Independent Venue Week spotlight: Hare and Hounds, Birmingham
Delve into this special venue spotlight on one of Birmingham's oldest public houses turned go-to destination for live music, the Hare and Hounds in Birmingham.
Last updated: 25th Jan 2024
Originally published: 18th Jan 2023
Kicking off on the 29th of January, Independent Venue Week is just around the corner! To celebrate, we’re taking a look at some of the best grassroots venues that gift us amazing gigs, club nights, and more. This time, we're looking at a legendary little venue in Birmingham...
Devoted gig-going musos living within the vicinity of this pearl of a music venue are some of the best-fed fans in the UK. The Hare and Hounds, Birmingham is a Grade II listed building situated in the Kings Heath suburb and first opened its doors back in 1820. Standing basically unchanged since 1907, the venue has played a vital role in bringing live entertainment and a wealth of music icons to The Midlands, cementing its cause as a fully-fledged independent music space back in 2007.
The Hare and Hound events calendar boasts some seriously impressive shows, making it now regarded as one of the finest grassroots music venues in the UK that continues to serve its local community with intoxicatingly amazing shows. Alluring a mixture of burgeoning stars and critically acclaimed acts over the years, the stage of the intimate venue space has been graced by the likes of Norman Jay MBE, Nightmares On Wax, Basement Jaxx, Mount Kimbie, The Orielles, Dream Wife, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and local reggae heroes UB40, who played their first-ever show at the then public house back in 1979. And with that intimate capacity for around 150-250 people, it provides punters the brilliant opportunity to get up close and personal to their favourite artists.
But while cracking gigs of various genres - everything from techno to jazz, DnB to punk - are a big part of The Hare and Hounds' offering, there's more to this little venue. The Hare and Hounds also hosts club nights, comedy, quiz nights (weekly on Wednesdays), and more, with something on for you to check out just about every day of the week.
Recognised for the important role it plays in fostering local talent and supporting Birmingham's vibrant music scene, the Independent Venue Week team have named the Hare and Hounds as one of the many grassroot live music spaces being celebrated over this year's week-long event. Marking the endorsement accordingly, the venues team have worked closely with local promoters to arrange two exciting live shows to coincide with Independent Venue Week 2024.
First up is Spanish indie band Hinds, performing a special IVW show with support from Me And Thee on Wednesday 31st January. Next up is Chartreuse, a four piece dark ambient indie band from Birmingham with jazz, folk, and soul influences on Thursday 1st February, with support from electronic act Wildforms. Secure your IVW Hare and Hounds tickets below!
Tickets for Chartreuse [Independent Venue Week] | Thursday 1st February 2024
Tickets for Hinds [Independent Venue Week special] | Wednesday 31st January 2024
Looking for Independent Venue Week events near you? Head to our dedicated Independent Venue Week Inspire Me page and snap up tickets to enjoy some brilliant live music while supporting your local music venue!
Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
Image credits: Hare & Hounds Kings Heath / Facebook.com