Posted on by Azra Pathan
Original article: https://originalrock.net/2025/03/03/the-graveyard-shift/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI6tvFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdKUZ2fd0a8Q6TXoFlkm_w63NMhK_UdkifMPhxDuln2_-hwhOkasv0wl6A_aem_fvLeIO1llYnD6o_l9LRBpA
Fancy a date with death?
So, on Friday afternoon I found myself wandering into Merlins, a brand new bar and music venue slap bang in the middle of town or Birmingham City Centre to everyone else. I love horror movies, so this was right up my street. The artistry is not for the squeamish; it is a gorefest that will delight and thrill the punters that come through the door.
I had the privilege to chat to the owner of this family run establishment Martin, who is incredibly welcoming and happy to explain his story. I picture the image of Merlin – Myrddin Emrys and his wife Nimue, or in this case Ella, the Lady of the Lake, as we immerse ourselves into the world of spirits, ghouls, goblins and all manner of oddities and anomalous characters. The restaurant downstairs serves a variety of food and drink, the tables are decorated in the delectably ghoulish fashion, including blood red napkins. Upstairs you are welcomed by a corpse, with insides out and charred to perfection. There is a stage area for bands to strut their funky stuff and the venue offers secure parking and a lift to facilitate loading in and out. The capacity is 250, where you can all dance with the dead and ceilidh with the creeps, and sashay with the skeletons.
Driven by an ethos of fairness and a genuine love for the business, Martin is aware of the pitfalls in both the music and hospitality industries, which is why he holds a balanced and compassionate view to how he operates. The ideal scenario would be that all connected industries would be able to survive and thrive too. The presentation is very well thought out, each nook and cranny has something horrific to look at while you eat. It was, however, the soundtrack that reeled me in, I had Rammstein, Rob Zombie and Skid Row while I devoured a very lovely lemon drizzle cake. At the bar you will find a water dispenser, help yourselves and stay hydrated by the cemetery gates. A quick look at their Facebook and you will see that they have already hosted successful themed party nights, and they also provide the perfect setting for a pre-gig meet up.
Stage Area
With a busy events schedule and more in the pipeline like horror karaoke, horror speed dating, this is definitely the place to be when you are hankering for a little monster mash.
In spite of the doom and gloom outdoors, step inside for the real deal, when your appetite is abominable, and you savour something spooky, take your seat at the table for a frighteningly flavourful feast.
Dig in my friends, keep your shovel handy, at Merlins, they know where the bodies are buried!
Azra Pathan
Merlins Café Bar – Martineau Place, Corporation Street, Birmingham B2 4UU
