Looking for somewhere to stay in Birmingham? Our first choice is always The Grand Hotel in the city centre. Built in 1879 to rival London’s finest hotels, this Grade II* listed building attracted the likes of George VI and Charlie Chaplin in its heyday. And, almost 150 years later, it still more than lives up to its name.
This month (Friday, May 16), the glamour only increases at The Grand Hotel. A sophisticated speakeasy, Downstairs At The Grand, is launching as the city centre’s only late-night live music jazz bar. It will take over Isaac’s, the restaurant nestled within The Grand Hotel, from 10pm until 2am, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Paying homage to the secret bustle of historical speakeasies hiding within existing businesses, Downstairs At The Grand will feature musical residencies from stellar musicians every week, staging a varied program of entertainment—including jazz nights, boogie-woogie, cabaret in the style of ‘Crazy Coqs’, and West End stars performing musical theatre showcases.
An impressive line-up of artists includes:
- Tom Seals, a top boogie-woogie and blues pianist and vocalist who has supported artists such as Jools Holland, Jamie Cullum, and Gregory Porter.
- Dino Baptiste, a highly energetic pianist, vocalist and entertainer, known for his dynamic performances and remarkable connection with his audiences.
- One of the UK’s finest saxophonists, Chris ‘Beebe’ Aldridge, who has performed with an impressive roster of artists, including Gary Barlow, Tony Christie and jazz icon Pee Wee Ellis.
- Dana Gillespie, an internationally touring artist with 72 albums and collaborations with the likes of David Bowie and Elton John under her belt.
- Lisa-Marie Holmes, vocalist to the stars of Strictly Come Dancing, will bring her award-winning cabaret and musical theatre performances to Downstairs At The Grand.
Downstairs At The Grand’s opening night will welcome a musical range, from sultry bossa nova covers to Rat Pack classics, by classically trained pianist and jazz singer, Joe Spinoza. On top of late-night performances, enjoy cocktails, fine wines and fizz, as well as a late-night food menu consisting of charcuterie boards, cheese boards, small plates and sourdough pizzas, plus sweet options.
Downstairs At The Grand’s first month:
- Friday 16th May – Joe Spinoza And Friends
- Saturday 17th May – The Voice Of Rafael Nannetti
- Thursday 22nd May – Joe Spinoza And Friends
- Friday 23rd May – The Voice Of Rafael Nannetti
- Saturday 24th May – Dino Baptiste And The Night Train
- Thursday 29th May – Dino Baptiste And The Night Train
- Friday 30th May – Genevieve Jazz
- Saturday 31st May – The Voice Of Rafael Nannetti
To see the full schedule at Downstairs At The Grand or to make a booking head here.