Where to eat near Utilita Arena Birmingham before or after a show

Utilita Arena Birmingham is in one of the best spots in the city for a pre-show meal. Brindleyplace, with its squares and canalside restaurants, is just across the water, and Broad Street and Gas Street Basin are a few minutes further on. The challenge is not finding somewhere to eat, but finding a table when thousands of other fans have had the same idea.

Brindleyplace and Oozells Square

Visit Birmingham describes Brindleyplace as popular for pre-concert meals and drinks, thanks to its proximity to the arena, the ICC and Symphony Hall. Its restaurant guide lists, among others:

• Bank Birmingham, a bar and restaurant on the main square;
• Siamais, a Thai restaurant, also recommended by Visit Birmingham for a meal after a concert;
• Qavali, an Indo-Persian restaurant and cocktail bar;
• PERIOS Brindleyplace;
• Cosy Club Brindleyplace;
• Pitcher and Piano, on the canal waterfront;
• Turtle Bay, a little further in, on Oozells Square.

For a drink, the same guide mentions All Bar One, The Alchemist and Slug & Lettuce, the last two across the bridge from the ICC.

Along the canal: Sheepcote Street

On the other side of the arena, by the South Car Park, The Distillery on Sheepcote Street is a canalside gin bar that Visit Birmingham suggests for a drink after the show. It is practical if you have parked in the South Car Park.

Broad Street and Gas Street Basin

If Brindleyplace is full, walk on towards Broad Street and the canal basin at Gas Street, just off Broad Street between Brindleyplace and the Mailbox, on the way back to New Street station. The canalside here has plenty of bars and restaurants. It is a good option for dinner on your way to the arena, or for a last drink before your train.

Eating inside the arena

The arena is cashless. Its "Express Bars", self-service shops where you tap your card on the way in and pay as you leave, sell street food and hot dishes (burgers, loaded fries, hot dogs, pizza and event specials), snacks and a full range of drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, and menus vary by event. Premium tickets, memberships and private suites give access to hospitality lounges, booked in advance.

Remember that the arena does not allow re-admission: once your ticket has been scanned, you cannot pop out for dinner and come back.

Tips for a show night

• Book a table, especially for a group and for a weekend show: Brindleyplace fills up quickly between the end of the working day and the opening of the doors.
• Time your meal around door opening, shown on your ticket and in the arena's pre-event email. If you have a standing ticket and want to be near the front, eat early.
• After the show, a drink in Brindleyplace or on Broad Street lets the crowds disperse before you head for the station; check closing times with the venue you choose.

Need to plan the journey? Read our guides to getting to Utilita Arena Birmingham, parking at the arena and the best seats. After the show, write a review.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat before a show at Utilita Arena Birmingham?

Brindleyplace, just across the canal from the arena, is the obvious choice, with restaurants such as Bank, Siamais, Qavali, Cosy Club and Turtle Bay. Broad Street and Gas Street Basin are a few minutes further.

Can you eat inside Utilita Arena Birmingham?

Yes. The arena's cashless Express Bars sell street food, hot dishes, snacks and drinks, with vegan and vegetarian options. Hospitality packages are also available.

Can I leave the arena for dinner and come back?

No. Utilita Arena Birmingham does not allow re-admission once your ticket has been scanned, so eat before you go in.

Should I book a restaurant on a show night?

Yes, ideally. Restaurants around Brindleyplace get very busy before big shows, especially for groups.