The Rainbow

I’ve heard about the Rainbow for a good ten years but have for some reason never made it there — but finally I had a reason to go when I saw one of my favourite bands were playing Teleman. I previously saw them at the Hare and Hounds.
We headed to Digbeth Dining Club for drinks & food first which helped break up the long walk from the JQ. We went into the Rainbow just as the support act were finishing. The gig itself was in the courtyard which is wide rather than deep for a gig and allows you to feel really close to the band. We were only a row or so from the front & got some great pictures. The band hung around after signing records. The acoustics for the gig were fantastic.
The drinks were reasonably priced, staff polite. I have no horrible memories of the toilets (but I was a few beers in by the time we left). I’d happy return for another gig there.

This has to still be biggest and most respected music venue in Birmingham bringing the world’s biggest DJs to the city on a weekly basis.
Over the years the venue has grown from a small pub with a courtyard space to a complex of venues including the warehouse, terrace, textile factory, garden, beach and most recently the black box.
The versatility of the spaces means that the venue has managed to remain interesting and keep thousands of party people making the trip to the top of Digbeth high street on a regular basis.
You only have to look at the venues website to see the many things that are going on here week after week. If house music is your thing this place is well worth a look!

It was the first time I had visited the venue and I was impressed. The Rainbow Warehouse is just how I imagined it to be and reminded me very much of my youth (Acid House/​Warehouse Raves/​Best days of my life) ahem* .
But I digress, I was at the Rainbow to see the outstanding and ever so humble Spoken Word Poet Hollie McNish. Her support was our very own Brums finest Beat Freeks. Fantastic night, great artists, but back to the venue.
As you approach under the tunnel the graffiti art jumps out at you in keeping with Digbeths subculture and unique energy.
As you walk through the door the small dimly lit corridor leads you into the warehouse. And it is as it says on the tin.
The bar eas ahead with drinks moderate in price, the ceilling high with timber and steel supporting frames. The stage clearly lit for our performers.
The chairs all set out in theatre still I enjoyed the show and tried to visualise Groove Armada and the energy that would fill the room the next night at the venue.
Would I go again? Yes… I need to go partyyyy

The venue itself was pretty good, the drink were on the pricey side but that seems to be the case everywhere in the UK. We went to a hardcore show there and were walking in and out of the venue all day, all of a sudden while we were taking a rest in our hostel we get a message that everybody has to get in before six because there will be no re-​entry after that, not the organisers idea but of the venue. After we finally got there ten minutes to six, a little bit pissed of because we couldn’t go out to eat before the show ended we were let in by agressive looking security guards.
At 7pm suddenly the bar closed (there were still three bands supposed to play at this moment), so nobody could get out of this venue, nobody could get drinks and we were all packed up in a too small venue. Put two security guards beating up a girl in this story and it’s a nightmare. I know all these rules had to do with a clubnight later on that night in the same venue but that’s not our fault if you double book your venue.
Big shout out to Concrete fest and a big f*ck you to the (mis)management of the rainbow.

Rainbow can hold some really good nights in actual fact. I haven’t been there much but each and every time I have gone, I have enjoyed my night with spending very little money. Entry fee here at Rainbow you can expect it to be five pounds each event. They hold and host different nights throughout the week; these being Zombie Prom, Face, and probably much more. But I have only ever been to these two events. I personally prefer Zombie Prom to Face as the drinks were way cheaper and more inexpensive allowing me to have a better night out. They also provide an event drink named Zombie Bomb that had (if I can remember correctly) Malibu, Vodka, Apple Sourz and lemonade. Believe me now, that drink was lethal and well worth the five pounds per glass! Zombie Prom is more aimed and targeted towards teens and students.

I just love the vibe at The Rainbow! It’s a typical lively pub during the weekends in Digbeth. If you fancy some Dj’s and live music, it’s a point to go.
I like the contrast between its minimalist façade to the very expressive décor inside. Space is not an issue at the Rainbow!
As a huge venue, there are several different rooms at this pub. A perfect place for all kind of audiences. I like the brick walls and urban art expressed in graffiti and stickers and every time I am around Digbeth it’s always good to catch up with some good taste of music spread there.
I have never been to the Rainbow Warehouse but it’s definitely an experience for those who are looking for a big party out.
In the middle of Irish and other traditional pubs, The Rainbow is keeping the young spirit of Digbeth.
Popular among students and alternative people. Good prices, nice people around and a very friendly staff.

This pub is an accompaniment for the superb Rainbow Warehouse where many of the biggest and best DJ’s around come to help Birmingham throw some huge parties! Occasionally the internal link between the warehouse and pub is opened and they join as a team to provide DJ’s, booze and an all round rave experience. It’s pretty cool in here from décor to music, as you would expect for a venue near the heart of Birmingham’s party scene and commendably on a rave night there’s usually a locally sourced DJ providing tunes for the pub. A visit here may hurt your bank balance a little, as it’s not exactly cheap but the party goers don’t seem to care too much. Good staff, as they keep waiting times fairly low considering the number of customers who can attend a Rainbow party. All in all a nice little addition to the warehouse.

Ah, Rainbow. Although upon first guess you might think this colourful-​sounding venue lives on Hurst Street, it’s actually a Digbeth fixture — and quite easily one of Birmingham’s most intrinsically cool go-​to places.
Visit in the week or early evening and the Rainbow is an inviting pub just a short walk away from the Institute and Custard Factory; beware, if you’re planning a trip from the centre of town, that a taxi is probably best advised. It’s not that huge at first glimpse, one big room by the main bar and a smaller area behind it. The main room has some pretty cool graffiti-​style paintings up on the wall that fit in with the whole student/​alternative vibe.
However, if you’re planning a big night out, remember that if you follow the space around you’ll come across the Rainbow Warehouse, which often puts on big nights to accompany the lively crowd the pub attracts on a Fri/​Sat night. You may, like me, have attended a few of the legendary Drop Beats Not Bombs nights here but on a regular weekend, you’ll be treated to DJ sets (incorporating breaks, electro, drum ‘n’ bass, etc.) if you’re willing to wait in the queue and cough up an entry fee that averages around a tenner. Look out for the odd gig there too, as the place tends to attract some rather interesting indie artists who seem to overlook the more mainstream gig venues of Birmingham.

I had a really good time in the Rainbow. There is no way you come out without enjoying…

This place brings some of the best music and dj’s into the city. Never had a bad night here.

This is right up your street if you like music and people different from the norm. Perfect for music lovers rather than people who are desperate to look glamourous.

Without a doubt one of the, if not THE most popular alternative venues in town, The Rainbow is an absolute Mecca for fun-​loving, eclectic folk who are in search of a trouble-​free good time in the centre of Birmingham.
The drinks aren’t really cheap, and the furniture is pretty basic, but the whole place just gives off a chilled, comfortable vibe that is as much about the clientele inside as it is about the venue itself.
There is a medium-​sized ‘warehouse’ venue out the back of the place, which regularly plays host to live acts and DJs. Given that the Rainbow is located a fair trek outside of the centre proper, it’s a testament to just how much people enjoy the place that they are willing to make the journey to have a good time.

Had a great night here on Friday. It’s random place indeed, with the bar at first glance appearing to be nothing out of the ordinary. Soon realised the place is as eclectic as it’s clientèle. The bar opens up at one end to a larger area with a DJ stand and space to dance, but through the narrow passage is the venue for the bands. Dark and low ceiling-​ed, the gig was great. Cool atmosphere throughout meant we had a great night.
Service at the bar was friendly and reasonably quick, and a round of two glasses of Rosé and a Guiness came to about £9 so pretty decent too. Just don’t expect a place a colourful as it’s name.

The Rainbow is simply THE place to go for no attitutde and a good time. Been a few times on different nights and found it fun and friendly. Check whats on as it varies greatly — no stupid dress code just wear a smile and enjoy!

Worth the 20 minute trek from city centre for this unique little pub, always packed with the right kind of people, don’t come here expecting trouble, everyone is friendly and looking for a good night!

It seems a million miles from the city centre (especially when its cold, wet and miserable) but once you’re here, you don’t feel like going anywhere else!
Funky — Fab! Good atmosphereTakes me back to my uni daysIts nothing special décor wise but you really don’t even noticeHave spent several Friday nights here with friends enjoying the vibe and dancing to some super cool tunes.

Live music venue for at least the last 20 years to my knowledge. New bands and great night out.

I travelled all the way from London to come here and visit the warehouse just slightly down the road. It housed a massive street wars, graffiti night and was the perfect place to do such a thing. They had two graffiti artists battle it out with black marker pans on 2 separate white boards.
The room has street art written all over it, literally and there were live acts throughout the night with DJ’s playing and MC’s.
There is one large room, a huge bar, a smaller room with sofa’s and outside they pitched a massive marquee attached to an ice cream van, get that for creative thinking. It was a great night and I’d implore anyone to look up street wars events and go to at least one wherever they may be.
I did pop in the pub for a pint earlier and it had the same street vibe about it with deep red walls and paintings, but with chilled out, jazzy music playing. If I hadn’t gone especially for street wars, i would have stayed for a few more pints indefinitely.

The Rainbow is always an «experience». From the outside it looks like any other pub, albeit a bright red one. Once you get inside it gets kinda dark and atmospheric and there’s generally a DJ playing bangin choonz at the back. Get there late (ish) and you’ll have to pay a cover fee of £5 or so. Beer isn’t cheap, but they do stock some interesting bottled beers.

This place is quite fun, pre-​club. There are loads of dodgy rasters who seem to be in league with the door staff, but the clientelle are ok and the tunes are good. Can’t remember exactly how much it is but remember feeling ripped off having to pay to get in and the drinks not being that cheap either.