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

DIGBETH

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.

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.

Passing Fancies
30 Gibb Street, B9 4BF
Delicious cocktails and occasional small plates - we recommend sitting at the bar and chatting to the amazing (and award-winning) team!

The Bakehouse by Baked in Brick
7 Gibb Street, B9 4AA
Great coffee and sweet treats, served by the wonderful Georgia who embodies the Bakehouse's 'friendly neighbourhood coffe shop' vibe.

Lostalgia
Unit 9, Gibb Street, B9 4AA
Jacket potatoes, vegan cakes and vintage treasures from clothes to comics to vinyl.

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 - and a really great drinks menu too.

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

Ngopi
56 Dale End, B4 7LS
Indonesian speciality coffee shop with delicious coffee and food menu to match.

Staying Here

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