Many have been heartbroken to see Digbeth’s former Irish pub, The Kerryman, continue to fall into ruin, vandalised with graffiti and stand barren of pundits. Having opened in 1996, the family-run boozer sadly closed in 2022, with seemingly no future in sight. But, Spoilers, that’s about to change as it’s transformed into a late-night, cult movie-themed rock bar.
What on earth is a “cult movie-themed rock bar”? Well, a cult movie is any film that’s attracted a passionate fanbase without mainstream success. The sort of film that has hundreds of people queueing at midnight, dressed in bizarre costumes, to rewatch it for the hundredth time and quote every line back at the screen – everything from The Rocky Horror Picture Show to A Clockwork Orange, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and Battle Royale.
Like these movies, their fans are often odd, outlandish and otherworldly, and they’ll finally have a home in Birmingham. Aptly named Spoilers, its new owners are busy working towards an April deadline. You can expect an American-style dive bar – just like in the movies – serving craft beers and spirits, as well as anything from noodles to cereal and popcorn.
Spoilers, which has a late license to stay open until 6am on the weekends, will feature a stage for live rock music, retro arcade machines, and its very own movie screen for cult film screenings. Plus, there’s going to be an outdoor terrace for soaking up that sunshine when it (eventually) arrives this spring.
All right, this is the plan. We get in there and get wrecked, then we’ll eat a pork pie, then we’ll drop a couple of Surmontil-50’s each.
Spoiler is now interviewing for bar staff, supervisor and manager roles. You can head here to learn more.