Hare & Hounds Birmingham: Your Essential Guide

Navigating Hare & Hounds Birmingham: A Comprehensive Guide

The Hare & Hounds in Birmingham is a well-established and popular venue, renowned for hosting a diverse range of live music and events. Whether you're planning to attend a gig, book your own performance, or simply enjoy a night out, understanding the venue's facilities and policies is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. This guide aims to provide all the essential information you need, from how to get there to what to expect on the night.

Locating the Hare & Hounds

The Hare & Hounds is conveniently located in Birmingham, easily accessible via public transport and a short taxi ride from the city centre. For those relying on public transport, the venue is well-served by bus routes. Specifically, the number 50 and 35 buses stop directly outside the venue, making it a straightforward journey for many. While there isn't a train station immediately adjacent, the upcoming Kings Heath Train Station, due to open in December 2025, is expected to further enhance accessibility.

Getting There and Parking

For those travelling by car, the Hare & Hounds is situated in a residential area that offers ample free street parking. Popular streets for parking include York Road, Waterloo Road, and Heathfield Road, all within easy walking distance of the venue. Additionally, parking can often be found on the High Street. It's worth noting that the venue itself does not have dedicated parking facilities.

Event Tickets: Booking and Purchasing

Tickets for all events at the Hare & Hounds can be purchased online through the venue's website. The 'What's On' section provides direct links to ticket sales for each event. While it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, especially for popular shows that may sell out, tickets are also available to purchase on the door on the night of the event, subject to availability. Both cash and card payments are accepted at the door.

Age Restrictions: Know Before You Go

Understanding the age restrictions for events is crucial. Generally, shows from Sunday to Thursday are designated as 14+, with attendees under 16 requiring accompaniment by an adult aged 18 or over. However, events held on Fridays and Saturdays have a stricter 18+ policy. To avoid any confusion, it is always advisable to check the specific age restriction stated on the ticket link for the event you wish to attend via the Hare & Hounds website.

Accessibility: Ensuring an Inclusive Experience

The Hare & Hounds is committed to providing an accessible environment for all its patrons. The venue has a disabled toilet located on the ground floor. For detailed information regarding accessibility, including pictures and important access details, an accessibility guide document is available on their website. For specific enquiries or to make special requests, you can email [email protected]. It's important to note that their working hours for these enquiries are Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Requests made outside these hours will be addressed on the next working day. For last-minute accessibility needs on the day of an event, patrons are encouraged to speak directly with a manager, who will do their best to accommodate.

Carer/PA Tickets: Complimentary Assistance

The Hare & Hounds offers complimentary carer tickets for all events. To request a free carer ticket, patrons must first purchase a regular ticket. Subsequently, an email should be sent to [email protected] with the required information at least five working days before the event. This advance notice ensures that the request can be processed in a timely manner.

Venue Hire and Gig Bookings

For those interested in hiring the venue for their own gig or event, the process is straightforward. Enquiries regarding venue hire should be directed to [email protected]. The team will be able to provide information on availability, costs, and the booking process.

On-Site Facilities: Food, Drink, and More

The Hare & Hounds serves food, and details of the menu and kitchen opening hours can be found on the 'Food' tab of their website. For those looking for a more casual night, the venue also hosts regular pub quizzes. There are two weekly quizzes: one every Wednesday from 8 PM onwards (teams of up to 4, £3 per person, cash only) and another every Sunday starting from 7:30 PM. Both quizzes take place in the Saloon bar.

Cloakroom and Lost Property

A cloakroom service is available at the venue for a fee of £2 per item. Larger items, such as suitcases, can be accommodated, but patrons are advised to keep their valuables with them at all times. Should you leave an item behind, you can report it by emailing [email protected] with a description of the item and the date it was lost.

Dress Code Policy

The Hare & Hounds maintains a relaxed dress code. However, certain attire is not permitted, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings after specific times. Full tracksuits, branded jogging bottoms, shell suits, sports shorts, or football colours are prohibited after 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Furthermore, site or work clothes are not allowed after 7:30 PM on these evenings.

Customer Safety and Venue Policies

Customer safety is a priority at the Hare & Hounds. On Friday and Saturday nights after 9 PM, bag searches are conducted, and security personnel utilise metal detector scanners and check identification. The venue has a strict zero tolerance policy towards harassment, bullying, and any behaviour that makes others feel uncomfortable or unsafe. They are proud to be a safe space for the LGBTQ+ and minority communities, and any form of hate speech will result in immediate ejection from the premises. The venue also enforces a strict zero-tolerance approach to drug use; anyone found in possession of drugs will be ejected, barred, and reported to the police.

Accommodation and Nearby Hotels

For visitors looking for accommodation, the Hare & Hounds has partnered with Bloc Hotel in the Jewellery Quarter, offering exclusive combo rates on drinks, dinner, tickets, and rooms. For those seeking accommodation closer to the venue, the Bournbrook Inn in Stirchley is the nearest option.

Dog-Friendly Policy

The Hare & Hounds is a dog-friendly establishment. However, patrons should be aware that the pub can become very busy and loud, particularly on weekend evenings or from 7 PM onwards on weeknights when shows are taking place. If you require your assistance dog to attend an event, please notify [email protected] in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where exactly is the Hare & Hounds in Birmingham?
A1: The Hare & Hounds is located in Birmingham and is easily accessible by the number 50 and 35 buses, which stop just outside the venue. It's a short taxi ride from the city centre.

Q2: Can I buy tickets at the venue?
A2: Yes, you can buy tickets on the door for events that have not sold out in advance. Cash and card payments are accepted.

Q3: What is the age restriction for Friday and Saturday night events?
A3: Events on Friday and Saturday nights are strictly 18+.

Q4: Do you have parking available?
A4: The venue does not have its own parking, but there is plenty of free street parking available on nearby residential streets like York Road, Waterloo Road, and Heathfield Road.

Q5: Can I bring my dog?
A5: Yes, the venue is dog-friendly, but please be aware of potentially busy and loud periods, especially during evening shows.

Q6: How do I book the venue for my own gig?
A6: Please email [email protected] to enquire about hiring the venue for your event.

Q7: Are there any restrictions on what I can wear?
A7: Yes, after 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, full tracksuits, branded jogging bottoms, shell suits, sports shorts, and football colours are not permitted. Site/work clothes are also restricted after 7:30 PM on these nights.

By familiarising yourself with this information, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable visit to the Hare & Hounds, whether you're catching a live band, enjoying a quiz night, or hosting your own event.

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