I just can't keep away from edgy Birmingham neighbourhood named 'coolest in the UK'
This ancient neighbourhoods shines a light on Birmingham’s cultural appeal and vibrant art scene
Digbeth is known as the oldest suburb in Birmingham and was even mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Although it wasn’t mentioned in the 1086 book like Aston, Digbeth was first settled upon in the 7th century and is confirmed as the city’s oldest suburb - there is evidence of settlement dating back to the Mesolithic period.
Historically the land to the west of the river Rea (Digbeth) was in the parish of Birmingham. The city’s oldest secular building, The Old Crown, is also located here of course. The Crown, believed to have been built in the 14th century, remains the city's oldest surviving pub - and one of its most enduring landmarks.
Today, Digbeth is hailed at Birmingham’s ‘coolest’ neighbourhood - ranking in the 7 ‘coolest’ in the entire UK, according to TimeOut.
Digbeth is the only spot in the top 7 for the UK that’s in the West Midlands, other areas include London Road, Brighton and Canton in Cardiff.
Inside Digbeth
The 21st century has seen huge growth in the area, and today, Digbeth is seen as one of Birmingham’s trendiest neighbourhoods. The south Birmingham district was even voted as the UK’s coolest neighbourhood by The Sunday Times earlier this year.
The district is known for its vibrant nightlife, art galleries, independent shops, and creative businesses, as well as its music scene.
In 2012, the indie scene there attracted widespread attention from the music press, led by local bands, with the NME comparing Digbeth to London's Shoreditch, and The Independent previously writing that "Birmingham is fast becoming the best place in the UK to look to for the most exciting new music".
Digbeth was recently praised by the Sunday Times judges for its its canals, railway arches and warehouses decorated with extravagant street art.
There is a lot going on in Digbeth these days, too. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has opened Digbeth Loc Studios - the first major television and film production facilities of this scale to ever be developed in Birmingham, and the BBC has moved its Midlands operation to the former Typhoo Tea factory, while MasterChef is bringing its kitchen to an old banana warehouse.
What did Time Out say about Digbeth?
“Long established as Birmingham’s creative quarter, Digbeth is home turf for many of the city’s writers, artists and filmmakers. Its arty ascension is set to continue – not for nothing is the BBC moving its headquarters to the old Typhoo Tea factory here in 2026.
“All abandoned shunt lines and arches slick with wet brick, Digbeth’s aesthetic is haunted by the ghosts of industry but illuminated by iridescent street art, which colours large swathes of the neighbourhood. Its rough-edged beauty consistently draws major new attractions, such as Digbeth Loc Studios, a multimedia warehouse project for film and tv production.
“Time Out tip: Digbeth doubles as Birmingham’s Irish quarter, so head there in March for St. Patrick’s Day and hit up Nortons, Hennessey’s and more for Guinness and good times.”