Video: First look at Verve Lounge on Gas Street at the site of a legendary Birmingham nightclub

Once home to the famous canalside club Bobby Brown's - 52 Gas Street is about to have new life breathed into. Westside here in Birmingham has retained a bustling nightlife over the years, and will soon be welcoming Verve Lounge as part of the tapestry.

Reece Chauhan, General Manager, says: “Verve Lounge is a premium cocktail bar located in the city centre. We'll be providing premium drinks, quality service, live entertainment and DJs every week.”

This edifice was once the centrepiece of Birmingham's nightlife scene during its life as Bobby Browns and the Opposite Lock. It hosted an endless array of celebrities and trendy revelers over its decades. Now Verve Lounge is set to open its doors; it aims to take root here on iconic Gas Street and embark on a new chapter in this area's history.

Chauhan says: “I think this is going to sit well within history around this area. I want to offer something different than the other bars. I want it to be a bit more of a higher end clientele. It's not about how many people you get in here, it's about who you get in here - and then just adding some life into the surrounding areas.”

This opening comes during a turbulent period for nightlife in general. While this may not be immediately noticeable to anyone walking along Broad Street on a Friday night - the cost of living crisis has hit hospitality hard. 

Chauhan says: “Yeah, I mean, for venues, I think it's important to get the people in, but it's about offering something back to the people. For example, drink deals, that's what we'll be offering throughout the week. I think that plays an important factor after Covid as well, and after the cost of living crisis.”

The economic climate is not the only climate venues must take into account of course. In this weather we all appreciate the indoors but as the months roll on and we hit those balmy summer nights, we all appreciate the opportunity to embrace the warm air.

Chauhan says: “Summer we're going to have the terrace built, and then from there we want to create a bit of a more exclusive vibe upstairs because we've got a secret room, so we want to make that into something, maybe offer a different kind of concept.”