Get your cowboy boots on and prepare to scoot them, the Wild West is coming to the city
14:56, 22 Jan 2025
Whether it was the meteoric rise of Taylor Swift, the release of Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album or something else entirely that kick-started a country music revolution here in the modern era, there's no denying that boot scootin' hoedowns and Stetson-tipping squaredances are enjoying a moment in the sun.
Country music club nights have been growing in popularity around Britain in the last year and there's even a Country Music Festival planned for February 22 at XOYO in Digbeth. Now we're going to see the Wild West in the West Midlands permanently, with the opening of two new 'honky-tonks' in the city.
Honky-tonks are bars in which country music is the prominent form of entertainment. Rodeo's is an American-themed barbecue restaurant that's been entertaining visitors in Wolverhampton with bucking broncos, live music and line dance nights since 2021.
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Now it has announced that it is set to open its second venue in Birmingham. While details are yet to be revealed, it promises to be 'one heck of a ride', with a mysterious character known only as 'The Sheriff' confirming to BirminghamLive that plans are underway to create a 'honky-tonk dream' in the city.
Meanwhile, in Digbeth, signs have gone up at the former DropShot bar on Heath Mill Lane, round the back of the Custard Factory. A new logo for Low Places has been painted on the side of the building along with a longhorn skull.
Friends In Low Places is a popular country music song by Garth Brooks and it is likely the new venue is named for the anthem. While we're yet to learn what to expect from the latest bar in town, the 'dive bar and honky-tonk' says it is 'opening soon' on social media.
We'll bring you all of the details of the two honky-tonks when we get them. For that, and more news from our food and drink scene, be sure to subscribe to the Brum Food Club newsletter. It's free, partner!