The Night Owl has been drawing in punters from all over the UK since its conception in 2015.
Having danced the night away on a few occasions, it seemed the perfect choice for myself and a mate to end up after a night around Digbeth attending This Is Tmrw’s Future Days Festival.
We made it in time to check out the charismatic Cate & Co band who were playing to a packed audience.
The band had previously gone down a storm at Owlstock Festival and you can see why. The tight outfit were headed by Cate with her Janis Joplin singing style covering a selection of artists such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, Gladys Knight, John Hiatt, Keb M and Tina Turner. The band literally rocked the show, with a diverse mix of punters all offering whoops and applause after every song.
Inside the Night Owl, you quickly notice the attention to detail. With retro movies projected onto the wall by the dance floor, and cool vintage decor adorning the walls, bar and stage..
The Night Owl lends itself well to these live bands, with a DJ after, it is a whole night out. For those wanting some food before hand, Digbeth Dining Club, Rico Libre, Baked In Brick, The Ruin and Dough Pizza are just around the corner.. and if you are leaving it till after, Manzils Bali House on the High Street is open late and always satisfies.
The music starts at 9pm and the £6 ticket includes a club night after from 11pm, so great value!
Inside the Night Owl, you quickly notice the attention to detail. With retro movies projected onto the wall by the dance floor, and cool vintage decor adorning the walls, bar and stage. Plenty of thought went into fitting out this place, which adds authenticity to the swinging 60s style vibe – a mecca for mods and those with psychedelic tendencies.
Outside offers up a large beer garden which is partially covered. Again attention to detail even out here is strong. With a huge 60s style paisley pattern mural on the wall, and almost secret garden feel with fairy lights, flora and fauna of Digbeth.
Upon returning inside, the band had packed away and DJs Bamber and Ed Edwards were taking it in turns for Dig? Soul night, entertaining an equally busy dance floor, pumping out Northern Soul, Motown, Funk, Mod, Ska, Rock n Roll, Indie, Brit Pop and 60s Garage tunes. Where else in the Midlands or even the UK would you find such a dedicated venue to all things 60s and COOL?
My mate left around 1am and I continued dancing surrounded by really friendly happy people. One chap that stood out was from Leeds – he really was singing the venues praises. Lost count of the people who came up and danced with me but how nice is that, proper old school and you could tell people were there for the music, not just to shark around on the pull.
The Night Owl doesn’t have to sell its virtues to me, already love it, so folks.. make sure you set aside a night out every now and then to help support this trippy flamboyant venue and keep an eye out for other legendary local nights such as Le Freak disco dance off, Kaleidoscope and a heap of both original and cover bands.
Bravo to all the folk who invest their time, money and effort into creating something musically unique and authentic in the beating heart of Brum.
See you all on the dance floor in your Kaftans and Kinky Boots.
Words by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham