Expect beards, knitwear, scuffed-up floorboards and ripped red leather sofas. Going strong since the late 90s, The Sunflower Lounge is probably Birmingham’s premier venue for the boho crowd that likes things rough and ready. On your way in, prepare to negotiate the odd puddle of spilt beer and don’t be put off by the cracked window patched up with brown tape.
The décor is part punk-chic, part 60s psychedelia and De Stijl simplicity. One entire side of the (quite narrow) venue is covered in black and turquoise floral print wallpaper; posters of Elvis Presley and ‘La Dolce Vita’ hang on the walls. The sound system pumps out a mixture of soul classics and left-of-the-dial alternative rock bangers from the 80s and 90s. It’s not all strictly alternative though – The Sunflower Lounge shows televised football and the bar serves a lot of lager.
A range of promoters use the venue for live shows and local unsigned bands have long found a home here, with its intimate nature making it a popular spot for up-and-coming acts on initial tours. The downstairs, box-shaped gig room itself is a veritable feedback chamber with sheer red and black walls helping create the perfect sleazy vibe. The faint of heart may want to bring earplugs.