Activity bar where you can try clay target shooting to open in Birmingham

One of the best parts of visiting the German Christmas market in Birmingham city centre are the store front displays - each more sparkly and appealing than the next.

On one visit to the Christmas market on New Street, I discovered a wonderful display at Piccaddily Arcade with several snowmen, wrapped gifts, and a Christmas tree. A closer look showed me that the display is by Clays, so I dug deeper into it.

What is Clays?

Clays is an activity bar where you can enjoy cocktails while practicing target shooting. And, not just any target shooting but an interactive clay target shooting along with delicious cocktails and food sharers.

The gameplay at the bar is reminiscent of the 80s game Duck Hunt - a first-person shooter game with moving on-screen targets. While the bar's name is Clays - there are only on-screen targets to shoot at instead of clay ducks. The bar is currently open in two locations in the UK - Moorgate and Canary Wharf - in London. And, according to the display in Piccaddily Arcade, it will open a third location in 2024 in Birmingham.

The activity bar in London has sharpshooter of Team GB Amber Rutter as an ambassador. She said the best thing about Clays is that it makes her sport accessible to everyone.

At the London venues, for £40 per person, groups can experience 90 minutes of gameplay with unlimited drinks and food sharers.

Clays bar has been contacted for their opening date.

What other activity bars are available in Birmingham?

Birmingham has several activity bars like Roxy Ballroom, Boom Battle Bar, Lane7, NQ64, Tilt, that have been entertaining adults with a penchant for games. More recently, the F1 Arcade - where you can indulge in high speed races all year round - opened in Chamberlain Square.

Birmingham has also welcomed many VR game studios like Sandbox, The Park Playground in the past year at prime locations in the city centre. Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts can practice their game at the interactive golf arcade at Inner City Golf at St Martin's Place in Broad Street.