Downstairs at The Grand Hotel Birmingham makes for the perfect late-night spot 

BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES PROVIDED 

It’s no secret that sapphics tend to yearn for the glitz and glamour of yesteryear. We love vintage magazines, old photos of lesbians in three-piece suits and finding coveted diaries of old-school sapphics. If you’re looking to be transported back to the cabaret and jazz-bar renaissance that saw the birth of Ronnie Scott’s, look no further than The Grand Hotel Birmingham’s new late-night jazz bar, Downstairs. 

With ambient red lighting, glistening green tiles lining the walls and oh-so-fabulous chandeliers, Downstairs is the perfect place to sip an Old Fashioned and pretend you’re Marlene Dietrich. Open from 10 pm until 2 am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, this new spot is located right in the heart of Birmingham. Oh, and it’s only a few minutes walk from the Gay Village if you fancy keeping the night going. 

Bringing blues back to Birmingham, this new bar will feature residencies from musicians every week, with performers offering jazz nights, boogie-woogie, cabaret in the style of Crazy Coqs and West End stars performing musical shows. See icons like Dana Gillespie and Lisa-Marie Holmes get on stage to provide an experience like no other. 

Sip your choice of cocktail, wine or non-alcoholic beverage and sit back to enjoy one of the city’s newest and most exciting attractions. If you get peckish, you can even branch out and get yourself an artisan cheese board. Oh, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot some LGBTQIA+ celebs in the audience like we did. If GK Barry is in attendance, it must be good.

Treat yourself to a date night that is sure to impress any partner or friend. For the full schedule of performances or to make a booking, go to downstairsatthegrand.co.uk.

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