The Mockingbird

I visited as part of group event. We were given a look around and the owner Alper told us about the business and their forthcoming plans.
First off, be aware that in spite of the name this is about cinema, in the main.
Second, the guys have some work to do with the sound & vision, both are scheduled for upgrades. So presently you need to see this as an experience– go with friends, eat, drink and have fun.
I like the sound of their business model: to give the customer the best cinematic experience. This includes
— themed nights, recent ones include Star Wars and Pulp Fiction
— adding live elements to films, Whiplash with real drummer
— providing a great bar & food experience, so you can talk film like Woody Allen after the performance too
We tried the coffee and it was really quite special. I wish I’d had time for a cake, but then «I’ll be back».
Look out for Blues Brothers with a live band next month

Thanks for looking after our group with drinks and the tour of the theatre.
Can’t wait for the horror nights!

I went here for a drink and they had free comedy night which I went to and it was great. The place has a kinda vintage and edgy feel about it which I really like it’s something different. From what I’ve heard and read they also do a film night on every other week and the food are decent so it’s worth a try.

I always love bars that offer something a bit different so to me The Mockingbird is lovely. It offers alcohol, food and a theatre space that shows (often)free films and performances. I went to a free comedy show there and it was great. I need to go again to enjoy the vegan grindhouse food that guests every Monday. I gave a four because it is a little rough around the edges and lacks attention to detail.

The only reason I’m giving four rather than five at the moment is because The Mockingbird is not just a bar and bistro– it’s an arts and events space also. As I haven’t experienced that side of it I can’t really give it 5 stars!
However, the food and bar are fantastic. It looks friendly and welcoming as you walk into the Custard Factory, with big windows giving you a clear view in. I love the big letter lights announcing where you are! Lots of wood and bare brick walls.
There is a brunch and dinner menu displayed on the wall and put up on twitter and facebook. These both change regularly which is nice.
We went along on a Saturday night. It was busy but comfortable. We had cocktails which were great, strong and a bargain at two for £10.
We ordered at the bar but a staff member did come over to ask if we needed anything else and to take drinks orders. We were also able to set up a tab.
Onto the food. I went for jambalaya. A humongous bowl of rice, beans, spicy sausage, peppers and onion, topped with cheese and fresh tomato salsa. I loved the freshness of the salsa with the comforting cheesy jambalaya. A bargain at £8.50 too.
Edd had a burger topped with avocado, bacon, blue cheese and duck egg. It was pretty giant but he loved it– a great burger.
We were really impressed with the food, but that’s hardly a surprise from the guys behind Big Papa’s!

The Mockingbird Theatre seemed to come onto my radar towards the end of last year & I d been trying to find a reason to visit for ages… and then Vicky mentioned that she would be holding her 30^th Birthday here which I knew would be an occasion not to be missed.
We drove down to Digbeth on St Patrick s day parade day & surprisingly parked easily & had a short walk to the Custard Factory.
The bar area easily accommodates 50+ people & children are allowed too. There were a few tables & lots of standing room. The bar selection is extensive & seemed reasonably priced. We settled on teas as it was a Sunday! There are a range of snacks & sandwiches on offer too!
The theatre itself was an intimate size of around 80 seats. A couple were broken & replaced by a normal chair (we avoided those).
The theatre has an extensive list of films that are available to view for free — a list is usually accessible via Facebook.
The owner was very accommodating to ensure Vicky had a lovely time. I look forward to returning & looking at the most of films, I don’t think my wait will be too long!

I’ve slowly began to warm to this venue, so a re-​review and one extra star.
The venue. It has a decent bar, fairly priced. The theatre itself, it is small and intimate which can bring charm to a performance. I have only visited to watch a movie, sound isn’t so great (the room really needs acoustic treatment too!) and the projection is fair. Seats are comfortable enough for 90 minutes however.
Toilet facilities are a little small. One toilet per gender so get there as quick as possible during an interval or the end of show.
The venue just needs attention to detail and it will be good.
If they can do something about the acoustics and add larger loo facilities I’d be happy to give them more stars.
On getting to the venue. I highly recommend not walking to the venue by yourself, especially at night. Walking down Digbeth high street I have always found a little intimidating.

The Mockingbird Theatre and Bar is a great addition to the Custard Factory. Long held as a hub for independents and creative types the Custard Factory was on a bit of a decline until recently and the opening of Alfie Bird’s and The Mockingbird are hopefully just the start of a massive upward trend in the quality of places here.
The Mockingbird, as a little independent cinema, shows cult and classic movies (most of which are free, with a free coffee) all through the week including double (and triple) bills so you can while away your day checking our some classics on the big screen. Yes, the quality isn’t up there with some of your big name chains but these guys are just starting out and their ethos is just right. A cinema run by film lovers for film lovers.
The bar is where the ‘bird shines. One of the cheapest bars around with a pint of cider setting you back less than £3, the coffee is spot on and only £1.50 and as I’ve just spotted on Stoo. P’s review there may be a kitchen there soon so you won’t have to run over the way to another venue to get some eats.
You can also hire the 100 seater theatre for your own private screening of whatever you want and the guys at the Mockingbird are always up for hosting new events.

What can I say, I absolutely love Mockingbird Theatre and Bar. This love will only improve even more as I’ve heard there will be a kitchen here soon. This will make this then the perfect place to chill out.
The venue itself is very new so it is still picking up momentum. There is a fully fledged cinema and theatre at the back of the bar which is incredibly impressive. There are a lot of events coming up and in the planning stages here, they screen quite a lot of cult classic films, this week: Dune, The Warriors and Moon to name a few.
There is also the very impressive XP Geek Day where on the last Sunday of every month you can play Board Games, Video Games, do a geeky quiz and watch a film at the end. How excellent and unique is that?
The staff are really friendly and the beer/​bottles/​drinks are all really cheap too which is a change for this area of Birmingham,.
I could literally go on and on about all the things I love about this place but the fact of the matter is that you are just going to have to check it out for yourselves.

The Mockingbird is one of the newest additions to the Custard Factory family, taking over the space which used to be the Custard Factory Theatre.
In the past I have attended events in the theatre space, including film screenings as part of Flatpack Film Festival. It was interesting to hear on my first visit to the new Mockingbird, as part of the recent Unilocal Brum Christmas Elites event, that the team have acquired a cinema projector and intend to use the space for film screenings. The space works well for this kind of event — the theatre space is cosy and the seats and comfy, and whilst the screen on the stage isn’t massive it is close enough to provide a good cinematic experience. On my visit we watched the Nightmare Before Christmas and it was great fun.
Good news for anyone planning a screening for a group of friends — or even a more intimate affair — too, the space will be available to hire out. And cinema isn’t all the Mockingbird has to offer, the venue also plays host to comedy nights and live events.
Besides the theatre space itself the Mockingbird also houses a smart bar — the perfect place to grab a pre, or post, show drink or several.

What a quirky location! I felt like I was in London. Loved it.
So this was my second elite event (as a plus one). The Mockingbird theatre is cute and cosy, picture and sound quality were great. We watched ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’. To be really honest… I hadn’t heard of the movie, even though it was about 10 years old. Doh! I loved the movie, it was very Corpse Bride-​esque. We were treated to Espolon tequila cocktails. Beautiful taste, cute story behind it also. A great time. Thanks guys, see you soon xxx

I have walked past this venue several times, but this Thursday was the first time I had popped in for a drink.
It is quite dark inside, but this adds to the relaxed vibe I think. The bar isn’t massive and with a group of people sat on the low chairs and then our small group, I think there was a nice crowd for in there for midweek. The staff are great fun too and happy to chat, which is always a massive plus.
I had a pint of Carling (there was only Carling and Stowford Press on tap), and it only came to £2.80! This place looks expensive but it really isn’t!

I have been into the Mockingbird Theatre and Bar a few times, but visited for a actual chilled out drink (read not work related) for the first time yesterday after popping down to Eye Candy Festival to check it out. This venue hasn’t been open long (possibly about 6 months) and is perfectly located in the centre of the Custard Factory.
It has a medium sized theatre/​cinema space out the back of the venue and a chilled out bar area at the front. It’s painted in dark colours and feels classy, without being at all snobby or intimidating. I love the logo for the venue. Like a phoenix on fire, it’s bright and vibrant and definitely in-​fitting with the cool vibe of the Custard Factory. Inside the venues bar area is a mix of sofas, tables and bar stools — so a great spot for grabbing a drink with friends.
Last night, we grabbed a couple of pints of cider (Stowford Press at the bargainous price of £2.80 per pint) and chilled in the venue for around an hour. I had no idea the bar was so cheap! Carling/​Stowford Press £2.80, double spirit and mixer £3.50 and soft drinks at £1.50. Probably the cheapest drinks around the Custard Factory.
The venue has regular film screenings (free to attend) and the theatre space has a focus on community theatre. I have also attended a social media conference in this space, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on what’s going on via their website.
Another great hot spot in the Custard Factory. If you haven’t been yet, check it out.

This is one of my favorite places in Digbeth at the moment, cinema, theatre and bar… I defy anyone to be bored with what’s on offer! Quirky décor and good selection of drinks, I’ve never been and the atmosphere not be relaxed and friendly. The choice of free films they have showing are varied and the theatre itself is clean and has comfy seats. Best bit is YOU CAN TAKE YOUR DRINKS IN! Head down for a beer and I’d be surprised if you didn’t return!

Amazingly I am the first person to add this place to the Unilocal map. A unique venue in the custard factory with a bar and cinema theatre. Well worth a look