I feel I should start this post by saying I’m not a royalist.
I found out Liz doesn’t like garlic (true fact; Google it) and it put me right off her. I do, however, like long weekends and seeing people enjoying themselves, so (for the purposes of this here food and drink blog) I’ve pulled together some upcoming fun and games for those of you looking for related frivolity in the name of Our Liz.
So put out your best bunting and iron your Geri Halliwell inspired Union Jack dresses – here’s 15 of the best things for food and drink lovers to do in Birmingham during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Slurp responsibly and for the love of god don’t go to Pizza Express have a ruddy lovely time.
Jubilee Weekender at The Old Crown
Head to Digbeth over the bank holiday and you’ll find all sorts going on at this ye olde pub. Live music, street food, extra beer garden bars, late night DJs – all for free. Running from 2nd to 4th June.
Afternoon tea at The Ivy
To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, The Ivy (on Temple Row) will have a limited edition menu of royal-themed cocktails and an afternoon tea fit for, well… a queen. Guests visiting between 12-3pm on Thursday to Sunday will also have the opportunity to take photographs with the ‘Queen’s Guards’, who will stand to attention at the entrance. Jazzy!
Bottomless brunches at Pineapple Club
Pop the fizz because it’s party time at everyone’s favourite pink palace. For the entire jubilee bank holiday, you’ll be able to enjoy bottomless brunches 12-6 every day. There’s 4 different types to choose from but whichever you pick you’ll leave tipsy and full.
Britpop takeover at Zumhof
If you like screaming Oasis songs and munching on burgers, get yourself to Zumhof on Sunday 5th. Expect booze, bangers and a hangover to take you back to work with a thud on Monday.
Beer festival at Halton Turner
One for the beer lovers – on Saturday 4th you can enjoy some of our best local brewers all under one roof. You’ll find the likes of Attic, Burning Soul and Brew Co, plus street food from Viet Ventura. On all day and night over at the Digbeth taproom.
Garden party at The Highfield
Kicking off the Jubilee Weekend, from 2pm on the Thursday you can enjoy swish sandwiches, homemade scones, mini cakes and unlimited pots of tea (fizz addition also available) on the patio and garden. Booking online is essential – quote ‘Afternoon Tea’ to secure a spot. The pub has other various events and pop ups on over the weekend, too.
Burgers and comedy at The Flapper
Everyone’s real favourite old bird, The Flapper, has a host of jubilee celebrations on across the long weekend including 241 burgers all day on Sunday 5th June. There’s also a queens of comedy evening on Saturday 4th.
Summer Sessions at 1000 Trades
Head to this great JQ boozer on Saturday 4th and you’ll find an all day (free) event including loads of live music, a Birmingham Brewery tap takeover, ping pong and BBQ style food. It’s doggo friendly so you can take your corgis.
Party in Victoria Square
Over the 4 day bank holiday you’ll be able to enjoy a host of free events and entertainment in and around Victoria Square. As well as live music you’ll find street food and pop up bars to help you enjoy the festivities. Hopefully the Floozie will be gushing and they pop a crown on her.
Rooftop party at The Mill
If you like fruity cocktails and dancing this could be the one for you. The jubilee party is hip hop themed (just as Elizabeth would want) and you can expect DJs on the rooftop terrace all afternoon. It’s a right sun trap up there so pack your suncream.
Beatles brunch at The Night Owl
On Thursday 2nd you can enjoy acoustic covers of all the best Beatles songs alongside live DJs and they’ll even throw in some of the solo classics. It’s happening at one of Digbeth’s best music venues and includes food from Dining by Dalton as well as bottomless fizz, beer or pimms. Book tickets via their website.
Picnic in the Park
To celebrate the Jubilee, the keepers of Cotteridge Park are inviting locals, neighbours, friends and families to bring a picnic to the park, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. It’s free, all you need to do is bring your own food and drink. Nice cheap option for families if the weather is good!
Drinks and drag at Eden Bar
Jubilee bank holiday sees the return of Eden Bar that will be relaunching with drinks and drag acts across the weekend from Friday 3rd. Head towards the Gay Village, you’ll now find it next to the Birmingham LGBTQ+ Centre. Lots of fun and frolics promised.
Rave up at Snobs
Lastly, one for those of you still young enough to enjoy getting sloshed until it gets light outside. On Thursday 2nd June, Snobs will hosting a queen themed evening, with the second floor playing Queen bangers until you can’t take anymore. Buy tickets in advance.
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