Legendary music venue Fiddle & Bone has reopened its doors after 12 long years in legislative limbo. Just a stones throw away from the manic scenes of Broad Street, neighbour to the fine dining’s and theatrics of Brindley Place and the ICC. This historical pub hides among a towering fortress of modern flats and offices but resting on the infamous waterway’s edge makes this location an ideal port of call for any boat adventurers, pre-towners and canal walkers.
As well as providing the usual pub tipples there’s also a wide range of exotic, ever changing ales, craft beers, unique fruit ciders and a full range of tea and coffees, freshly prepared and created by fully trained, professional baristas.
The food menu also offers you something a bit different; all ingredients are bought fresh from local suppliers and covers the pub classics all the way up to your posh nosh – Smoked prawns and jasmine mayonnaise anyone?
Don’t forget, all of this can be consumed in the cobbled courtyard of the century old stables which step in as the venues canal side beer garden. Due to the positioning of the building, when the sun is out, it never stops shining – literally. From rise to fall the garden is always blanketed in sunlight, British weather providing of course.
However the main attraction is the live music; every Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday lunch time boasts a new live act skilled in the arts of Jazz, Rock, Classical or even Pop covers! So far there have been contributions from all manner of musicians from all backgrounds. Eclectic selection and the promise of something different every time is a categorical guarantee.
Acts both old and new have graced the inside of the venue since its re-inception, with plenty more in the pipeline. Fiddle & Bone veterans ‘Bang on the Ear’ will be making a series appearances, reliving the old days of the pubs wild past, describing the experience as “the liveliest venue” they’ve ever played!
Young local bands like ‘Cartel’ and ‘Leokai’ will also don the stage for the first time through the months of April and May respectively. The venue prides itself on its open approach to artist bookings; aiming to be both entertaining and diverse while supporting the cause of all local bands and musicians no matter their age or style (within reason – no death metal).
The venue will also be calling upon the talents of the conservatoire – the nearby music university – which serves to offer up a wide range of flourishing talent in all areas of classical and contemporary music. It’s not often you stroll into a pub to be greeted by a full orchestra, but setting foot in the Fiddle & Bone? It’s more than likely.
Fun, lively, perfectly situated and now – with a new open mic night every Tuesday – even more engaging. The venue may have been closed for more than decade but it certainly hasn’t lost any of its character or charm.
So, head on down, grab yourself a pint and a bite, pray for the sun and let the music do the rest… or if the courage is really flowing – jump on the mic yourself!
Kristian F. Birch-Hurst 