Tilt
Pinball paradise meets craft pours in Birmingham's City Arcade – Tilt's retro magic blended games, beers, and beats until its 2025 farewell.
Tilt was a beloved Birmingham bar blending craft beers, specialty coffee, and an impressive lineup of pinball machines and retro arcade games. Nestled in the historic City Arcade on Union Street, it offered a quirky escape with live music vibes, classic rock tunes, and a welcoming atmosphere for gamers and beer enthusiasts alike. Open daily from morning till late, it became a staple for unique nights out until its permanent closure in July 2025. Though now shuttered, its legacy endures as a highlight of Brum's eclectic bar scene.
A brief summary to Tilt
- City Arcade, 2 Union St, Birmingham, B2 4TX, GB
- +441216431048
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-12 am
- Saturday 11 am-12 am
- Sunday 11 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Embrace the pinball challenge: Start with classic machines for easier wins before tackling high-difficulty modern ones.
- Pair your game with local ciders – their crisp profiles cut through extended play sessions perfectly.
- Visit early for coffee and quieter tables, ideal for solo gaming or small groups.
- Check for live music nights to combine rock vibes with your pinball pursuits.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Tilt location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Tilt
Arcade Heart in Birmingham's Bustling Core
Tucked within the elegant City Arcade off Union Street, Tilt occupied a prime spot in Birmingham's vibrant city center. This narrow, historic passageway, lined with independent shops and eateries, provided an ideal backdrop for a venue that fused urban energy with playful nostalgia. The bar's entrance drew passersby with its unassuming charm, opening into a space alive with the sounds of flipping pinballs and clinking glasses. The interior maximized every inch, with pinball machines lining the walls and tables scattered for casual play. Dim lighting and wooden accents created an intimate feel amid the high-energy games, making it a perfect hideaway just steps from Birmingham New Street station.Pinball Paradise and Retro Gaming Legacy
At Tilt's core was its renowned collection of pinball machines, ranging from classic electromechanical models to modern solid-state favorites. Patrons could lose hours tilting flippers on titles evoking 1970s and 1980s arcade culture, each machine meticulously maintained for optimal play. The setup encouraged friendly competitions, with high scores lighting up displays and sparking conversations among strangers. Beyond pinball, video arcade games added variety, appealing to multiple generations. This gaming focus set Tilt apart, transforming a simple bar into an interactive playground where skill and luck intertwined.Craft Beers, Ciders, and Coffee Fusion
Tilt's bar showcased a rotating selection of craft beers and ciders, emphasizing local West Midlands brewers alongside international picks. Taps flowed with IPAs, stouts, and crisp ciders, paired with knowledgeable staff recommendations. The moderate price point made it accessible for extended sessions. By day, it doubled as a coffee shop, serving specialty brews from independent roasters. Smooth lattes and pour-overs complemented morning gaming, bridging casual caffeine stops with evening revelry in a seamless all-day appeal.Live Music and Rock 'n' Roll Ambiance
The venue pulsed with live music on select nights, hosting bands that channeled classic metal and rock. Amplified guitars and steady drums filled the air at volumes perfect for immersion without overwhelming chatter. This auditory layer enhanced the retro theme, evoking underground club scenes of yesteryear. Even without performances, curated playlists of timeless tracks kept the energy high, fostering a communal vibe where gamers nodded along between plays.A Lasting Stamp on Birmingham's Scene
From its 2015 opening until the 2025 closure, Tilt carved a niche as Birmingham's go-to for multifaceted fun. Its blend of gaming, drinks, and music captured the city's innovative spirit, drawing locals and visitors to the City Arcade. Though the doors are now closed, memories of triumphant tilts and shared pints linger in Brum's nightlife lore. The site's potential endures, hinting at future ventures in this dynamic locale.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Workers Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
The Selfridges Building
0.4 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
The River
0.4 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
0.5 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
Chamberlain Memorial
0.5 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The Floodgate
0.9 km
Discover The Floodgate in Birmingham for a unique blend of drinks, indoor sports, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
The Cube
0.9 km
Discover The Cube in Birmingham – a unique blend of leisure, dining, and entertainment that creates unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
St Paul's Square
0.9 km
Discover the charm of St Paul's Square in Birmingham, where history meets modern culture in a picturesque setting.
Custard Factory
1.0 km
Explore the Custard Factory - Birmingham's creative hub of art, culture, and unique shopping experiences.
Digbeth Art Space
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant creativity at Digbeth Art Space, Birmingham's premier art gallery showcasing local talent and innovative exhibitions.
Factory Works
1.0 km
Discover Birmingham's Factory Works, a vibrant events venue in the historic Custard Factory, showcasing the best of local art and culture.
Birmingham Walk of Stars
1.0 km
Explore the Birmingham Walk of Stars, an outdoor tribute celebrating the city's iconic figures from music, film, and sports along the vibrant Broad Street.
New hall Hill - Historical Signature!
1.0 km
Explore New Hall Hill, a historical treasure in Birmingham, where captivating architecture and rich cultural history come together for an unforgettable experience.
Historic England
1.1 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
Newhall Hill
1.1 km
Experience breathtaking views and historical charm at Newhall Hill, a serene oasis in the heart of Birmingham for every traveler.
Unmissable attractions to see
House of Fraser
0.1 km
Discover Birmingham’s iconic House of Fraser on Corporation Street, a historic department store offering diverse fashion, beauty, and homewares across six floors.
New Street & Burlington Arcade
0.2 km
A vibrant crossroads in Birmingham city centre blending historic elegance and dynamic shopping at New Street and Burlington Arcade.
Ozzy the Bull
0.2 km
A towering mechanical bull named after Ozzy Osbourne, symbolizing Birmingham’s industrial might and musical heritage at New Street Station Forecourt.
Grand Central Shopping Centre
0.2 km
A stunning, modern shopping centre integrated with Birmingham’s New Street Station, offering diverse retail and dining in a light-filled, accessible space.
The Square Shopping Centre
0.2 km
Compact, sheltered city-centre shopping with practical high-street and independent stalls, ideal for quick stops and everyday needs near Birmingham’s retail core.
Birmingham Cathedral
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham Cathedral, a stunning Baroque masterpiece and vibrant community hub in the heart of Birmingham, rich in history and artistry.
The Grand Central Bull
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham's vibrant culture and rich history at The Grand Central Bull, a must-see tourist attraction in the heart of the city.
Great Western Arcade
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham’s elegant Victorian shopping arcade blending historic charm with boutique shops, fine foods, and cozy bars.
Bullring & Grand Central
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s iconic shopping and dining destination blending modern design, diverse retail, and vibrant social life.
The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham
0.3 km
Historic Victorian pub and vibrant studio theatre in Birmingham’s city centre, blending rich heritage with live entertainment and refined British dining.
Bullring Shopping Centre Bullring
0.3 km
Iconic Birmingham shopping destination blending historic roots with modern retail and vibrant dining experiences.
Horatio Nelson Statue
0.3 km
Historic bronze statue honoring Admiral Horatio Nelson’s naval victories, located in Birmingham’s Bull Ring since 1809.
Selfridges Birmingham
0.3 km
Discover Selfridges Birmingham, an architectural marvel and luxury shopping destination at the heart of the Bullring.
St. Martin in the Bull Ring
0.4 km
Historic Neo-Gothic church and spiritual sanctuary at Birmingham’s vibrant Bull Ring, blending medieval heritage with modern city life.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham
0.4 km
Experience the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany, alive with festive food, crafts, and music in Birmingham’s Victoria Square.
Essential places to dine
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Birmingham
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant taste and style of Southern Italy in the heart of Birmingham with Riva Blu’s authentic cuisine and chic atmosphere.
The Oyster Club
0.2 km
A sophisticated oyster bar and seafood restaurant in Birmingham offering fresh oysters, creative cocktails, and seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting.
Las Iguanas - Birmingham - Temple Street
0.2 km
Vibrant Latin American dining with carnival energy, fresh cocktails, and shareable feasts in Birmingham's city centre.
The Ivy Temple Row
0.2 km
A stylish British brasserie in Birmingham blending art deco elegance with classic dishes and impeccable service.
The Botanist Birmingham
0.2 km
A vibrant botanical oasis in Birmingham city centre, blending fresh seasonal dining, inventive cocktails, and live music by the canal.
San Carlo - Birmingham
0.2 km
Classic Italian elegance and seafood delights in Birmingham’s stylish city centre dining destination.
Fumo by San Carlo - Birmingham Waterloo St
0.2 km
Chic Italian dining in Birmingham serving Venetian cicchetti, creative cocktails, and authentic flavors in a stylish modern setting.
Mowgli Street Food Birmingham
0.2 km
Whimsical Indian street food in a fairy-lit jungle setting, perfect for sharing bold flavours in the heart of Birmingham’s Grand Central.
TAPAS REVOLUTION (Birmingham)
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas with fresh flavors and lively vibes at Birmingham’s bustling Grand Central station.
Land Restaurant
0.2 km
Innovative vegan fine dining in Birmingham’s historic arcade, blending global flavors with seasonal British produce.
The Lost & Found Birmingham
0.3 km
A whimsical Victorian botanical hideaway in Birmingham offering inventive British cuisine and a unique cocktail experience in a lively, vintage setting.
Tiger Bites Pig
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant Taiwanese bao culture with fresh, flavorful buns and rice bowls in a cozy, lively city centre spot.
Gusto Italian
0.3 km
Stylish Italian dining beneath Birmingham’s Grand Hotel, blending classic flavors with a lively city centre atmosphere.
Browns Birmingham
0.3 km
Stylish brasserie in St Martins Square offering classic dishes with a modern touch in Birmingham’s vibrant city centre.
La Galleria
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Birmingham at La Galleria, where tradition meets generous portions and cozy charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Urban Outfitters
0.1 km
Discover stylish apparel, unique homewares, and a vibrant shopping vibe at Urban Outfitters Birmingham in the city centre.
The Works
0.1 km
Discover affordable arts, crafts, books, and stationery in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant New Street shopping district.
La MC Vintage
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in Birmingham’s charming North Western Arcade at La MC Vintage.
Primark
0.2 km
A huge, multi‑level flagship on Birmingham High Street offering fast, affordable fashion, homewares and themed in‑store concepts under one roof.
Wornwell Vintage Clothing
0.2 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion and quality streetwear at Wornwell Vintage Clothing, a unique shop nestled inside Primark on Birmingham's High Street.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
Discover quirky, affordable Scandinavian gifts and everyday essentials that bring joy and creativity to Birmingham’s city center.
Simply Gifted
0.2 km
Explore Simply Gifted in Birmingham for unique gifts and local treasures that reflect the vibrant spirit of the city.
Funkybits4u Fair Trade - Birmingham
0.2 km
Discover ethically crafted gifts and inspiring interiors at Funkybits4u Fair Trade, a vibrant hub of sustainable artistry in Birmingham.
The Alice Boutique
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
Community Gift Shop
0.2 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
Obsidian
0.2 km
Discover mystical treasures and spiritual gifts at Obsidian, Birmingham’s premier metaphysical shop on vibrant Corporation Street.
The Oasis fashion store
0.2 km
A vibrant hub for alternative fashion, vintage finds, and creative lifestyle services in the heart of Birmingham.
Menkind
0.3 km
Quirky gadgets and geeky gifts await at Menkind Bullring—unique finds for him, from Star Wars merch to tech toys in Birmingham's premier shopping hub.
Designer Exchange
0.3 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
Miniso
0.3 km
Bright, affordable design and collectable character goods — a family-friendly stop for pocket-money treats in Grand Central.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tilt
0.0 km
Pinball paradise meets craft pours in Birmingham's City Arcade – Tilt's retro magic blended games, beers, and beats until its 2025 farewell.
The Cocktail Club - Birmingham
0.2 km
Three floors of cocktail theatre, bottomless brunches, and Birmingham nightlife magic—where sexy sips meet wild vibes until 2am.
The Head of Steam Birmingham
0.2 km
A vibrant city-centre pub with craft beers, over 50% vegan menu, shuffleboard, live music, and private event spaces near New Street Station.
Bacchus Bar
0.2 km
Discover Birmingham’s medieval-inspired basement pub, where historic charm meets lively atmosphere and quality British ales.
Revolución de Cuba Birmingham
0.2 km
Experience authentic Cuban vibes, vibrant cocktails, and lively salsa music in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
The Trocadero
0.2 km
Lively city-centre pub with great food, live sports, and a welcoming atmosphere in Birmingham’s Temple Street.
Tonight Josephine - Birmingham
0.2 km
Experience Birmingham’s boldest pink cocktail bar with creative drinks, vibrant events, and a party spirit inspired by Empress Joséphine.
Flight Club Birmingham
0.2 km
Experience social darts like never before in Birmingham’s vibrant Victorian circus-themed bar with cocktails, brunch, and interactive games.
Be At One - Birmingham
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar in Birmingham city centre with 100+ drinks, expert bartenders, and a vibrant party atmosphere.
All Bar One New Street Station
0.3 km
A stylish and sociable wine bar in Birmingham’s New Street Station, perfect for cocktails, casual dining, and lively gatherings.
Dirty Martini - Birmingham
0.3 km
Trendy cocktail bar in Birmingham’s city center, known for stylish decor, expertly crafted drinks, and a lively party atmosphere.
The Alchemist Colmore Row
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s iconic Grand building transformed into a theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular magic with vibrant city nightlife.
Madeleine
0.3 km
An elegant, salon‑style cocktail bar in The Grand Hotel — famed for refined afternoon tea and meticulous cocktails in a dramatic, over‑sized parlour.
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
0.4 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham blending craft beer culture with modern British cuisine in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Fox and Chance
0.4 km
An award-winning independent cocktail bar in Birmingham, blending creative drinks with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
What do you mean
0.3 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
King of clubs
0.4 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
Bambu Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
Sobar
0.5 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
101 Night Club
0.5 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
suki10c
0.6 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
0.8 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
Mango Night Club
0.8 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
Sector 57
0.8 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at Sector 57, where eclectic music and electric vibes create unforgettable nights in Deritend.
Reflex - Birmingham
1.0 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
Rosies - Birmingham
1.0 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Next Door & Spotlight
1.1 km
Two adjoining Digbeth nightspots — a pulse-driven DJ room and an intimate bar space with street-food pop-ups and a raw, industrial vibe.
Quantum Vnues
1.1 km
Dive into Digbeth's beating heart: Quantum Venues delivers electrifying nights of music, lights, and unbridled energy in Birmingham's creative core.
Popworld - Birmingham
1.1 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
The Night Owl
1.1 km
A cozy Digbeth venue where soulful retro beats and friendly vibes create unforgettable nights for all music lovers.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
