Some places just have it, you know? That special something that makes them feel effortlessly cool. And in Birmingham, that place is the Custard Factory - a vibrant, buzzing creative quarter packed with indie businesses, top-tier food, and amazing experiences. Whether you’re here to eat, game, sip, or explore, buckle up because we’re about to guide you through the best day out in Digbeth’s Custard Factory.

 

Morning: Power up at Kanteen

First things first: fuel. And there’s only one place to do it properly: Kanteen. This place is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the kind of breakfast that makes you rethink every sad slice of toast you’ve ever eaten. The coffee? Delightful, creamy heaven. The pastries? Perfection. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a lazy brunch, Kanteen is the ultimate start to your day.
 

what3words: ///inner.flows.milk

 

Mid-morning: Battle it out at Chance & Counters

Your next stop is the charming Chance & Counters. Picture this: a board game café stacked with over 600 games, plus good coffee, craft beers, and a dangerously tasty snack menu. Whether you’re flexing your strategic genius in Catan, going old-school with Cluedo, or proving your reflex skills with Dobble, this is the kind of place where one game turns into five and suddenly, it’s lunchtime.
 

what3words: ///record.game.relay

 

Lunch: The pizza gods await at Baked in Brick

Now this is where things get serious. Baked in Brick is a holy place where cheese, sauce, and crispy-yet-pillowy bases unite in perfect harmony. You can go classic (Margherita never misses), or get wild with a Beef Shin Ragu Calzone that literally won ‘Best Main Course’ at the European Street Food Awards. Either way, order everything, eat until you can’t move, and then order another slice just for fun. We support your choices.
 

what3words: ///treat.moons.shops

 

Afternoon: Experience nostalgia overload at NQ64

Now that you’re full of pizza,  it’s time to relive your best childhood memories - but with cocktails. Enter NQ64, a neon-drenched arcade bar packed with retro classics like Guitar Hero, Pac-Man, and Mario Kart. Lose yourself in pixelated bliss, sip a Princess Peach Spritz, and embrace the fact that you’re an adult now, which means you can play arcade games whenever you want.

Or, if you prefer your competition with a side of chaos, Golf Fang is unlike any mini-golf course you’ve seen before. This is mini-golf turned up to eleven - graffiti-covered walls, absurd obstacles, hip-hop beats, and some of the wildest course designs you’ll ever see.
 

NQ64 what3words: ///doctor.donor.noise

Golf Fang what3words: ///soda.star.caves

 

Early evening: Enjoy culinary masterpieces at 670 Grams

Just when you think your day can’t get any better, along comes 670 Grams to blow your mind. Michelin-guide approved, bold, experimental, and guaranteed to make you say, “Wait, how did they even do that?”. Expect dishes that look like modern art but taste like the future of food. Chef Kray Treadwell is a wizard, and you? You’re about to eat one of the best meals of your life.
 

what3words: ///purple.these.tops

 

Evening: Get stuck into a film at the Mockingbird Cinema

For a laid-back evening activity, the Mockingbird Cinema is an indie gem. Tucked inside the Custard Factory, this place shows everything from cult classics to independent masterpieces, all for purse-friendly prices. Grab a drink, settle into your seat, and let the big screen take over.
 

what3words: ///headed.second.having

 

Nightcap: Cocktails done right at Passing Fancies

Finish the night on a high at Passing Fancies, a cocktail bar that oozes style and sophistication. These aren’t your average cocktails - these are next-level, handcrafted, sip-slowly-and-savour-every-drop masterpieces. The bartenders? Welcoming and seriously skilled. The drinks? Flawless. The vibe? The perfect way to round off your day in Digbeth.
 

what3words: ///again.paint.firmly


Bonus: Explore the street art

Throughout your day, don’t forget to look around as the Custard Factory is basically an open-air gallery. Most corners, alleyways, and brick walls are covered in stunning murals and graffiti, telling the story of Digbeth’s creative soul. You can even go on a Graffiti Art Tour if you fancy! Take photos, get inspired, and if you don’t post at least one street-art snap, did you even go to the Custard Factory?
 


So, there you have it. A full day of eating, drinking, gaming, relaxing, and exploring in Brum’s creative centre. Now, all that’s left to do? Drop everything and go!

Explore more things to see and do in the Custard Factory.