Copyright birminghammail
Last month, one of Birmingham's famous neighbourhoods made headlines for the right reasons. Joining locations in New York and Tokyo, the artistic and quirky neighbourhood was named on a worldwide list. On September 24, Time Out named the 39 'coolest' neighbourhoods in the world - and Digbeth was one of them. The Digbeth Loc Studios and relocation of the BBC included reasons behind the surprise inclusion. But do local businesses agree they work in one of the world's coolest places? We spoke to four business owners about Digbeth's recognition, challenges and its long-term future. Read More: 'A massive impact' - restaurant owner slams 'never-ending' Birmingham roadworks Art might be one of the first things you think of when Digbeth is brought up in conversation. And walking into the Custard Factory, you are welcomed by murals of Ozzy Osbourne and Mike Skinner, designed by local artist Robbie Jeffcott. The mural of The Streets frontman is outside AutoBrew, a quirky bar where you pull your own pints and discover new beer. Owner Sean Longe has stayed in Digbeth for four years, and despite its challenges, spoke about what makes the area so special. Sean said: "I thought it was great news - not just for Digbeth - but for Birmingham . We're the only city mentioned besides London in the UK, so it's great to be recognised for the cool place it is. "It's always been known as the trendy area, but to have such a big platform voice it, it was nice to get the news out. There's so much you can do around here. "BOXPARK would have been a nice addition, but hopefully with the upcoming Alfred Works food hall, that will hopefully focus on local traders here. We're all keen for the tram to be completed too, but it hasn't stopped people coming into the area. "Digbeth has been our home and where Autobrew has built its brand and identity. There's a good sense of community with regulars here who see this as their bar: that's always rewarding to hear. "The area used to be known for nightlife, but I've noticed people tend to visit for activities available in the daytime now, whether it be street art, bowling or a game bar. People aren't just sticking to one spot and it connects all the venues, you won't be able to complete Digbeth in a day." Inside the Zellig building, Doctor Oculus was recently shortlisted for UK Dispensing Optician of the Year. With glasses designed to turn heads and start conversations, the 'cool' tag fits right in at the independent shop. Speaking about Digbeth's future, owner Scott O'Neill is optimistic and believes it has the potential for 'something even better'. Scott is noticing a change in the area - but believes an increase in residents is essential for any future success. He said: "Digbeth is absolutely changing and it's undeniable. Other things are being introduced to the area and it needs to turn into a population centre, that's why flats are going in. "We don't have a residential area like Stirchley - and until we get people on our doorstep - we're not going to get that success. Until then, Digbeth will always be a destination. "I don't think its glory days are in the past, I think we've got a lot of hard work, but it's going to get to something even better. We have the opportunity to shape it the way we want to, Digbeth is about art and we've got a blank canvas." Like many Birmingham neighbourhoods, Digbeth has seen plenty of change with rotating openings and closures over the years. But one independent, soon to celebrate ten years, spoke about why Digbeth received its recognition. "Digbeth’s cool factor lies in its people, the artists, filmmakers, musicians, and independents who’ve transformed its industrial past into a creative hub. It’s an area built on authenticity, collaboration, and imagination," said Lee Nabbs. When you think independent cinema in Birmingham, you should think The Mockingbird. After opening in the Custard Factory in 2016, The Mockingbird director believes Digbeth Loc Studios and the BBC relocation is a sign the area is 'building towards something exciting again'. Lee added: "Every mural, event, and idea here comes from people who care deeply about the place and want to push it forward. Digbeth doesn’t tend to chase trends, I think we get copied a lot which - as they say - is the biggest form of flattery. "That spirit is what makes it truly cool. Digbeth isn't polished or perfect and The Mockingbird isn't either, but that’s part of the charm. "Mockingbird Cinema was born here. We’re surrounded by makers, storytellers, and people who just get things done, and that keeps us fluid in how we approach what we do, which allows us to push new ideas and how people use our space, which is really important. "Steven Knight’s investment, more film and tv companies coming, and the BBC moving in, the area’s building towards something exciting again. We believe its future will always be shaped by the creatives who call it home, and we want to stay part of that. "We’re currently looking to extend our lease because we’re proud to have grown up here, and we want to keep being part of Digbeth’s history and its future. We could potentially see some of the next James Bond film being here, now that to us is bloody cool." Only a short walk to Milk Street, a worldwide community is already aware of The Bench. Rob Bench has seen artists visit his graffiti shop from Hong Kong and Spain to Poland and New York. Returning to work in Digbeth after ten years away, Rob admits he does 'love' the area but wouldn't agree with the 'coolest neighbourhood' tag. With high rise buildings set to occupy Digbeth, Rob believes the area has already lost some of its charm. He said: "I've been to 39 cooler places than Digbeth. It might not sound like it but I do love the neighbourhood. "Having only recently returned to the area, I can only speak of what it was ten years ago. In my opinion, Digbeth was 'cooler' then. "Whilst I've been away, a number of places have opened and closed during that time. I think the neighbourhood has a number of gimmicky places that you may only visit once. "You don't need that many niche bars. It was cooler ten years ago because it was more underground, nobody from Broad Street would have ever visited before. "People think Digbeth's cool, and in a way, it's made the neighbourhood less 'cool'. Once the high-rise buildings are built, it won't be a cool area anymore."
