In this month’s ‘venue spotlight’ feature, we’re focusing on Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city. Ideally located in the centre of England and only around 100 miles from London, where the national rail and motorway systems meet, this vibrant and welcoming city offers amazing accessibility via its fantastic transport links – whether you’re travelling by road, rail or air.
Whether your current preference is a ‘less is more’ approach to meetings and events, and you’re therefore looking for smaller, more intimate venues – or you need bigger spaces for large events, we have some terrific options for you to select from. So if you still prefer to remain in the UK rather than venture abroad for your event, then buzzing Birmingham is a brilliant bet – whether you’re going ahead with a totally in-person event, hybrid, or virtual; we have great solutions for all your requirements.
Naturally, all the venues we work with are Covid-safe, and work to the highest standards of health and safety, for your peace of mind.
Birmingham’s proud heritage as one of the manufacturing powerhouses of the 18th century and a major hub of the Industrial Revolution, has created a unique city with a fantastic legacy of an abundance of ancient architecture, much of it maintained and reimagined for the 21st century. The impressive scale and beauty of its historic buildings contrast with the best of the dazzlingly modern – revealing a city committed to its rich and diverse contemporary culture.
With an eclectic array and huge choice of hotels and restaurants – many of which are located on the waterfront of the historic and charming canal network – this is a city buzzing with vibrant culture and effervescent hospitality. Read on to discover some of Birmingham’s fabulous venues for your next event.
A Jewel in The City’s Crown
A stunning, landmark Victorian building transformed into one of the finest and most beautiful hotels in Birmingham, Hotel du Vin enjoys a central location in the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
With 66 stylish rooms and suites, guests can also enjoy the open-air courtyard at the heart of the hotel (year-round, thanks to its retractable roof!) plus a bar; bistro; and pub.
Hotel du Vin has 4 distinctive and unique function rooms (plus a courtyard), providing individual and inspirational event spaces. These areas benefit from versatile configuration options, making them ideal for a wide variety of events, and can accommodate from 11 to 150 delegates. For food options, the hotel offers a bespoke and creative menu, featuring seasonal ingredients.
In the heart of the hotel, the courtyard (capacity 100 to 150) offers something a little different, and provides a tranquil and unique setting, the perfect space for a break-out area or drinks reception – complete with natural daylight and protection from the elements, courtesy of the fully retractable roof.
The Unique Appeal of Austin Court
Austin Court (IET Birmingham: Austin Court) is ideally located on the edge of central Birmingham and blends the best of historic character and contemporary event spaces, offering peace and tranquillity – especially within its stunning courtyard garden – yet with the buzz of the city close by.
Grade II listed, it dates back to 1803 and was transformed by a regeneration in 1997 to provide a distinguished and versatile conference and events venue, with meeting spaces for as little as 4 people, up to 150. Austin Court has 14 purpose-built and versatile event spaces, including: fully adaptable and interconnecting rooms; a tiered lecture theatre; a gorgeous courtyard garden, which provides a superb outdoor event space for up to 100 people; waterside canal views; and terrific menu options from its dynamic and creative in-house catering team.
And of course, as part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the technical capabilities for your events and meetings at Austin Court are – naturally – state-of-the-art.
Wow – What a Grand Affair
Birmingham’s original grand hotel opened its doors in 1879, an iconic landmark that attracted all the movers and shakers of each era, from the Prince of Wales to Charlie Chaplin; Winston Churchill; Malcom X; Nina Simone; and The Beatles.
The Grand has been beloved of the people of Birmingham for since its inception, so when it closed in 2002 the public undertook a campaign to save it from demolition. Almost 20 years later and after a £50 million restoration, everyone can once more enjoy this iconic, luxury hotel – recreated for the 21st century with the stunning Victorian architecture and interiors reimagined to deliver a huge wow factor, and comfort and glamour in abundance.
The Grand contains endless exceptional spaces, with no doubt that when it comes to events and entertaining – the Grand Ballroom is the jewel in the crown. Described as ‘grand in scale and extraordinary in detail, the opulent Louis XIV-style Grand Ballroom is a showstopper of a room and sure to leave a lasting impression’, the ballroom benefits from natural daylight, and a semi-private VIP balcony. With a capacity of 300 (with 1 metre social distancing; the usual capacity is 350 for receptions, or theatre-style) this sumptuous event space is perfect for product launches; fashion shows; award ceremonies; corporate hospitality; and charity dinners.
If your requirement is for smaller meeting areas, there is a choice of 9 further rooms, with capacities from 6 to 60, including versatile and multi-function options. Benefit from period characteristics, the latest technology, and a team of chefs to cater for everything from a business breakfast to a four-course feast.
Elevate Your Event!
The 4-star Park Regis Birmingham is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, transformed in 2016 from a run-down office block into a deluxe destination – complete with an indulgent Spa. This sleek, glass-fronted hotel has a contemporary and boutique style, and is located in one of the city’s most dynamic entertainment areas. With 253 guest rooms, a choice of restaurants and bars, and a luxury spa – this is the ideal location to mix business with pleasure.
The Park Regis has 11 function rooms providing capacity from 4 to 400, each space offering the versatility and perfect setting for any type of event. If you’re looking for an outdoor event environment, the 1565 Terrace can accommodate up to 150 people, and is available for exclusive use.
Looking to take your events to a new level? Check out the unique ‘Level 16’ floor; an inimitable location offering an extra dimension for events – an extraordinary experience in the Sky Loft and Sky Gallery. As their names suggest, these function spaces provide unparalleled views of the city and skyline, presenting a brilliant backdrop for your event.
A Leafy Location
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre enjoys a peaceful and lush location just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham, and offers guests convenient transport links to the city centre via a rail shuttle service; hotel guests can also benefit from on-site parking. Edgbaston Park Hotel provides a variety of accommodation locations, offering a choice of both the historic and contemporary across 185 bedrooms – either in the main hotel; the newly-restored boutique hotel Horton Grange; or the unique and luxurious historic Garth House.
For events and meetings, choose from 8 different areas, including flexible suites for adaptable accommodation, plus – the landscaped gardens of Horton Grange, ideal for taking a breather, or for teambuilding events. With a choice of either bright, contemporary spaces with a capacity of up to 250 – or more intimate and individual rooms in the characterful Grade II listed buildings, for 8 – 14 delegates – Edgbaston Park has something for everyone, whether your location search is for private dining, workshops, a conference or exhibition.
Guests also have the advantage of fabulous additional on-site amenities including: world-class sports and fitness centre; Olympic-size swimming pool; museums and art gallery; and a choice of 3 cocktail bars.
Gorgeous Georgian!
Featuring a beautiful Georgian entrance porch, and opulent interiors, St. Pauls House makes a stylish choice for events, and is conveniently located near to the Jewellery Quarter.
St. Pauls’ meeting rooms offer natural light and sumptuous surroundings, and can cater for between 6 to 40 people (up to 70 in the terrace) – ideal for meetings, conferences, and private dining occasions.
St. Paul’s has a fantastic additional event space – a private and luxurious terrace, complete with dedicated cocktail bar. The retractable roof means guests can enjoy this opulent space all year round – taking advantage of the sunnier weather and natural daylight, yet staying warm and cosy in the colder months. With capacity for 60 for a sit-down meal, or 70 for drinks, the terrace is perfect for corporate meetings, drinks receptions, parties – really, any event where you want a bit of wow factor!
With 34 guest bedrooms designed for a super-comfy stay; a great restaurant; extensive drinks menu; and innovative cocktails, St. Pauls is the ideal option for smaller, intimate events, with the advantage of everything you need being under one roof.
Beautifully Botanical
Described as ‘a secret garden of food and drink’, The Botanist is an award-winning restaurant and bar located in the heart of the city. With great food and drink choices and an inspirational selection of inventive cocktails, The Botanist is perfect if you’re looking for a smaller, distinctive venue.
The imaginative and inspiring interior also houses ‘the Plant Rooms’, which are available for private hire – a highly original choice for your events. Ideal for private dining, breakfast/lunch meetings, team-building sessions, parties, or corporate entertaining – after all, what better place to hold a fabulous cocktail masterclass?!
Get in Touch Now!
We hope you’ve been inspired by the small selection of venues we’ve outlined above. We’d love to help you plan your meeting or event in Birmingham, and to showcase other options we have too. So, whether you’re looking for somewhere to hold a breakfast meeting, a sales kick-off, drinks reception, or a conference – whatever you need, we can help you find the perfect venue for your event – get in touch here.