A Day in the Life of a JQBID Ambassador

In this blog post we ask JQBID Ambassador Matthew Crawley-Alexander to describe his typical working day – a tough task as no two days are the same! Does this sound like an interesting role? We are currently recruiting for a second Ambassador.  Meet JQBID Ambassador Matthew Crawley-Alexander As a JQBID Ambassador what are your main responsibilities?  The role is really … Read More

JQ Festival welcomes record number of visitors

With a brand new programme of events, the Jewellery Quarter Festival 2019 saw a record number of visitors take part in activities across the JQ and experience both the energy & heritage of Birmingham’s historic Quarter. See the Festival video below for a flavour of the jam-packed weekend. To see all the photos from the weekend, head over to the … Read More

St Paul’s Church Welcomes Rev Conan Chitham

In this blog we sat down with Reverand Conan Chitham, the newly appointed Assistant Priest at St Paul’s Church, to understand more about his background and what his new role will entail. To find out more about the ongoing programme of events and services at St Paul’s Church please visit their website.  Meet Reverend Conan Chitham: Assistant Priest at St … Read More

Narce Media Shortlisted for Entrepreneur Awards

Local Jewellery Quarter company Narce Media has been shortlisted for “Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year” in the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards! Connor and Joe said: “When we found out about the shortlisting we couldn’t stop smiling. The trials and tribulations over the last year have been a massive learning curve for us and to be shortlisted for such a … Read More

Job Vacancy: JQBID Ambassador

The Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) is looking to recruit an Ambassador to join the team. Love the JQ? Love meeting people? If you enjoy being out and about in the JQ and love meeting people, then this could be the role for you. We’re looking to recruit on Ambassador who will work alongside our dynamic team as we … Read More

Job Vacancy: Cemeteries Activities Programme Manager

Subject to National Lottery Heritage Funding, the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (in partnership with Birmingham City Council) is seeking to appoint a new post, based in the JQ, to lead the implementation of the second stage of the exciting JQ Cemeteries Project. BCC received National Lottery Heritage Funding to develop the project around the key historic cemeteries in this unique … Read More

JQBID Sponsors Birmingham Heritage Week 2019

Birmingham’s Heritage Week returns in 2019 for its fifth year, sponsored by The Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID). From 12–22 Sept 2019 the popular city-wide festival will shine a spotlight on Birmingham’s fascinating history and will see some of the city’s hidden gems and most important heritage locations opening their doors for talks, tours, workshops, walks and much more. … Read More

British Transplant Games Baton Made in the Jewellery Quarter

A brand new sculpture, known as “Tom’s Baton”, has been created by local Jewellery Quarter company Crescent Silver, for the Opening Ceremony of the Westfield Health British Transplant Games which took place in Newport this week. The sculpture was commissioned by Lisa Wilson in honour of her son Tom who passed away in 2015 at the age of 22. Lisa … Read More

Top 10 Jewellery Quarter Family Activities – Summer 2019

School is out and Summer 2019 is well and truly underway! If you’re looking for family-friendly activities closer to home then there’s plenty to keep you busy in the Jewellery Quarter throughout the holidays. We have compiled our favourite list of Top 10 Jewellery Quarter Family Activities for 2019 below. As always, you can browse the full list of JQ … Read More

Argentea Gallery Present “Forward” by Gwen Wilkinson

An exhibition of photographic work inspired by Birmingham’s industrial, political and social history will be on display at Argentea Gallery from 25 July to 7 September 2019. “Forward”, a collection of work by artist Gwen Wilkinson, explores facets of the city’s rich heritage through installations, prints and ceramics. One extraordinary piece on display will be Wall of Wonder (2019), a … Read More

Introducing #MadeintheJQ – a celebration of the Jewellery Quarter

We’re excited to launch our brand-new campaign that celebrates all the wonderful and quirky businesses and people that reside in Birmingham’s Historic Quarter. Whether it’s experiencing our array of fine dining restaurants, searching for one off hand-made gifts, or exploring one of our many museums, a trip to the Jewellery Quarter will allow you to see what makes this quarter … Read More

The Jazz Festival Returns 19th – 28th July!

The annual Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival returns to the region from 19th – 28th July! With the support from the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID), the Victorian Bandstand will return to St Paul’s Square for live lunch-time music from Monday 22nd through to Friday 26th July. The perfect opportunity to enjoy the summer weather and eat lunch … Read More

JQ Festival 2019: The Jam House Celebrates 20 Years

Birmingham’s premier live music venue, The Jam House, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! As part of this year’s Jewellery Quarter Festival, on Saturday 29th June, The Jam House will be celebrating their 20th Birthday in style with a host of bands and live music on the main stage in St Paul’s Square! There will be a full line up of … Read More

Guest Blog: Three years in the making – the release of the Coffin Works’ Guidebook

This month’s Guest Blog Post celebrates the recent launch of the Coffin Works’ Guidebook. This beautiful publication documents the history of the Newman Brother’s Factory, its workers and the story of its recovery. Sarah Hayes, Museum Manager on site, has been part of the process since the beginning and tells the story of how this unique book was made. The … Read More

Jewellery Quarter becomes the first BID in the UK to adopt a station

A new community group led by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) aims to bring a new lease of life to the Jewellery Quarter Station. Through a range of projects and activities and with support from West Midlands Railway, the group has set out to improve the attractiveness of the station, making it a more welcoming and friendly place … Read More

The Jewellery Quarter Festival 2019!

The Jewellery Quarter Festival is back. Join us on Saturday 29th June and Sunday 30th June. This year’s JQ Festival aims to celebrate the Quarter’s energy, heritage and diversity through a two-day extravaganza. On Saturday 29th June the Golden Square will be transformed into a Festival hub with free entertainment for all the family. For the younger ones, expect a … Read More

FLUX Exhibition Opens at Vittoria Street Gallery 29 April

Flux, an exhibition showcasing jewellery and artefacts created by the current cohort of Artists in Residence at the School of Jewellery, will be showing at The Vittoria Street Gallery from Monday 29 April to Friday 10 May. Flux, in jewellery terms, is commonly understood as the substance used in soldering and brazing processes. It is also an appropriate term defining … Read More

Local JQ company IE Brand bring home the gold!

A local digital agency IE Brand has won two awards for their recent client work at the Transform Awards Europe 2019! IE is a brand and digital agency for the Charity, Health & Education sector and are based in the Jewellery Quarter. This year they were awarded a Gold in “Best Visual Identity for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals” for their campaign … Read More

Guest Blog: St Paul’s Church

In this month’s Guest Blog the Revd Canon Andrew Gorham, Interim Priest in Charge of St Paul, writes about his experience and plans for the Grade I listed church. For more information visit their website or download the Easter Events Leaflet for April.   St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter Birmingham I arrived at St Paul’s Church 14 months … Read More

The Chocolate Quarter is Fundraising for New Schools Programme

The Chocolate Quarter needs your help to educate local school children about the history and science of chocolate making! With many children unaware of what a real cacao pod looks like, or how chocolate is made, local schools have been approaching The Chocolate Quarter in the hope of organising educational workshops. To accommodate this growing demand, the family-owned business has … Read More

Easter Holiday Events in the JQ

There’s something for everyone in the Jewellery Quarter this Easter Holiday! Whether you’re looking for fun-filled family days out, want to get crafty, see a show, or learn more about the history and heritage of the JQ there’s sure to be an event for you. We’ve collected some of our favourite Easter events in April below. For the full list … Read More

School of Jewellery Expands to St Paul’s Square

Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery is set to expand to a new building on St Paul’s Square! The premises at 10 St Paul’s Square was previously occupied by Abbey College but as of September 2019 will be home to a new research and postgraduate facility in jewellery-design. The School of Jewellery’s library and computer suite will also move to … Read More

Watch Containing World’s Oldest Whisky to be Sold at Fellows

Fellows and Hard To Find Whisky have teamed up to promote an extraordinary item in the upcoming Watch Sale on Tuesday 2nd April. The Louis Moinet stainless steel watch includes a tiny capsule of Glenlivet 1862 Whisky, reputed to be the oldest whisky in the world, only forty watches were ever made. Swiss watchmaking brand Louis Moinet and Wealth Solutions … Read More

Mother’s Day Treats in the Jewellery Quarter!

If flowers and a card are just not going to cut it this Mother’s Day then the Jewellery Quarter is brimming with unique events and offers to treat your mum this year! See our selection of highlights below or browse the What’s On page for the full list of JQ events.   Free Earrings at Cucina Rustica  – The first … Read More

JQBID Partners with First Mile in Mission to Make Birmingham Green!

The Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) has partnered with First Mile to help improve recycling rates across the Jewellery Quarter. As a leading environmental business, First Mile are committed to being waste-busters, increasing the number of ways waste can be recycled across the Quarter. Partnering with First Mile, the JQBID offers a subsidised recycling scheme to help the approximately … Read More

Memory of Touch Opens at Argentea Gallery on 21st March

An exhibition featuring new work by contemporary British photographer Colin Wilson opens at Argentea Gallery in Birmingham 21st March 2019. Memory of Touch is a body of work that focuses on still life through black and white film. Taken in a studio setting the light can be controlled but to strip the images of even more possible background noise, the … Read More

Restored Grave of Harry Gem, Local Lawn Tennis Pioneer

The Harry Gem Project has successfully restored the grave of local lawn tennis pioneer, Harry Gem, located in Warstone Lane Cemetery. The project has been a work of passion for lawn tennis historian Robert Holland. During his research, Robert managed to establish that the Edgbaston Archery & Lawn Tennis Society is, in fact, the oldest lawn tennis club in the world. … Read More

Guest Blog: Women’s Work in the Jewellery Quarter – International Women’s Day

In this month’s Guest Blog we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March by highlighting some of the hidden stories of female workers in the historic Jewellery Quarter. To find out more about this topic book onto the Women’s Work in the Jewellery Quarter Tour by The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.  Women’s Work in the Jewellery Quarter The Smith … Read More

Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ

As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets regularly and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for the … Read More

Free Earrings for Mother’s Day at Cucina Rustica!

Treat someone this Mother’s Day with free earrings! Cucina Rustica is gifting the first 100 Mother’s Day bookings a complimentary pair of elegant 9-carat Italian gold stud earrings. Cucina Rustica offers modern Italian dining and is particularly popular for its fresh seafood specials. Located in the Jewellery Quarter by the picturesque St Pauls Church, the view from Cucina Rustica combined with … Read More

JQ Makers Win Prestigious National Needlework Awards!

Congratulations to local Jewellery Quarter needle artists Helen McCook and Tina Francis who took home two trophies at the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show in London on 28th February 2019! Helen McCook won Designer of the Year for Embroidery. Helen is an artisan embroider who also runs The Traditional Textiles School based in the Quarter and many of her works … Read More

40 St Paul’s Crowned Best Gin Bar in The World!

The Jewellery Quarter favourite 40 St Paul’s, known for its impeccable gin menu and quaint location, recently won Best Gin Bar in The World at the Icons of Gin Awards. In 2018 they won Imbibe’s Best Gin List in the UK  and Best Gin Bar in the UK at the same event. This year they went one step further and finally … Read More

The Great British Spring Clean Returns!

Roll up your sleeves and step out into the fresh air over your lunch-break! The JQBID are inviting all Jewellery Quarter residents and businesses to join us for the Great British Spring Clean, a national campaign that encourages communities to clean up their neighbourhoods. This year the event will take place on Friday 22nd March between 1 – 2 pm. … Read More

JQ Businesses host Secret Supper in support of Parkinson’s UK

What could be better than a night out at some of the Jewellery Quarter’s best award-winning restaurants in St Paul’s Square? The upcoming Secret Supper in aid of Parkinson’s UK  will not only be raising much-needed funds to support the charity’s work, but the diners will also be in a for a big surprise on the night as they had to … Read More

STEAMhouse Meet & Greet in the JQ

UPDATE 06/03/2019 Please note that the session planned for Wednesday 13 March has been cancelled. All attendees interested in attending this exciting event are now asked to sign-up to the same session on Tuesday 12th March from 6- 7 pm at The Rose Villa Tavern.   The JQBID in partnership with STEAMhouse is inviting all budding entrepreneurs, SME’s, start-up’s and … Read More

Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ

As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets regularly and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for the … Read More

Black Sabbath Bench Produced in the Jewellery Quarter

The heavily anticipated Black Sabbath Bench commemorating the band’s achievements and links to Birmingham was partly produced in the Jewellery Quarter by Stewart Francis of Etch Components. The uniquely designed steel bench – incorporating images of the band’s original four members – will be placed on the renamed Black Sabbath Bridge across the canal on Birmingham’s Broad Street. Etch Components – … Read More

Valentine’s Day in the Jewellery Quarter

It’s time to get together with your partner or friends to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day! The Jewellery Quarter is brimming with cosy restaurants and quirky bars. To help you celebrate Valentine’s Day local venues are hosting a range of events including themed evenings, tasting menus and creative workshops to enjoy together. Find out more in … Read More

Guest Blog: SMR Fitness – Get To Know The JQ’s Latest Gym

In this Guest Blog find out more about the team behind the Jewellery Quarter’s latest gym which recently opened at 5 Northampton Street, B18 6DU. With their friendly atmosphere and variety of training options, there’s bound to be something for everyone. SMR Fitness is offering 10% off personal training packages in January. Find out more on their website www.smrfitness.com.  Owners of … Read More

Guest Blog: Start the year stress free with The Floating Spa

In this Guest Blog we hear from the owners of The Floating Spa (23-24 Hall Street B18 6BS), about the unique benefits to both mind and body of their flotation sessions. Find out more on their website.  Floatation Therapy or sensory deprivation is the very definition of doing nothing! Everyone wants to do something, how about this year you start … Read More

House of Solus Launch Brand New Website

It’s been an exciting few months for bespoke jewellery House of Solus. Their new design studio on Warstone Lane has recently been given a new lease of life offering personal and one to one appointments. The company has also invested in the latest CAD technology – so each client can really see their design come to life. In addition, the … Read More

Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ

As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets regularly and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for the … Read More

Saturday Sessions at The Hive

Starting in January 2019 The Hive at New Standard Works will be running themed monthly Saturday Sessions! Tickets are pre-bookable and give you access to adult creative workshops, evening entertainment as well as dining provided by the wonderful Hive Café & Bakery. The Saturday Sessions will kick-off on 12 January centred around the theme of TASTE. Sample honey from Bee9 … Read More

New Exhibition “Fertile Grounds” Opens at Argentea Gallery 10 January

An exhibition featuring new work by renowned local artists Barbara Gibson and Mark Murphy opens at Argentea Gallery in Birmingham 10 January 2019. Fertile Ground is always the first exhibition to start the New Year at the gallery and is dedicated to promoting the best artistic talent in the region. This year it presents the work of Barbara Gibson and Mark Murphy … Read More

New Year’s Eve in the JQ!

It’s time for the biggest party of the year! Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a host of Jewellery Quarter festivities to choose from ranging from Bottomless Bingo to live music performances! Browse our roundup of parties and events below or browse our What’s On.   40 St Paul’s: 2018, A Celebration 1000 Trades: NewHam – A Night of … Read More

Christmas Menus and Events in the JQ

With over 80 local independent bars, pubs and restaurants, the Jewellery Quarter has something for everyone this Festive Season! Whether you are booking the office Christmas Party, having drinks with friends, or escaping the cold with a hot drink, you will be sure to find just the thing in our JQ Food & Drink Guide. A list of links to local Christmas … Read More

Vanguard Bar Create Mead Cocktails With English Heritage

Mead, the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, is making a comeback and English Heritage has teamed up with The Vanguard Bar in the Jewellery Quarter, the UK’s first Cocktail Bar & Meadery, to create three new mead cocktails, Honeyed Gin Old Fashioned, Monks’ Fizz and Ye Olde Hot Tod. English Heritage, the UK’s largest retailer of mead, announced it sells a bottle of the ancient tipple … Read More

Celebrate Christmas in the Jewellery Quarter!

Be inspired by our festive video and discover Christmas in the Jewellery Quarter! Explore – Get in from the cold with a visit to one of our galleries or museums in our Heritage Trail Shop – Find the perfect gift from over 100 jewellers and independent shops in our Shopping Guide Dine – Toast the festive season at one of … Read More

Guest Blog: Acapella – NOW OPEN!

A brand new live-music venue has recently opened in the Jewellery Quarter at 50 Frederick Street, B1 3BD. Read more about Acapella’s unique entertainment offering below. Don’t miss their upcoming Launch Party on Saturday 1 December from 7 pm onwards! Find out more on their website.  Acapella is a newly opened live music venue in Birmingham’s bustling Jewellery Quarter. Hosting … Read More