Birmingham is one of the easiest cities in the country to plan a hen do in: it is central, well connected by train, and the city centre is compact enough to walk between brunch, a show and a late bar. These hen do ideas come from the groups we host most weekends at Lulu Wild, our Chinese restaurant and cocktail bar on the canal at Brindleyplace, Birmingham.
Plan around the bride, not the checklist
The best hen dos are built around what the bride actually likes. Some want a long, loud afternoon with bottomless drinks; some want a beautiful dinner and a few cocktails; some want the whole weekend. Agree the shape of the day with her maid of honour first, then fit the venues to it. Budget matters too: tell everyone the cost per head early, and keep the big-ticket parts fixed price so nobody gets a nasty surprise.
Idea 1: start with a bottomless brunch
A bottomless brunch is the classic hen do opener for a reason: a fixed price, a set time and everybody in the same place. Ours runs Friday to Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, with two courses of Chinese plates and 90 minutes of unlimited Prosecco, Pornstar Martinis, Lychee Martinis and mocktails for £45 a head, or £9.95 more for unlimited Champagne and rosé Prosecco. On Saturdays a DJ plays every sitting. Our hen do and birthday brunch page has the details for groups.
Idea 2: take a private room
For a bigger group, or a hen who would rather not share the room, book a private space. The Nest seats around 30, and The Hideout upstairs seats 56 or holds up to 80 standing, with its own private bar. It means the speeches, the games and the playlist are all yours, and the events team can help with decorations so the room looks right when you walk in.
Idea 3: cocktails that make an entrance
If the plan is an evening rather than an afternoon, build it around the bar. Lulu Wild's cocktail list mixes the classics with house creations, some served with dry ice and a bit of theatre, and on Fridays and Saturdays the bar pours until 2am. That means a group can have dinner, stay for cocktails and never have to herd everyone across town to a second venue. Have a look at the cocktail bar before you book.
Idea 4: make a day of the city centre
Brindleyplace sits on the canal behind Broad Street, a short walk from the ICC, Symphony Hall and the Utilita Arena. A popular shape for a Saturday hen do is brunch on the canal at midday, an afternoon show or a wander along the towpath to Gas Street Basin, then back for dinner and cocktails. Everything is close enough to walk, which matters when half the group is in heels.
Practical tips for a Birmingham hen do
- Book brunch first. Saturday sittings go early, so lock in the anchor of the day before anything else.
- One drinks package per table. At brunch the whole table chooses the same package; anyone not drinking can swap to mocktails.
- Sort the cake in advance. If you want to bring a cake or decorations, arrange it with the events team before the day.
- Getting here. New Street station is about a ten-minute walk, the tram stops on Broad Street, and the Brindleyplace car park on Brunswick Street is two minutes away.
Hen do FAQs
Can we book bottomless brunch for a big hen party?
Yes. Groups are a big part of brunch at Lulu Wild. For larger hen parties, or if you want a space to yourselves, ask about The Nest or The Hideout upstairs.
Can we bring a cake and decorations?
Yes, as long as it is arranged with the events team in advance, which is also when any cakeage is discussed. The team can help with decorations too.
Is there entertainment at brunch?
On Saturdays a DJ plays at every brunch sitting.
How late can a hen do stay?
The bar is open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 11pm Sunday to Thursday.
