New 'speakeasy' bar opens at Arena Birmingham

A new bar has been opened at Arena Birmingham which will take revellers on a nostalgia trip back in time.

The Garrison opened at the live events venue, formally the NIA, for the gig by Jeff Lynne's ELO on Wednesday night.

The intimate 60-person capacity bar aims to transport customers back to the 1920s - to the height of the notorious Birmingham street gang.

Customers will be served by staff in period dress with themed drinks featuring ales from Lye-based brewers Sadlers.

These will include their range of Peaky Blinder ales and Peaky Blinder spiced gin.

Live event fans attending shows at the Arena will now be able to soak up a pre-event drink at the bar created by in-house caterers Amadeus.

In a first for Arena Birmingham, The Garrison will also stay open for an hour after each performance has finished as for the venue's official post-show bar.

Nick Cole, Amadeus General Manager at Arena Birmingham, said: “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience at Arena Birmingham through our innovative food and drink offering.

"Capitalising on current trends for unusual socialising spaces which provide an experience, we believe our new speakeasy will resonate with our visitors and become a destination where people want to be seen.

“With a limited capacity we recommend people attending events get there early in order to ensure entry – and visitors will need to keep their eyes peeled to spot the speakeasy – ask a steward with the ‘Here to help’ badges if you get stuck.”

Arena Birmingham general manager, Guy Dunstan, added: “Launching a themed bar on the Arena concourse is another exciting development to offer the best experience possible for our customers.

"We already provide first class food and beverage options across the venue, and this will add a flavour of historic Birmingham in a fun and informal setting, which we are sure customers will enjoy.”