The Village Inn
Quick info
About The Village Inn
On Kent St in Birmingham, The Village Inn is a gay bar built around a regular program of live cabaret, drag acts and dance nights. The lineup shapes the room's rhythm, with performance nights running alongside more standard bar evenings. Entry is walk-in, with no reservations needed to get through the door. The venue leans on its event calendar rather than a fixed food or drink offering, giving the cabaret and drag bookings room to headline each night differently.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention security refusing entry, fights among customers, drug use in toilets and rude bar staff.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention security refusing entry, fights among customers, drug use in toilets and rude bar staff.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers repeatedly describe safety concerns as the dominant theme, citing packed crowds, drink-throwing, and drug use reported in the toilets. Several describe security as inconsistent, with one member saying staff denied entry without checking ID, and another describing concealed weapons getting past checks. One reviewer, however, praises a Saturday-night bartender for great drinks and music, calling it the best gay bar around.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers repeatedly describe safety concerns as the dominant theme, citing packed crowds, drink-throwing, and drug use reported in the toilets. Several describe security as inconsistent, with one member saying staff denied entry without checking ID, and another describing concealed weapons getting past checks. One reviewer, however, praises a Saturday-night bartender for great drinks and music, calling it the best gay bar around.
Featured reviews
- Ashley Wright
“Please bare in mind that my review is in reflection to my visit during Birmingham Pride 2026. …”
- Taz
“The environment here has become incredibly dangerous and is no longer a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. There is a constant threat of violence, and security is failing to prevent people from smuggling in concealed weapons and drugs. The atmosphere is hostile and volatile; I strongly advise staying away until management or the authorities address these serious risks.”
- Huzaifa Haleem
“I had a very disappointing experience at The Village in Birmingham. Despite having a valid membership card, the security staff repeatedly refused me entry without giving any clear reason. They didn’t even properly check my membership card or ID before denying access, which feels unfair and unprofessional. As a paying member, I expect to be treated with respect and given a valid explanation if entry is refused. This kind of behavior from security staff is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the management. I hope they improve their staff training and treat members more fairly in the future.I feel very disrespectful because of it and I just want to advise everyone that avoid this club.”
- Joseph Drinkwater-Andrews (Joe)
“It would be nothing without lead barman Chris on Saturday nights,, with him 100% the best gay bar in Brum, push the twinks aside and enjoy great music, great drinks, and a great night”
- Paul McCarthy
“The customers here aren't out for a good night or to have fun clubbing. Most of them seem to come just looking for trouble and starting fights over the smallest things. The whole place gets way too packed which makes everything feel tense and then you’ve got people randomly throwing drinks at each other.The bar staff are proper rude and don’t seem to care at all. On top of that you’ll find drug stuff being used openly in the toilets which just makes the whole vibe feel grim and unsafe.If you want a decent night out, give this one a miss. It’s not worth the hassle or the risk of getting caught up in the aggro. Wouldn’t go back ever.”
Highlights
“Dynamic gay venue putting on regular live cabaret shows, drag acts and dance nights.”
- Has great beer selection
- Has karaoke
- Has live music
- Has live performances
Amenities
- Has outdoor seating
- Serves alcohol
- Casual
- Serves beer
- Has dancing
- Serves spirits
Show more amenities
- Has seating
- Has toilet
- Trendy
- Highlights· 4
- Has great beer selection
- Has karaoke
- Has live music
- Has live performances
- Offerings· 2
- Serves cocktails
- Serves wine
- Crowd· 2
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
Location
Bars near The Village Inn
- Dream Lounge4.5681.5 mi£20–30
shisha flavours, desserts, blue energy mocktail
- The Plough Harborne4.53,5332.1 mi£20–30ReservationsGood for kids
cuban sandwich, cauliflower cheese, 12.5% service charge
- Bear Tavern4.31,2703.1 mi£10–20ReservationsGood for kids
chick n mix, fish and chips, live tribute acts
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Village Inn | 3.6379 | — | £30–40 | security refusing entry, fights among customers, drug use in toilets |
| Dream Lounge | 4.568 | 1.5 mi | £20–30 | shisha flavours, desserts, blue energy mocktail |
| The Plough HarborneReservations · Good for kids | 4.53,533 | 2.1 mi | £20–30 | cuban sandwich, cauliflower cheese, 12.5% service charge |
| Bear TavernReservations · Good for kids | 4.31,270 | 3.1 mi | £10–20 | chick n mix, fish and chips, live tribute acts |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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