Everyone from Brum probably has some amazing, if a little hazy, memories from Snobs Nightclub. Since opening in 1972, generations of music lovers have passed through its doors – cheap drinks, banging tunes and a buzzing (and sticky) dancefloor have made it an institution in Birmingham. Some might even say it’s a right of passage for all students new to Brum.
Yet despite turning 50 last year, we learned the future of Snobs was under threat back in March. At a public meeting (February 28) on the future of the Ringway Centre, developers confirmed the indie venue could be demolished. Making way for three new buildings, 1,750 new flats, a spa, cinema, gym and a new nightclub, but with no room for Snobs.
Don’t worry, the future of the indie nightclub is safe, as it moves to Broad Street aka the Golden Mile in March. Replacing the Velvet Music Rooms, which closed last month, it’s moving into Cumberland House at 200 Broad Street. So the venue isn’t going far either, if anything it’s even closer to some great pre-drinking bars and post-clubbing fast food.
“Everyone knows Snobs – whether you’re in late-middle age like me and went there as a teenager in the 1970s, or whether you’re part of the younger generation who frequent the club now,” said Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID. “We were sad to see Velvet close, but we are thrilled that their coveted location at the heart of Broad Street will now have a bright new future.”
Snobs last night on Smallbrook Queensway will be on Saturday, March 2, before reopening on Broad Street on Wednesday, March 13. The new Snobs kicks off with the longest-running student night in Birmingham, Snobs Wednesdays, established in 1993. The legendary indie rock night will be followed by Rehab Fridays and Loaded Saturdays. It will have a capacity of 1,450 with a downstairs bar and clubroom, and another two dance rooms upstairs.
It is not the first time Snobs has had to relocate. In 2014, the nightclub left its original home in Paradise Circus due to development works, not the same thing is happening again. 10 years later, Snobs will make the move in the middle of 2024, bringing with it the city’s longest-running student night, Big Wednesday. It’ll also join other Westside nightclubs in the area like Reflex, Popworld, Pryzm and Rosies.
Wayne Tracey, owner of Snobs, said: “I’m so pleased to have found such a great position of Broad Street where we can continue the great name, brand, reputation and nightlife that everyone in Birmingham knows as Snobs… There’s still some way to go, as although we’ve signed the property deal, we now have to carefully plan and time our move from Smallbrook Queensway to Broad Street.”