Birmingham is the birthplace of the Balti, the home of Metal, as well as one of the most culturally diverse communities in the country. Located in the heart of England, the second city beats with a rich history, a lively artistic and cultural scene and pumps water through a bigger canal network than Venice.

Not far off from one of these many canals, in Digbeth, Flatpack Festival was born as 7 Inch Cinema - a mixed media film night in the former Rainbow Pub.

Twenty years on, we’re now a mixed-arts and film festival that packs weird and wonderful work from around the world into a week of discovery every spring. If you're coming along to this year's festival, read on for where to eat, drink and sleep.

We also heartily recommend checking out Independent Birmingham for more suggestions.

EATING & DRINKING HERE

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

Mockingbird and The Nest
Mockingbird Cinema, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4AA
The Mockingbird Cinema is our key festival venue, and just next door you'll find The Nest - a relaxed bar and social space for drinks, cocktails and good music. Great vibes all round.

Chakana
140 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8HT
Culinary artistry meets the vibrant flavours of Peru, brought to life by the renowned Michelin-starred chef, Robert Ortiz. The name, Chakana, pays homage to the ancient Andean Cross, a symbol of unity and connection, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to sharing the soulful essence of Peruvian cuisine with the world. It's incredibly declious food, we heartily recommend. Best of all - festival goers get 25% off the bill!

Alfred Works
Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA
New to the Custard Factory, this sizeable food hall offers a handpicked mix of independent kitchens and bars, each serving its own twist on global street food, comfort classics, sweet treats, and drinks. Flatpack Festival-ers get 10% off at the bar - just show your ticket to get your discount.

DIGBETH

Kanteen
15 Gibb Street, B9 4AA
Right by the Mockingbird (where a lot of our events are happening). A great brunch menu served by a lovely team. And festival-goers get 10% off - just show your ticket at the counter.

Original Patty Men
9 Shaw's Passage, Digbeth B5 5JG
OPM offers occasional wacky burger specials alongside deliciously reliable staples, with sister bar Kilder just next door. There's also a superb indie book shop a few steps from OPM - Voce Books.

The Bakehouse by Baked in Brick
7 Gibb Street, B9 4AA
For coffee and delicious (and sizeable) sweet treats.

Manzils
112 Digbeth High Street, Birmingham, B5 6DT An Indian restaurant and takeaway and a Flatpack favourite - we've eaten here every festival for a good many years now and it never disappoints.

Chance & Counters
Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA Combining board games, beer, burgers, and plenty of other food and drink options. A good vegan option.

Ithaka
21 Gibb St, Digbeth, B9 4BF Really, seriously great coffee. Try a Brum Anglais - their signature custard coffee, a nod to Alfred Bird’s Custard and a very delicious drink.

The Ruin
92 Floodgate St, Digbeth, B5 5SR Another regular Flatpack haunt. We go mostly for the drinks and the vibes, but they also do a cracking roast on a Sunday.

The Rainbow
160 High Street, Deritend, Birmingham, B12 0LD An iconic Digbeth pub - and in fact the very place where Flatpack started life as 7inch Cinema. Stop by for a drink or food by multi-award-winning BA-HA - their Rainbow menu is also 100% plant-based.

CITY CENTRE

Cherry Reds
88-92 John Bright St, B1 1BN
A stone’s throw away from New Street, this indie bar and cafe is a home away from home, serving up simple food at low prices without compromising on quality or portion size.

Tiger Bites Pig
30 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2NP
Serving up rice bowls and seriously delicious bao buns, Tiger Bites Pig is now in new digs not far from Snow Hill Station.

Dishoom
One Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3AX
Part of the new Paradise redevelopment, Dishoom is a short walk from New Street Station serving up a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food.

Bonehead
8, Lower Severn Street, B1 1PU
The best fried chicken in town. Decent veggie options too.

Staying Here

ADAGIO 131 Digbeth High Street, B5 6DR
A ten minute walk from Moor Street/New Street.