Guide to Birmingham Entertainment

A Taste of Birmingham: Your Ultimate Guide to City Centre Entertainment

Our passion for authentic Italian cuisine is matched only by our love for the vibrant culture of our home, Birmingham. We believe that a truly memorable evening is about more than just a beautiful meal; it’s about the complete experience, the anticipation of a show, the thrill of live music, and the discovery of art and history. That is why we have created this curated guide to the very best of Birmingham city centre entertainment. Consider this your personal concierge, a guide from a local friend, designed to help you craft the perfect day or night out. Located in the heart of the city on Ethel Street, just steps from New Street Station, La Galleria is the ideal starting point for any cultural adventure.

Birmingham’s Premier Venues: A Stone’s Throw from Your Table

One of Birmingham’s greatest assets is the incredible concentration of world-class cultural venues right in its centre. The magic of the city is that after enjoying a relaxing meal, a celebratory glass of prosecco, or a classic aperitivo at our restaurant, the best of Birmingham’s arts and entertainment scene is just a short, pleasant walk away. Forget the stress of rushing for taxis or navigating public transport; your next destination is just around the corner. To make your evening completely seamless, we have provided a simple guide to our favourite local spots, complete with walking times directly from our front door.

Birmingham’s Cultural Heartbeat: A Curated Directory of Top Venues

The true advantage of beginning an evening at La Galleria lies in its unparalleled location. The restaurant is not merely near the transport links and cultural attractions; it effectively serves as the gateway to them. Situated less than a two-minute walk from the main exits of Birmingham New Street Station, it is the most convenient meeting point for anyone arriving in the city by train. This prime position transforms the dining experience into the seamless first act of any cultural outing. The journey from the train platform to the theatre door naturally flows through La Galleria. The following directory is therefore framed from this unique perspective, providing directions and walking times from the restaurant itself, cementing its role as the central node for any entertainment itinerary in Birmingham.  

Birmingham City Centre Entertainment Venues: At a Glance from La Galleria

Venue Name	Category	Address & Postcode	Estimated Walk Time from La Galleria
The Alexandra Theatre	Theatre	Suffolk Street Queensway, B5 4DS	4-6 minutes
Birmingham Hippodrome	Theatre	Hurst Street, B5 4TB	5-7 minutes
Birmingham Rep	Theatre	6 Centenary Square, B1 2EP	12-15 minutes
Symphony Hall	Concert Hall	Broad Street, B1 2EA	10-12 minutes
Town Hall	Concert Hall	Victoria Square, B3 3DQ	6-8 minutes
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery	Museum	Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH	8-10 minutes
The Electric Cinema	Cinema	47-49 Station Street, B5 4DY	2-3 minutes
Everyman Cinema (Mailbox)	Cinema	116 Wharfside Street, B1 1RF	8-10 minutes

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Theatres (The Stage is Set)

The Alexandra Theatre A beloved fixture of Birmingham’s theatre scene since 1901, The Alexandra presents a dazzling array of first-class entertainment, from blockbuster West End musicals and gripping dramas to stand-up comedy and live concerts. Known affectionately as ‘The Alex’, its historic auditorium provides an intimate yet grand setting for a memorable night at the theatre.  

• Address: Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4DS.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (4-6 minute walk): Exit the restaurant and turn right onto New Street. Turn left onto Stephenson Street and walk past the station entrance. Continue straight as the road becomes Navigation Street. Turn right onto Suffolk Street Queensway, and you will see the theatre ahead on your left.  

Birmingham Hippodrome, as the home stage of the renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet, is a true cultural hub, welcoming over a million people each year. It hosts a spectacular variety of performances, including large-scale touring West End shows, world-class opera, and the city’s legendary annual pantomime. Its state-of-the-art facilities and grand stage make it the go-to venue for the biggest productions in the Midlands.  

• Address: Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TB.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (5-7 minute walk): From our door, turn left and walk to the end of Ethel Street. Turn right onto Stephenson Street and take the first left onto Navigation Street. Continue down to the junction with Smallbrook Queensway, cross at the lights, and walk straight onto Hurst Street. The theatre is located 100 metres down on the right.  

Birmingham Rep The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, or ‘The Rep’, is one of the country’s leading producing theatres, with a bold mission to create artistically ambitious and popular theatre for the city. Located in the iconic Centenary Square, it presents a diverse programme across its three auditoria, from world premieres of new plays to innovative reinterpretations of classics, making it a vital part of Birmingham’s creative landscape.  

• Address: 6 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EP.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (12-15 minute walk): A pleasant walk through the heart of the city. Head up New Street towards Victoria Square. Pass the Town Hall and Council House, and continue straight through Paradise Circus onto Centenary Square. The Rep is the distinctive modern building located next to the Library of Birmingham.  

Concert Halls & Major Venues (The Main Event)

Symphony Hall Widely considered to have some of the finest acoustics of any concert hall in the world, Symphony Hall is a true jewel in Birmingham’s cultural crown. Home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the venue hosts a prestigious programme of international orchestras, world-renowned classical soloists, and contemporary artists from the worlds of jazz, pop, and rock.  

• Address: Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (10-12 minute walk): Follow the walking route towards the Birmingham Rep. Symphony Hall is part of the International Convention Centre (ICC) complex, located at the far end of Centenary Square, directly opposite The Rep.  

Town Hall A stunning Grade I listed landmark, the Roman-inspired Town Hall has been at the heart of Birmingham’s civic and cultural life since 1834. This historic venue has hosted everyone from Charles Dickens and Joseph Chamberlain to The Rolling Stones and Black Sabbath. Today, it offers a wonderfully atmospheric setting for a diverse programme of concerts, comedy, and spoken word events.  

• Address: Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (6-8 minute walk): A short and direct walk. Head up New Street from our location until you reach the open space of Victoria Square. The magnificent pillared facade of the Town Hall will be directly in front of you.  

Museums & Galleries (A Touch of Culture)

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, housed in a magnificent Grade II* listed building overlooking Chamberlain Square, is home to a collection of international importance. It is renowned for housing the world’s largest public collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and boasts extensive galleries that cover social history, archaeology, and industrial history. With free general admission, it offers a fascinating journey through centuries of art and human history.  

• Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (8-10 minute walk): Follow the route towards the Town Hall up New Street. At Victoria Square, bear right, walking past the Council House. The main entrance to the museum is in Chamberlain Square, just beyond.  

Cinemas (The Silver Screen)

The Electric Cinema: A truly special cinematic experience awaits at The Electric, one of the UK’s oldest working cinemas, having first opened its doors in 1909. Tucked away on Station Street, this resilient and beloved picture house offers a unique programme of independent, foreign, and classic films. With its plush sofa seating and bar service, it provides a comfortable and intimate alternative to the multiplex.  

• Address: 47-49 Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (2-3 minute walk): This is our closest entertainment neighbour. Exit the restaurant, turn right onto New Street, and take the first right onto Stephenson Street. Station Street is the first road on the left, and the cinema is just a few steps down.  

Everyman Cinema (Mailbox) For a touch of luxury, the Everyman Cinema at the Mailbox offers a boutique experience where film lovers can relax on plush sofas and enjoy a full food and drink menu delivered directly to their seats. Showing everything from the latest blockbusters to independent gems, it’s the perfect venue for a special occasion or a truly indulgent movie night.  

• Address: 116 Wharfside Street, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF.  
• Getting There from La Galleria (8-10 minute walk): Head down Navigation Street and continue straight onto Suffolk Street Queensway. The entrance to the Mailbox complex will be on your right. Walk through the main shopping area to find the cinema located on the canal side.