If you’re looking for a weekend adventure in Birmingham, Digbeth is undoubtedly the place to be.
Once the industrial heart of the city, this vibrant district is now an explosive hub of creativity, street art, and independent businesses. It’s the perfect playground for adults looking for a unique, action-packed getaway.
Forget the generic high street; Digbeth offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Here’s our curated guide to the absolute best things to do in Digbeth, prioritising the newest hotspots and the very best competitive gaming.
1. Get Flippin’: An Hour (or Two) at The Pinball Factory
Your Digbeth adventure must start with a healthy dose of nostalgia and high-octane fun. We aren’t talking about dusty old cabinets in a pub corner; we are talking about The Pinball Factory. Located in the beautifully restored Zellig building (part of the wider Custard Factory complex), this is a dedicated sanctuary for all things silver ball.
This isn’t a bar with pinball machines; it’s an experience. You don’t pay-per-game; you pay one flat entry fee (currently around £10 for an hour or £20 for as long asy ou want) for unlimited play during your session.
If you grew up dreaming of the classic arcades of old, but have maybe done that all before at this point, then Pinball is something new and exciting. The Pinball Factory has over 30 meticulously maintained machines. For a group of 50-year-olds, this is pure magic. You will find a range of machines from the late 70s (Gorgar) right up to the modern day (King Kong & Jaws – 2025).
It’s competitive but universally enjoyable. You don’t need to be a “pro” to have fun – just pull the plunger and keep those flippers moving. It’s the perfect way to spend an hour, sparking banter and unlocking core memories as you compete for the high score on the classic leaderboards.
Alternative: NQ64 is a more traditional retro arcade if that is more your speed!
2. Refuel and Relax: The Alfred Works Food Hall
After a serious flipping session, you will work up an appetite. Conveniently, one of Birmingham’s newest and most exciting culinary additions, Alfred Works, is right there in the Custard Factory.
Opened in early 2026, Alfred Works is a massive 17,500 sq ft industrial-chic food and drinks hall. This is the ultimate “group-pleaser.” If your mates are divided between wanting Thai, Burers, Asian street food or Tacos – this is the best place to go.
With around 15 different independent food vendors, everyone can grab exactly what they want (from Birria tacos to high-end ramen) and then all sit together in the massive central dining hall.
It’s not just about the food, though. Alfred Works is also a great place for a drink. They have a brilliant central bar serving local craft ales, signature cocktails, and a solid wine list. It has a high-energy, bustling atmosphere, and the industrial design (exposed steel and original brickwork) makes it feel genuinely unique. It’s the perfect place to refuel, relax, and plan the next stage of your day (and only 2 minutes from The Pinball Factory).
Alternative: If you are all burger fans then Hanboa is a solid (and tasty choice).
3. Bowling and Ball Games
Once you are fed and lubricated you can move on to something a bit more competitive and Lane7 is a great shout.
Again, just a two minute walk from Alfred Works & The Pinball Factory, this is a cool, adult focused bowling lane with drinks, pool and bowling.
Booking a lane (or two) for an hour is essential. The environment is loud, fun, and designed for banter. The bowling itself is great, but Lane7 also packs in other activities if your group wants a change. They have interactive darts, beer pong (the classic beer-or-water version), retro arcade games, and shuffleboard.
It’s the perfect way to keep the energy high and the competition going well into the evening. Grab a beer at the lane and settle into some serious bowling (or not-so-serious beer pong) before hitting the next spot.
4. Need More? The Digbeth ‘Bonus Round’
If you’ve tackled pinball, street food, and bowling and still have energy left (and thirst to quench), Digbeth has plenty more to offer.
The Old Crown: Established in 1368, this is the oldest pub in Birmingham. It’s an authentic timber-framed building just a 2-minute walk from the Custard Factory. If you want a pint in a space with real history, a heated beer garden, and a classic pub atmosphere, this is a essential stop.
Dead Wax: Live music and vinyl bar with great pizza. If you want to do a pub crawl this is worth a look.
Golf Fang: An 18-hole, adults-only “Ghetto Wonderland” of crazy golf featuring crude humor, neon graffiti, live DJs, and creative cocktails.
Chance & Counters: A huge, social board game café and bar with over 600 games to choose from, offering craft beers and “dirty diner” food like loaded fries and wings.
Dig Brew Co: For the true craft beer connoisseurs in the group, the nearby Dig Brew Co. is a legendary brewery and taproom. They make some of the most experimental and acclaimed beer in the UK, all served from their industrial taproom within sight of the brewing tanks.
Can you Dig it?
Digbeth is more than just a place; it’s an experience and easily the best that Birmingham has to offer. A day combining the nostalgia of the Pinball Factory, the variety of Alfred Works, and the high-energy fun of Lane7 guarantees an unforgettable day with friends in Digbeth.