Being a Londoner it’s hard to think about other places in the UK for dating. However recently I’ve joined Coffee Matches, a matchmaking services and our first event is going to be in Birmingham. Birmingham, often dubbed the UK’s “second city,” is a vibrant and multicultural hub. It’s more than just the bullring shopping centre and has hosted some of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. I also lived there as a child so it’s been fun exploring options as an adult-ish person. But the question there is the same as everywhere else: Where to find Single Black People in Birmingham?
If you’re a single Black person in Birmingham, or someone looking to connect with Black singles, the dating scene here offers several options. As a professional dater (and self-proclaimed queen of the art), I’m here to help guide you on where to meet other single Black folks and how to mingle like a pro.
1. Black Socials and Meetups
Birmingham has an active social scene with numerous events catering specifically to Black communities. Websites like Meetup.com have groups dedicated to Black professionals and singles looking to socialize, network, or just have a good time. Look out for events under headings like “Black Professionals Birmingham” or “Black Single Events.”
These meetups often range from chilled-out dinners to active events like bowling, movie nights, and cocktail-making classes. You’re not just here to date; it’s about expanding your social network, and, who knows, you might meet someone special along the way!
Also check on eventbrite for one off events!
2. Cultural and Heritage Events
Events that celebrate African and Caribbean culture are perfect places to meet like-minded singles. Birmingham’s Black History Month in October is a major cultural highlight, and it brings together many events across the city. Exhibitions, panel discussions, and music festivals celebrate Black history and culture—providing a rich environment to connect with others who appreciate and respect this heritage.
3. Bars and Nightlife
The city has a fantastic nightlife scene that caters to diverse tastes. Venues like The Juke and 42nd Street are known for their R&B, hip-hop, and reggae nights—genres that are hugely popular within Black communities. These spots aren’t just about dancing; they’re about socializing, laughing, and vibing with people who love the same music.
I always say: Bars and clubs can be great, but make sure you’re going in with the mindset to have fun first! That’s when the magic happens.
4. Afrobeats and Reggae Events
Afrobeats and reggae continue to shape Black British music culture, and Birmingham hosts a number of themed nights and concerts throughout the year. Keep an eye out for Afrobeats Birmingham events or reggae nights at O2 Academy or Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath. These are fantastic spots to find other singles with similar musical tastes.
5. Caribbean Restaurants
Here are some of the top Caribbean restaurants in Birmingham, UK, offering authentic Caribbean cuisine, from jerk chicken to curried goat and more:
1. Taste & Liquor
- Cuisine: Caribbean Street Food
- Location: Digbeth
- Specialties: Known for its vibrant street food vibe, Taste & Liquor serves up a range of delicious Caribbean dishes including jerk chicken, patties, and fried plantains. The venue often hosts events and pop-ups with rotating Caribbean street food vendors.
2. Jamaya
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Location: Touchwood, Solihull (just outside Birmingham)
- Specialties: Jamaya focuses on authentic Jamaican jerk cooking with its signature jerk chicken, curried goat, and saltfish fritters. The stylish, modern décor makes it a popular choice for a relaxed, yet vibrant dining experience.
3. Deep Caribbean Experience
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Location: Erdington
- Specialties: This cozy spot is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes like jerk pork, oxtail, curried mutton, and Caribbean dumplings. Deep Caribbean Experience is a great option for those seeking authentic flavors in a relaxed setting.
4. Rodney’s Caribbean Cuisine
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Location: Handsworth
- Specialties: A well-loved local spot, Rodney’s offers traditional Jamaican favorites like jerk chicken, rice and peas, patties, and plantain. It’s a casual, no-frills venue perfect for takeout or a quick sit-down meal.
5. Carib Grill
- Cuisine: Jamaican and Caribbean Fusion
- Location: Moseley
- Specialties: Carib Grill specializes in classic Jamaican and Caribbean dishes, offering a mix of jerk meats, seafood, and hearty stews like brown stew chicken and oxtail. Their rum punch and reggae music provide an authentic Caribbean atmosphere.
6. Bickleigh’s Caribbean Cuisine
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Location: Small Heath
- Specialties: Known for its home-cooked Caribbean food, Bickleigh’s serves up popular dishes such as jerk chicken, curried goat, and ackee and saltfish. The portions are generous, and the service is friendly, making it a local favorite for authentic Caribbean flavors.
7. Dutchie & Grill
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Location: Kings Heath
- Specialties: Dutchie & Grill offers a wide range of Jamaican dishes, from jerk chicken to curried goat, fried dumplings, and steamed fish. Their signature jerk sauce and homemade drinks like sorrel and ginger beer make this a go-to for Caribbean food lovers.
8. Rio’s Piri Piri
- Cuisine: Afro-Caribbean Fusion
- Location: Various locations (including Handsworth)
- Specialties: Though Rio’s is a fusion eatery with a focus on piri-piri chicken, they offer a range of Caribbean-inspired dishes, including jerk chicken wraps and sides like fried plantains. The casual fast-food vibe makes it a popular spot for quick bites.
9. Simmer Down Restaurant
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Location: Lozells
- Specialties: A local favorite for its flavorful jerk chicken, curried goat, and ackee and saltfish, Simmer Down also hosts live reggae nights, adding to the authentic Caribbean atmosphere.
10. Tasty Jerk
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Location: Perry Barr
- Specialties: Tasty Jerk is famous for its jerk chicken and pork, which are marinated and cooked to perfection. They also offer Jamaican staples like curried goat and oxtail. This takeaway spot is popular for its quick service and delicious food.
These Caribbean restaurants offer a great range of authentic and fusion dishes, bringing the vibrant flavors of the islands to the heart of Birmingham. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a more refined dining experience, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy.
Devon House: Situated in the Jewellery Quarter this Caribbean Restaurant and Bar is where Coffee Matches will be hosting our first event in October. I’ll come back and let you know what I think of the food.
5b. African Restaurants
Here are some top African restaurants in Birmingham, UK, where you can enjoy a variety of authentic African dishes, including Nigerian, Ethiopian, and other East and West African cuisines:
1. Café Aje
- Cuisine: Nigerian
- Location: Handsworth
- Specialties: Café Aje offers an authentic taste of Nigeria with dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, pepper soup, and egusi soup. It’s a cozy spot for those craving traditional West African cuisine in a casual setting.
2. Baobab Café
- Cuisine: West African
- Location: Digbeth
- Specialties: Known for its eclectic menu inspired by Senegalese and other West African flavors, Baobab Café offers grilled meats, thieboudienne (Senegalese jollof rice with fish), and plantain dishes. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place for a laid-back meal.
3. Eko Lounge
- Cuisine: Nigerian and African Fusion
- Location: Hockley
- Specialties: This trendy eatery blends traditional African dishes with a modern twist. It offers Nigerian favorites like asun (spicy goat meat), akara (bean cakes), and suya (spicy grilled meat), all served in a stylish lounge setting.
4. Blue Nile Restaurant
- Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Location: Handsworth
- Specialties: Known for its flavorful Ethiopian cuisine, Blue Nile serves traditional dishes like injera (Ethiopian flatbread) with a variety of stews, including doro wat (spicy chicken) and misir wat (lentils). The communal style of dining makes it a fun, social experience.
5. Simba Restaurant
- Cuisine: East African (Kenyan and Tanzanian)
- Location: Sparkhill
- Specialties: Simba is well-known for its East African dishes, including nyama choma (grilled meats), chapati, and samosas. It’s a great spot to enjoy the unique fusion of Swahili, Indian, and Arabic influences found in East African cuisine.
6. Bantu Birmingham
- Cuisine: Pan-African
- Location: Selly Oak
- Specialties: This restaurant offers a broad menu featuring dishes from across Africa, including South African bunny chow, East African pilau, and West African suya. It’s a great place for those who want to experience a variety of African flavors.
7. Jamo Afrikan Cuisine
- Cuisine: West African
- Location: Small Heath
- Specialties: Jamo Afrikan Cuisine is known for its hearty portions of jollof rice, efo riro (vegetable soup), and grilled tilapia. With its casual vibe and affordable prices, it’s popular for both takeaway and dining in.
8. Afrikana
- Cuisine: Afro-Caribbean Fusion
- Location: Great Western Arcade
- Specialties: Though it blends Caribbean influences, Afrikana still highlights African-inspired dishes. Expect a fusion of flavors from Africa, with signature meals like peri-peri chicken, grilled lamb chops, and sides like fried plantains.
These restaurants bring the rich, diverse flavors of Africa to Birmingham, making them ideal for anyone wanting to explore African culinary traditions or enjoy a familiar taste of home
Food is not just a way to fill your stomach but a way to make meaningful connections, and these restaurants offer a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious cuisine and connect with others.
6. Churches and Community Centers
For those looking for meaningful connections based on faith, many Black churches in Birmingham have active communities that focus on fellowship and social events. Churches like New Jerusalem Apostolic Church or The Church of God of Prophecy not only provide spiritual fulfillment but also foster social connections. Community centers often host dinners, fundraisers, and networking events where you can meet others with shared values.
7. Online Dating: Niche Platforms
While face-to-face encounters are fantastic, online dating has become a huge part of modern dating life. Apps like Vybe, MELD and AfroIntroductions are specifically catered to Black singles and people looking to date within the Black community. Don’t shy away from giving these a try; they allow you to connect with people in your area and can sometimes be a faster way to meet someone new.
8. Food and Culture Festivals
If there’s one thing we all love, it’s food! Birmingham’s Simmer Down Festival and other food festivals that celebrate Caribbean cuisine attract a lively and diverse crowd. If you’re someone who believes that good food brings people together, you’ll likely find fellow food lovers and singles here.
9. Professional Networking Events
For those looking to meet ambitious and career-driven Black singles, Birmingham’s professional networking events are an ideal setting. Networks such as The Black Business Show hold events and meetups throughout the UK, including Birmingham. These events often mix social interaction with professional development, offering an excellent environment to build connections with like-minded individuals.
10. Final Thoughts on Where to find single Black People in Birmingham
Birmingham offers a wealth of opportunities for singles to meet and mingle in relaxed, cultural, and foodie settings. Whether you’re vibing to Afrobeats, enjoying a jerk chicken meal, or expanding your social circle at a Black professionals’ event, there’s always a place to meet someone new.
Finding other single Black people in Birmingham may require some effort, but the city’s diverse, welcoming atmosphere provides plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Remember to step out of your comfort zone, attend various events, and always keep a positive attitude—you never know who you might meet next! You can check out the London guide to finding men as well to help give you ideas.
Hope this guide by Chelsea Black inspires you to explore Birmingham’s dating scene and make meaningful connections! And check out @coffeematches!
© Chelsea Black ® 2024