The Ballroom, Birmingham

Marked as closed

This pub which was the bar of the Shelbourne Hotel and was fequented by the DJ's of local Radio Station Radio Forth has been closed for some time. [Admin edit: actioned 20/1/10]

Seen a few bands here in my time - it has now closed and has been replace by the old 'Dome nightclub' venue [Admin edit: actioned 4/1/10]

Much maligned in recent times due to changes made by the previous management, Costers has suffered at the hands of rumourmongers, but this venue is currently run by yet another musician, (Andy), who cares deeply about how Costers is perceived, and through his hard work the pub is regaining its title of the longest running alternative/metal pub in Birmingham. Once you've come down the stairs into Costers, you'll find a venue geared towards music, particularly metal - come and have a look at the paintings, they're worth seeing! Bands have played here in the past and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The only large venue in Central Birmingham for bands to play, and the franchise takes full advantage of the fact - ridiculously over-priced drinks and zero atmosphere at large gigs. Weekend club nights [Ramshackle- Friday, Subculture- Saturday] cater to the younger members of the alternative scene..upon entering the Academy, the inescapable, heady reek of testosterone assaults your sense to the point that, if you'e over 25, you soon realise that you're in the wrong place and need to seek shelter somewhere else - probably Costers, scruffies or the black horse. A big venue, but not a great one.