Student date ideas in Birmingham

Whether it's an all-important first date or a regular date night with a special someone, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to bars, restaurants and cafés in Birmingham. But if you're looking for something a bit different, and let's face it, easy on the wallet, here's our list of alternative student dates on offer in Brum.

The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen

Enjoy a cinema date, but looking for something with a slight twist? Then the Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen is for you. This fully independent cinema is in the heart of Digbeth’s Custard Factory. They show all the latest releases but the pinnacle here are their themed events, quiz and movie doubleheaders, and marathons. Keep an eye on their Instagram or sign up to their mailing list to hear what's on.

Tilt

Want to go for a drink but don’t fancy sitting across from each other reaching for conversation? Tilt is a bar and café kitted out with pinball machine after pinball machine. They feature some classics including Twilight Zone and Addams Family as well as newer Star Wars and Dialed In machines. When you get bored of their array of pinball machines you can get stuck into their many craft beer or coffee options.

A spot of golf

Cannon Hill park

Cannon Hill is home to the Golden Putter, which features two 18-hole courses of different difficulties. The courses include many water features running around the holes as well as great views of the park. Cannon Hill also has various coffee shops and picnic areas to grab some food and drink after, whilst totting up the score. At £7.50 for a round, this is a proper good value date. 

If it’s a bit of a cold day an indoor course may be a better option…

Golf Fang

What’s better than a game of mini-golf? A game of mini golf with BBQ food. What’s better than a game of mini golf with BBQ food? A game of mini golf with BBQ food and cocktails! This is exactly what Golf Fang offers. Formerly known as Ghetto Golf, each hole has a different theme including the likes of retro gaming and some slightly blush-inducing themes (if you know, you know). The holes combine street art and theatre to give you a fully immersive golfing experience. Oh yeah, they bring cocktails to you as well. It fills up quickly so booking ahead is highly recommended. P.s. this one is strictly 18+.

Rollerjam

It was acceptable in the 80s and it's even more acceptable now, Rollerjam is Birmingham's only roller disco, skating arena and "nightclub on wheels". If you're a roller champion and want to show off your moves, or you fancy having a good laugh falling over with your date, this is for you. Based in Digbeth, they offer student prices and have lots of different events to try.

Birmingham Conservation Park

Birmingham Conservation Park is home to a wide collection of animals from across the world. It offers an up close experience that many bigger zoos don’t. Making it perfect for a more intimate date. The park has a wide variety of reptiles, lemurs, wallabies, meerkats and their headliners the red pandas. As well as less well known animals such as the south Asian Binturong. The centre do lots of work in helping endangered animals and your cash will go to help supporting that. So it’ll be a good deed as well as a good date. It’s also a stones throw from Cannon Hill park mini golf, offering the potential for a double header!

Roxy Ball Room

Booze and ball games, what more could you want? with two venues in Birmingham, Roxy Ball Room and Roxy Lanes, you can bring a bit of friendly competition to your date with a selection of games including bowling, pool, shuffleboard and pong (both beer and ping). There's also a great menu of pizza and cocktails to enjoy as you savour your victories or commiserate your losses.

Board game cafés

How about a less energetic form of competition? Birmingham has quite a few cafés and restaurants with board games to spice up your date. The Hideout is a cosy option not far from Snow Hill station. With a big list of games to choose from, plus a broad selection of food for meat eaters and vegans alike, you can put your heads together and take on the world. 

In Digbeth, you've got another great option with Chance and Counters in the Custard factory. Founded in 2016, the Birmingham café is their third branch after Bristol and Cardiff. With over 500 games to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Comedy

Away from the big arenas and TV touring comics Birmingham is a bit of a comedy hotbed. The Glee Club is the top comedy venue in Brum offering the best comedians on the circuit as well as smaller sets from less well-known names. Just the Tonic is based on Broad St and offers shows on most Saturdays, plus some Fridays. You can also get free entry to Rosie's nightclub with your ticket if you fancy a date with dancing. Finally, Mac Birmingham often hosts the hottest comedians touring their acclaimed Edinburgh shows. Whichever night you pick laughs are guaranteed!