10 More Sober Things to do in Birmingham

As a city with over a hundred thousand students, going out and getting a little sloshed is something that’s simply baked into the UoB experience. But your liver can only take so many nights on Broad Street. Birmingham tends to keep its cards pretty close to its chest when it comes to the best spots to enjoy booze-free activities, but there are so many gems hiding in plain sight. Following up our list of sober activities from last year, here are ten more activities you can do in Birmingham with your mates without waking up with the worst hangxiety in the world.

Lunch in Chinatown

There are many different restaurants to pick from, including Happy Lamb Hot Pot, which is the perfect excuse to gather around a table with your mates and eat some banging food. If that’s too tame for you, try Ming Moon Chinese Restaurant just across the street for a Chinese buffet that will impress and karaoke rooms that you’re sure to make many (perhaps embarrassing) memories in. My personal recommendation goes to a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant simply called “Noodle Bar”. Do not be deceived by this place’s unassuming store front or cheap prices; it will raise your standards for Chinese take-away for the rest of your life.

Board Game Cafe

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Located in Selly Oak, Sliced N Diced is the perfect excuse to grab a meal or a sweet treat and put your UNO skills to work. Whether you’re a Scrabble enthusiast with a soft spot for a really good milkshake or a die-hard Catan fan with a craving for loaded cheese fries, Sliced N Diced has a game and a treat for everyone.

Vintage shopping in Digbeth

Digbeth has no shortage of vintage shops offering all kinds of second-hand jeans, old sports jackets, and unique pieces that are guaranteed to spice up your closet. Some of the best shops include Cow Vintage, Demand Trends, and Lostalgia, which doubles as a coffee shop!

Workout classes

Birmingham offers a wide variety of workout classes, and if you can convince your friends, it’s so much fun to challenge yourselves as a group! Check out Yoga Sweat to find your zen and relax, Zumba Fitness if you’re looking for something a little livelier, or challenge yourself and work up a sweat at Reformer Pilates.

Sweet treat

It could be argued that a sweet treat is just as indulgent as a night out, but you get to skip the hangover! Find a super easy recipe with your mates and challenge each other to bake something new, or check out one of the many dessert shops littered around Selly, including Divine Desserts or Ciao Bella.

Mocktail night

Though they might seem a little less exciting than a real cocktail, never underestimate a cute mocktail night with your friends! You can find recipes yourself and make a night out of trying to create the best mocktails, or skip out on making them all together and enjoy one of the top mocktails in the city at bars like Luna Springs, with their mocktail Mojito, or Flight Club, known for their CBD-infused watermelon mocktail.

Explore Harborne

Truly a gem hiding right in plain sight, the high street in Harborne has it all. There are multiple charity shops, restaurants that feature any kind of food you could want, a little Waterstones for all the bookworms, and boutiques brimming with the trendiest clothes and jewellery. Treat yourself to a little day on the high street and explore every shop and restaurant!

Mini Golf

Such a simple way to make unforgettable memories! Treetop Golf in the Bullring offers an immersive jungle mini-golf experience that’s sure to get you pulling out your camera to snap pics of the bizarre decor. If that sounds a bit too tame for you, check out Gold Fang. Between the DJ sets, delicious mocktails, and super unique design, Gold Fang offers a mini gold experience you’ll never forget.

Catch some live music.

There are so many spots in Birmingham that have live gigs at least once a week. Grab a bite and listen to some rock or jazz at The Jam House, catch a grungier gig at the Sunflower Lounge, or head over to Digbeth for a jazz night at The Night Owl.

Glee club

Don’t underestimate a sober comedy club experience! Alcohol isn’t the only way to get you and your mates laughing up a storm. With live comedy every weekend, The Glee Club in the city centre is a unique way to get your friend group together and have a laugh.