The working day doesn’t have to end with the switch off of the office lights. In Birmingham, your after-work hours can transform into sensational evenings filled with live music, cocktails, games, and laughter with your favourite people.
Some of the city’s best entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants are just a short walk from Victoria Square. For those looking to catch their favourite music act, indulge in creative, challenge colleagues at shuffleboard, or unwind until late, we bring together the best spots for post-work adventures in Birmingham.
O2 Academy Birmingham
A staple of the UK music scene since 2000, the O2 Academy is a 15 minute walk from Victoria Square WorkRooms. The iconic venue has played host to legends past and present, making it the go-to spot for music lovers looking to elevate their evening.
Originally opening in Dale End as The Ballroom before evolving into The Top Rank Suite in the 1960s, the venue has a rich history. In the 1980s, it became the Hummingbird, introducing Birmingham to house music and hosting unbelievable shows from Nirvana and The Beastie Boys.
Reborn as O2 Academy in 2009, the venue has welcomed the likes of Stormzy, The Prodigy, Chase & Status, and Black Sabbath. With a capacity of over 3,000 and a thriving club culture, it’s still at the heart of Birmingham’s nightlife, offering gigs, residencies, and some of the UK’s hottest live music experiences.
Upcoming acts include Feeder, Rizzle Kicks, Dizzee Rascal, Kneecap, and Stereo MCs.
B: Music (Symphony Hall)
Just 10 minutes from Victoria Square on Broad Street, Symphony Hall is often described as one of the finest concert halls in the world. Seating more than 2,500, its magnificent ‘shoebox’ design and flawless acoustics make it a world-class venue for classical concerts, jazz, soul, stand-up comedy, graduations, and rock shows alike.
Inside, acoustic innovations such as a moveable canopy and hidden panels allow the hall to adapt to any performance, while its “reverse fan shaping” throws the sound back into the very centre. Its cavernous reverberation chamber can even expand the space’s sound to “cathedral-like proportions.”
Over the years, Symphony Hall has welcomed Van Morrison, Grace Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Vienna Philharmonic, and Gary Barlow, among many others.
It’s not only about the music. With a contemporary café in the foyer, you can even enjoy a pre-show drink after work or meal before settling in.
O2 Institute Birmingham
Up to a 15-minute walk from Victoria Square, the O2 Institute in Digbeth has long been synonymous with Birmingham’s indie, rave and drum ‘n’ bass scene. Once a methodist congregational chapel that was later turned into a civic hall, this historic building has reinvented itself as one of the city’s best-loved music venues.
With a track record of hosting acts like Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, The Cure, and Arctic Monkeys, it continues to attract big names and rising stars. Upcoming artists include The Amazons, Wheatus, Dub FX, and Franz Ferdinand.
It’s a must for music fans seeking a slightly more underground atmosphere than the Academy.
Roxy Ball Room (Victoria Square)
Right next door to Victoria Square WorkRooms, Roxy Ball Room brings a great twist to after-work fun! Perfect for team nights out, work parties, or just casual drinks, delight in games, good food, and the upbeat tunes to make your evening buoyant.
Partake and challenge your colleagues with shuffleboard, beer pong, tech darts, batting cages, bowling, ice-free curling, or even crazy pool all on offer (a mash-up of pool and mini golf).
Add in budget-friendly deals, like it’s 40% off gaming Sunday–Friday deal, or drink-and-play packages starting from just £10, and it’s easy to make a full night of it. For Friday night fun, the Ballers Bottomless Debrief offers 90 minutes of gaming, food, and drinks to kick-start the weekend.
Pair it with a mega menu of pizzas with your favourite toppings (to share or to eat solo), wings, hot dogs, and shareable bites, such as crisscut fries and chili cheese bites and Roxy’s is a guaranteed hit!
The Lost & Found
Just a 12-minute stroll from Victoria Square, The Lost & Found is where elegance meets relaxation.
Located in a Grade II-listed Victorian building, The Lost & Found is a quick 12 minute walk to the St Bennetts Hill area. This stylish bar and restaurant is drenched in botanical-inspired interiors, providing the perfect backdrop for after-work cocktails.
Enjoy 2-for-£12 cocktails from 4–8pm weekdays, indulge in sharing plates, or book a bottomless brunch with colleagues. Open until 11pm midweek and 1am on Fridays, it’s equally suited to casual post-work drinks or celebratory nights out.
With themed events like Pizza & Prosecco Fridays and live music nights, The Lost & Found is a gem for those who want atmosphere without the chaos.
Theatrix
Just 10 minutes away on Colmore Row, Theatrix combines dining, cocktails, and late-night entertainment under its Grade II-listed roof.
Start your evening with a relaxed dinner or 2-for-£12 cocktails at happy hour, then head upstairs to the venue’s private club space. With room for 100, a private bar, a DJ booth, and a smoking terrace, it’s a great venue for corporate parties or after-work celebrations.
The extensive drinks menu – from craft beers to cappuccino martinis ensure there is something for everyone, while the food menu features locally sourced dishes ranging from hearty mains to sharable plates.
Whether it’s dinner, drinks, or dancing, Theatrix brings a stylish edge to your evening.
Be at One
Just two minutes from Victoria Square, Be At One is the cocktail destination for Birmingham’s professionals! Open from 4.30pm until the early hours, with over 100 cocktails to choose from, as well as happy hours that stretch into the evening and a high-energy vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind or kick-start the night.
Highlights include:
- Cocktail sharers: From six-strong hex sharers to pump-action sharer cocktails.
- Midweek Margs: Mondays to Wednesdays are transformed with margarita specials, killer playlists, and great deals.
- Cocktail masterclasses: Ideal for team-building with a fun twist.
- Celebratory shots: six shots of Baby Guinness or Jammy Doughnut can be ordered to share for any special occasion!
Whether you’re sipping classics, exploring low/no-alcohol alternatives, or sharing drinks with the team, Be At One is always lively and welcoming.
Fox and Chance
For something more cosy, Fox & Chance on Pinfold Street is a multi-award-winning independent cocktail bar just minutes from Victoria Square. Known for its laid-back yet refined atmosphere, it’s a great spot for unwinding after a long day.
Drinks are crafted with precision, blending seasonal ingredients with creativity to deliver decadent cocktails. The menu also offers premium spirits, wines, and beers, alongside light bites to pair with your drinks.
Ideal for smaller gatherings, client entertaining, or simply ending the day somewhere relaxed.
Where Will Your Evening Take You?
From live gigs at the O2 Academy to cocktails at The Lost & Found, late-night dancing at Theatrix, or friendly rivalry at Roxy Ball Room, Victoria Square is surrounded by after-work entertainment for every occasion.
Keep things casual, make it a team night, or go all out for Friday drinks, you’re spoiled for choice!
So, when the laptop closes, why not step out and explore Birmingham’s evening allure?