Birmingham has football in its DNA. From the roaring crowds at St Andrew's at Knighthead Park to historic Villa Park, the city’s love for the beautiful game runs deep. The West Midlands is home to five of the world’s oldest professional clubs – Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Wolves, West Brom, and Walsall – and was the birthplace of the Football League. Wolves inspired today’s Champions League, and Sir Edward Elgar even penned the first-ever football chant here.

On match days, the city hums with raw energy: scarves waving outside historic pubs, chants echoing through gritty terraces, and a never-say-die spirit forged over more than a century of football. That passion is now taking the global spotlight with Prime Video’s new documentary Built In Birmingham: Brady & The Blues (launching 1 August). NFL legend Tom Brady and key club figures pull back the curtain on Birmingham City’s ambitious rise back to the Championship, capturing the city’s fierce pride and unbreakable bond with the game.

With Birmingham City set to face Nottingham Forest this Saturday, it’s the perfect excuse to experience the city’s legendary match-day atmosphere – from character-filled pubs and iconic foodie spots to nightlife and stylish stays. Here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying Birmingham like a true football fan.

 


Top pubs to soak up the match day atmosphere

The build-up to kick-off is just as important as the game itself. Birmingham has a thriving pub scene with options for die-hard home fans and visiting supporters:
 

  • The Royal George: Situated right by St Andrew’s Stadium, this is a classic match-day haunt for Birmingham City fans.
     
  • The Old Crown: Dating back to 1368, this is Birmingham’s oldest pub. Located in Digbeth, it’s a short walk from the city centre and perfect for away fans looking for character and a warm welcome. There are plenty of screens so you won’t miss a moment of live sport.
     
  • Top beer gardens: Dive into the city’s best beer gardens. They are plentiful, and the perfect place to relax in the sun before or after the big game.
     
  • Irish pubs: Birmingham’s Irish pubs are where the craic is at - live music, flowing Guinness, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of Dublin! What better way to celebrate?

Want more options? Explore our full guide to Birmingham’s pubs and bars to find the perfect spot, wherever match day takes you.
 


Competitive fun beyond the stadium

Football weekends don’t have to stop at the stadium turnstiles. Birmingham is home to exciting activities where you can test your skills and enjoy some friendly competition:
 

TOCA Social: TOCA Social lets you test your shooting skills on high-tech interactive pitches, all while feeding you gourmet snacks and cocktails. Whether you’re Messi or just a mess, the games are fun, the drinks are flowing, and the energy is unmatched.

  • Flight Club: Flight Club has taken darts out of the crowded pub corner and turned it into a full-blown event. Think cocktails, high-tech scoring, team games, and stunning décor. Even if your aim is questionable, the vibes are on point.
     
  • Sixes Birmingham: If you’ve ever wanted to smash cricket balls without wearing all-white or knowing the rules, Sixes is for you. Step into the batting cages, swing for the fences, then chill on the canal-side terrace with a pint. What’s not to love?
     
  • Clays Birmingham: Clays reinvents clay shooting with virtual guns, semi-private pegs, and a drinks menu that’s much fancier than anything you’d find in the woods. Ideal for date night, mate night, or proving once and for all who’s got the best aim in the group.
     
  • F1® Arcade Birmingham: Ever wanted to be an F1 driver but lacked the funds (or the talent)? F1® Arcade lets you live the dream without risking your no-claims bonus. With full-motion racing simulators, insane visuals, and a bar that serves Champagne and mocktails, this place is pole-position-level fun.

Discover more sports-related and competitive activities in the city.
 


Where to eat: Fuelling your match day

Good food is essential on game day, whether you’re after a quick pre-match bite or a celebratory dinner after full-time:
 

  • The Indian Brewery Taproom: In the heart of Birmingham, this lively spot serves fresh craft beers, Indian-inspired pizzas, and street food. Enjoy pool, darts, and live sports on the big screen with views of the working brewery in an iconic setting.
     
  • Original Patty Men: Known locally as OPM, this Digbeth burger joint has cult status. It’s casual, quick, and perfect before heading to St Andrew’s.
     
  • Hen and Chickens: Located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Hen and Chickens serves up bold Punjabi flavours, sizzling mixed grills, and refreshing pints in a vibrant, spacious setting. With big screens for live sports, it’s a top spot for fans to fuel up before or after the match. Children are welcome if they are aged 10+.

Explore more delicious food options in Birmingham.
 


Where to stay: From budget-friendly to luxury

Whether you’re in town for one night or a long weekend, Birmingham offers plenty of accommodation close to stadiums and city attractions:
 

  • Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham: Perfect for a football weekend, this central hotel puts you close to Birmingham’s top stadiums, pubs, and nightlife. Enjoy modern, eco-friendly rooms, hearty on-site dining, and easy access to the Bullring, ICC, and city transport links – ideal for making the most of match day.
     
  • Clayton Hotel Birmingham: Conveniently located near New Street Station and with good connections to both Birmingham City and Aston Villa’s grounds.
     
  • The Grand Hotel: A luxurious option in the city centre for fans wanting to treat themselves.

Discover more places to stay in Birmingham.
 


Exploring Birmingham beyond the match

If you’re arriving early or staying the whole weekend, there’s much more to see and do:
 

  • Bullring & Grand Central: One of the UK’s top shopping destinations. From high-end brands, to high-street basics, they’ve got it all.
  • Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Dive into culture and history between fixtures.
     
  • Concerts and gigs: Birmingham’s music scene keeps the energy going after full-time. With gigs, concerts, and festivals year-round, there’s always something on – so why not extend your stay and experience the city’s legendary live music?

Discover more things to see and do, and explore what’s on in and around Birmingham.
 


Make Birmingham your football weekend destination

Whether you’re in town for this Saturday’s Birmingham City vs Nottingham Forest clash or planning ahead for future fixtures, Birmingham is more than just a place to watch football – it’s a city that lives and breathes it.

From lively pubs pulsing with pre-match chants to unique football experiences like TOCA Social, world-class food, and welcoming hotels, every corner of Birmingham carries that gritty, unshakable spirit celebrated in Brady & The Blues. Come for the match, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a story that’s pure Birmingham.
 


Explore more sports events coming up in the region.