A celebrated Birmingham hotel, known for hosting A-list stars, is introducing a novel rule for its new secret nightclub: guests must cover their phone cameras with special tape.
A Nod to Prohibition-Era Secrecy
The Grand Hotel on Church Street, which has welcomed luminaries like Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise, is transforming its downstairs restaurant into a speakeasy called Club 1879 every Saturday night. In a theatrical twist echoing the clandestine nature of 1920s drinking dens, the venue will enforce a strict no-cameras policy. To ensure compliance, staff will provide 'don't tell' tape for guests to place over their smartphone lenses.
The club's name pays homage to the year the historic hotel first opened its doors. The experience is designed to immerse visitors in prohibition-era glamour, with entry granted only to those who are members or possess the correct password, details of which are revealed exclusively to the inner circle.
Exclusive Launch and City-Wide Festival
The ambitious new venture follows a series of sold-out themed nights at the hotel, including Cabaret and Cabernet evenings and Musical Theatre Thursdays. Club 1879 will launch with three special events on Thursday, February 12, Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14.
These dates serendipitously align with the second annual Birmingham Light Festival, an event that will see the city centre transformed into a vast open-air gallery. The club promises an evening of fine dining and live music to complement its unique, secretive atmosphere.
"Our Most Ambitious Experience to Date"
Johan Scheepers, General Manager of The Grand Hotel, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He described Club 1879 as "our most ambitious and immersive experience to date", labelling it a love letter to the building's rich history.
"It's a celebration of everything we do best: exceptional live music, beautiful food, and unforgettable nights that feel truly special," Scheepers added. Importantly, the night is not exclusive to hotel residents; members of the public can book a table for this unique subterranean experience, provided they are prepared to embrace the analog spirit of the evening.
The Grand Hotel is located at 1 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2FE.
