
"A really great place to see a show - it is quite a small venue so whenever we have been to a gig here, the atmosphere is amazing!"
"Wheelchair user here. We were met by friendly staff and taken to a small lift."
"Accessibility friendly. The staff sorted me out, took me upstairs in the lift and were able to swap my standing tickets (booked months prior) for balcony."
"Great place, first time being there and we loved it 😍 definitely going here again to a gig."
"The gig was advertised for 7pm and we got there at 8.45pm, missed the 2 supporting acts, which was fine, and First Aid Kit came on 9-10.15pm, then an extra 2 songs I think for the encore."
"Unfortunately because of people holding their phone in the air recording the gig it utterly destroys the experience."
"This venue always feel a bit of a weird layout."
"Went to see McFly Tuesday 31st purchased balcony tickets. Well I’ve never experienced in my life that all of the balcony area is non reserved - therefore you don’t get a seat or an allocated place to stand."
"Drafty, cold, overcrowded, overpriced beer and rubbish view unless you're on the balcony, which is also a disorganised free-for-all."
Temperature & Comfort
Pros:
"The lift was a huge help, as I struggle with stairs and the lift attendant was very polite and clearly very disability aware."
"There was always someone around if we needed anything which felt really reassuring."
"We had a fantastic view from the upstairs balcony, which was reserved for myself and other 'Access' ticket holders and the seats were comfortable too."
"The venue felt safe if busy, and everyone was friendly."
"Great facilities for access customers and their staff actually told me about the access card."
"Great place to see live bands with a secure multi storey to park nearby."
"The staff were really helpful and courteous on the night too."
Cons:
"It was so hot that 17/18 people at the gig fainted, and condensation on the ceiling was dripping on us for the entire 4 hours."
"The venue is not designed with thermal comfort in mind. It's far too easy to overheat within the academy 2 building."
"Ventilation in the room was poor though and it became unbearably hot."
"Venue has no kind of cooling/air conditioning."
"This hands down the worst venue I have ever been to for a concert, I will never go there again."
"The venue was so cold, I saw people sat not only in their coats wrapped around them or zipped up to their necks but had wrapped their scarfs around their heads and necks for a little warmth."
"The poor review is for the horrific temperature inside. The aircon couldn't cope so over 15 teenagers fainted and had to be carried out."
Price & Value
Pros:
"Drinks not too badly priced."
"Great sound system."
"Easily accessible by train and NCP carpark next door."
"The price of entry is always reasonable which is a bonus."
"It is so much cheaper to see performers here than it is in London!"
"Drinks prices were good."
"Drinks are relatively cheap."
Cons:
"The beer selection is terrible, the area is grim."
"Overpriced drinks, stewards haven't a clue where to send you if you want room 2 or 3."
"It's a tatty place, but staff friendly. Balcony first come, first serve basis which is so crazy and not enough seats for all."
"Also daylight robbery at the bar with the prices."
"The drinks prices themselves at this place were shocking, seriously overpriced."
"One beer and a diet coke came to £11.20!!!! Also no cash but card only."
"Very expensive drinks! 2 x double Gin & tonic and 2 x double gin & lemonade = £35.20 !!!????"