Birmingham’s street food scene is massive. As is the city’s hunger for halal-friendly eateries. So why haven’t we seen the two cross over more? I’m sure you’ll find plenty of options between Saint Paul’s Market, Society Birmingham and Herbert’s Yard. But Birmingham’s first completely halal indoor street food market is now open.
art.quarter is Birmingham’s newest creative hub in Digbeth—with its own on-site barbershop, ladies-only salon, and therapy room for everything from sports massage to PRP therapy. Plus, it has its very own art agency, and a “versatile space”, Art Box, for exhibitions, photoshoots, events and even music videos.
But what we care about is aq.foodhall. The UK’s first indoor halal food market hall outside of London, which opened on Friday, March 20, with up to 9 halal food vendors—including the buttery croissants of Kacao, the ultimate noodle fix of Broth, speciality coffee from Kohitayn, premium matcha of Fat Belly, and Frost & Froth‘s açai bowls.
Located between the Bullring and Digbeth, the art.foodhall hopes to attract muslims and non-muslims alike, as a celebration of the Second City’s diversity, when it opens from 4pm (just in time for Eid al-Fitr). The future of art.quarter hopes to expand even further with a café, bar, bakery, coworking spaces, and community events.
“There’s a part of me that’s feeling really grateful and blessed that we’re the first, but also I think it’s going to really help with generating footfall into the city,” said Jordan Patel, founder of art.quarter, adding that he hoped to “bridge” Birmingham’s communities and “break down those social barriers.”
🗓️ aq.foodhall is officially opening its doors on 20 March 2026 at 4pm
🌐 To learn more about aq.foodhall, head here