The Night Owl
The Night Owl
4.3
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
Closed
Friday
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
Closed
About
The Night Owl is a dedicated soul & retro club and live music venue based in Digbeth, Birmingham established in July 2015. Come down every Friday and Saturday for amazing live music and club nights,
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.3
58 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
4
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Ellie K
Birmingham, UK737 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
We had such a great time at the Night Owl! Everyone was so friendly and the vibe was really relaxed and welcoming. We felt so comfortable and had the best time dancing to the house remixes of 70s disco & 80s hits. The £7.50 Rum Punch was also a really good price.
There was a man being gross & a pest to us and several other women on the dance floor, but when we told the manager (with the very cool Mohican), they had him kicked out of the venue immediately so we felt very safe!
We would absolutely recommend the Night Owl and we will definitely be back!
There was a man being gross & a pest to us and several other women on the dance floor, but when we told the manager (with the very cool Mohican), they had him kicked out of the venue immediately so we felt very safe!
We would absolutely recommend the Night Owl and we will definitely be back!
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobDyson1
Great Malvern, UK16 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
First visit to this cracking music venue. Saw the Johnny Cash Roadshow and impromptu support act and backing band The Cash Cats who I believe had never played together before! All the music was absolutely terrific the atmosphere was fun and friendly with people of all ages having a ball. Talented musicians in an intimate venue created a great buzz. Can’t wait to go back!
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom H
Shrewsbury, UK22 contributions
Jan 2020
As I'd got a group together for my wife's $0th, I wanted somewhere were we wouldn't lost in the crowd and could have a good dance together and the Night Owl is perfect.
Marvelous music, incredibly friendly staff and a venue that is, clearly, accepting of all. I'm really not sure how it could have been better.
Marvelous music, incredibly friendly staff and a venue that is, clearly, accepting of all. I'm really not sure how it could have been better.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Optimist15,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! We love your description of The Night Owl and will pass your comments onto our staff. Hope your wife had a lovely birthday and we hope to see you all on the dance floor soon!
All the best,
The Night Owl
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma S
5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
I have been coming here for years with friends and visited recently for a night out. The atmosphere was good and the drinks were decently priced. However I was put off by the vape machine by the bar and also realised that many were vaping on the dancefloor - not great as a non-smoker and asthmatic :'( .... myself and my friends would be much happier if the vaping was restricted to the outside part of the venue (which is more suited to smokers/vapers). Aside from that it's still a good venue but please give some consideration to the vaping...
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alima H
1 contribution
Jun 2018 • Friends
Used to love going to the Night Owl as it played a mix of Soul, Motown and Northern Soul that you could dance to, in recent times I've found it to play anything from the 60s including some stuff that you cannot dance to, leaving me a bit disappointed and wanting to ask for my money back.
If you're a Northern Soul purist then I would stick to the usual scene events.
The place was also immaculate when first opened but now it's starting to look like any old student-style alternative venue. Shame as the people and place is lovely with a free and relaxing atmosphere.
If you're a Northern Soul purist then I would stick to the usual scene events.
The place was also immaculate when first opened but now it's starting to look like any old student-style alternative venue. Shame as the people and place is lovely with a free and relaxing atmosphere.
Written 2 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Alima sorry you had a bad experience. I thought I should let you know that we had made some improvements in the club including new floor and garden decor. Hope to see you soon. :)
Written 13 April 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cupcake a
Bedford, UK60 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Travelled all the way from Cambridge to visit this club last night for the Northern Soul night.....what a great club and night it was....everyone we met was so friendly and welcomeing...Music was great...Quite a small little club but any bigger it would have lost its atmosphere... Décor was great....staff were great...drinks very reasonable, was nice to sit outside in the covered area occasionally with nice warm heaters.
Thanks everyone for welcomeing us...
wish we lived nearer...we will be back asap ...only wish we had stayed another night to go to the Saturday tamla motown night.
Thanks everyone for welcomeing us...
wish we lived nearer...we will be back asap ...only wish we had stayed another night to go to the Saturday tamla motown night.
Written 5 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lou
Leicester, UK7 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
I wish I was joking about the title of this review. Last night, myself and 6 friends were attending this venue for a birthday. We heard it was fantastic and would be a big change up to our usual nights out. After catching a train to Birmingham and then a taxi from the station to the venue, we joined the queue and patiently waited. Once we arrived at the door we were asked how many of us there were in our party, to which we answered “7”. Unfortunately, we were then instantly told we would not be allowed inside because a group of males are “rowdy”.
I would understand the situation if we were a group of males causing disruptions in the queue prior to this conversation ,but we were doing nothing of the sort- this is nothing more than a straight up discrimination. If it’s not a discrimination , then it should be clearly outlined on websites and advertisements that male groups will not be allowed to enter the venue or you need to accompanied by females to enter. A completely ridiculous concept...
Furthermore, we was given absolutely no way to redeem ourselves , we politely asked “where does it state that groups of males are not allowed entry?” and we were told to step aside for “arguing”. After we moved aside , other parties with equal amount of males were allowed instant entry because they had females present.
Sexist. Rude . Useless.
Waste of time, waste of money, waste of everything.
If you’re a group of lads who are looking for a new experience with a club that plays old school music, all you have to do is take females to look after you so you’re not out of control when you’re inside. Enjoy.
Thank you Night Owl for an unforgettable night and providing a fantastic birthday for my friend, next time we will bring a lady for him so he can actually get inside and hear the music.
I would understand the situation if we were a group of males causing disruptions in the queue prior to this conversation ,but we were doing nothing of the sort- this is nothing more than a straight up discrimination. If it’s not a discrimination , then it should be clearly outlined on websites and advertisements that male groups will not be allowed to enter the venue or you need to accompanied by females to enter. A completely ridiculous concept...
Furthermore, we was given absolutely no way to redeem ourselves , we politely asked “where does it state that groups of males are not allowed entry?” and we were told to step aside for “arguing”. After we moved aside , other parties with equal amount of males were allowed instant entry because they had females present.
Sexist. Rude . Useless.
Waste of time, waste of money, waste of everything.
If you’re a group of lads who are looking for a new experience with a club that plays old school music, all you have to do is take females to look after you so you’re not out of control when you’re inside. Enjoy.
Thank you Night Owl for an unforgettable night and providing a fantastic birthday for my friend, next time we will bring a lady for him so he can actually get inside and hear the music.
Written 17 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Louie,
First of all we would like to apologise for your experience at The Night Owl, we are disappointed to read your review. We would like to reiterate we are an inclusive club and are not in any way shape or form sexist. We have in no way suggested you need to be with a female to enter The Night Owl. Our bouncers reserve the right to refuse entry if they see it as appropriate.
If you have any further comments or concerns please email mazzy@nightowlbirmingham.com. Thank you.
Written 3 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Juliet H
15 contributions
Oct 2017
We had never been before so booked and paid to see the band advertised from 7.30 -10.30. After that you can apparently stay for free!! We arrived at 7.40pm and were told at reception that the band normally start at 8.30pm. That seemed ok so we bought some drinks and then another round but still no band and not many customers. After an hour and three quarters of cd’s playing, often getting stuck, we left and went to the venue next door, Mama Roux, where live music is free, the place was packed and we had a wonderful night. Maybe if the band had started earlier they would have attracted some customers. We did complain at the venue to the owner and reception but it fell on deaf ears.
Written 14 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tcgrey
Birmingham, UK271 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
As someone else said dont judge a book by the cover. Situated in Digbeth area of town Lower Trinity Street. When you get there its a case of hmmmm.. maybe, but, we had a brilliant night. Saturday was a good mix of Northern Soul, Motown and Soul, and good dance music.
Theres an upper seating area, an outside area with benches with heating . Its a small venue but not small in atmosphere ! We met so many people of all ages who just love to enjoy a good night out,
All staff were very friendly.One of the owners Alan we spoke with was very attententive of all his clients. Bar prices pretty good.
Will definately return...:)
Theres an upper seating area, an outside area with benches with heating . Its a small venue but not small in atmosphere ! We met so many people of all ages who just love to enjoy a good night out,
All staff were very friendly.One of the owners Alan we spoke with was very attententive of all his clients. Bar prices pretty good.
Will definately return...:)
Written 27 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen L
Bolton8 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
Went there last Saturday night with some friends for a 'dance', chose it because of the Northern soul & motown music. Not what I expected from the outside, but went in and had a great night dancing with excellent DJ's and reasonably priced drinks. Would go back again.
Written 23 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I know doors open at 8pm but does anyone know what time the acts generally come on? Thanks
Written 10 November 2023
Is there a cloakroom? It's freezing out and would prefer to wear my coat tonight!
Written 18 February 2022
Dress code on a Saturday night? Jean's sons smart trainers OK?
Written 11 November 2019
Night Owl
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Hi Sfroggatt, we follow a smart casual dress code, smart shoe/trainers are acceptable as long as not sporty ones. Decisions are made at the security's discretion. More information can be found on our website FAQ page.
Written 12 November 2019
Are you open 7 days/nights a week? What are your usual trading hours?
Written 21 August 2018
Hi it’s best to check our Facebook page or website to see what’s on but we are always open Friday & Saturday nights :)
Written 22 August 2018
lynnkay1961
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Does the night owl have disabled wheelchair access please?
Written 16 June 2018
Thinking of organising a special family Birthday . Loves Northen Soul. Soul and Motown. Have'nt been for a few months on a Saturday is it still good for that genre of music .....heres hoping
Written 9 March 2018
Hi Jack yes it is, drop us an email or Facebook message to book :)
Written 10 March 2018
H Julie
Apologies if you had a bad time. We advertised doors open at 7.30pm, as with any live show bands are not normally on until about 8.30/9ish, this is fairly normal standard timings. If you'd like to check band times before hand please drop us a message on facebook or twitter. We do tend to post the timings in the Facebook event either before or on the day of the event so check back there too, the bands will never start before 8.30pm though.
I hope that you'll come back again and update your review.
Thanks
Mazzy (Promoter)
Written 12 December 2017
Hi Annie
I'm sorry you had a bad experience in The Night Owl, I am the promoter of the club but this event was run by Aston Uni Brumski, they were responsible for the door, the organiser was nice and polite but many of the attendees caused us problems.
Drinks prices included £2.50 for a spirit n mixer or bottle of Sol which seems reasonable to me.
Attendees of the event plugged the toilets leaving the taps on, as no other attendees turned them off or reported the incident the club was flooded and this is why we had to close.
The majority of attendees of the night were incredibly rude and abusive to our staff, this may have accounted for some of the delays as they were working in terrible conditions, we simply are not used to this kind of bad behaviour, we have had plenty of student nights before and never had any problems. We have CCTV footage showing how the night went down and we conducted ourselves in a friendly and professional manner.
I have also private messaged you but I would encourage you to visit on another night, if you'd like to arrange this please email me on the email address I sent to you.
Apologies again, we are not used to people having bad experiences in our club as we have a great reputation for friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Our drinks are also cheaper than any other club in Digbeth to my knowledge.
Please feel free to drop me an email and I hope that you'll feel inclined to update your review.
Thanks
Mazzy
Written 12 December 2017
The water had flooded through the fuse box, if we had stayed open people could have died so we spoke to the promoter and agreed to close.
Written 12 December 2017
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