Discover The Custard Factory in Birmingham — a vibrant hub of street art, indie shops, and creative studios in the city’s famous Digbeth district.

From Pudding to Pop Culture

Looking for Birmingham’s coolest neighbourhood? Welcome to The Custard Factory, the beating heart of Digbeth, and one of the UK’s most creative urban spaces.

Once home to Alfred Bird’s famous custard company, this restored Victorian factory complex now houses independent shops, art studios, bars, and tech start-ups — all wrapped in colourful street art and industrial charm.

Whether you’re into vintage fashion, live music, or digital design, the Custard Factory offers a perfect blend of creativity and community.

A Factory with a Sweet History

The site dates back to the 19th century when Alfred Bird & Sons produced the world’s first instant custard here. After the factory closed in the 1960s, the area fell into decline — until visionary developers transformed it into a creative quarter in the 1990s.

Today, it’s a thriving home for designers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and independent retailers, making it one of Birmingham’s most exciting destinations.

Explore Birmingham’s Creative Quarter
1. Independent Shops & Studios

Wander through the Custard Factory’s courtyards and you’ll find an eclectic mix of businesses:

Vintage clothing and record shops

Art galleries and tattoo studios

Design and photography workshops

It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts, handmade art, or retro treasures you won’t see anywhere else.

2. Street Art & Sculpture

Every wall in Digbeth tells a story. The Custard Factory is surrounded by bold murals and graffiti from local and international artists, turning the district into an open-air gallery.

Keep an eye out for the “Selfridges Eyes” mural and the striking green man sculpture in the central courtyard — perfect photo spots for any Birmingham visitor.

Learn more about local art trails at Visit Birmingham

Work, Create & Collaborate

The Custard Factory isn’t just a visitor attraction — it’s a hub for innovation. Inside its restored brick buildings are hundreds of creative studios and tech start-ups, including gaming companies, music producers, and marketing agencies.

It’s part of Digbeth’s transformation into the “Silicon Canal”, Birmingham’s answer to Silicon Valley, where creativity and technology fuel the city’s future.

Eat, Drink & Relax

When it’s time to recharge, the Custard Factory offers a great mix of food and nightlife. Highlights include:

Kanteen – Modern café serving fresh, sustainable food.

Chance & Counters – Board game café perfect for groups.

The Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen – Independent cinema and bar screening cult classics.

Nortons Digbeth – Irish bar with live music and a buzzing outdoor space.

The area comes alive at night, with street food events, DJ sets, and pop-up markets filling the courtyards.

Events and Festivals

The Custard Factory and Digbeth regularly host some of Birmingham’s most exciting cultural events:

First Fridays – Monthly art nights featuring exhibitions and live music.

Flatpack Film Festival – Celebrating film, animation, and creativity.

MADE Festival – A massive celebration of electronic music and street culture.

From food markets to design fairs, something’s always happening here.

Getting There

The Custard Factory is just a 10-minute walk from Birmingham Moor Street Station and easily reached by public transport.

By train: Moor Street or New Street stations.

By bus: Regular services from the city centre stop nearby.

By car: On-street and nearby multi-storey parking available.

Cycling? Digbeth’s bike lanes make it easy to arrive sustainably.

Why Visit The Custard Factory?

The Custard Factory is more than a creative hub — it’s a symbol of Birmingham’s rebirth. Mixing industrial heritage with modern culture, it celebrates innovation, inclusivity, and imagination in every corner.

Shop, create, eat, and explore — and experience Birmingham’s most colourful neighbourhood for yourself.