Overview

The mid-May sun was in the sky as we wandered along the canals of Brindley Place on our persistent pursuit of pizza. We'd popped our heads into a few restaurants, which were expectedly busy on a Saturday night. We'd all but given up and were running out of road when we spotted Sixes up on the terrace and found it was a little quieter than other places. As there was a handy lift nearby and they had space in the sun, we decided to visit. Sixes is a unique location in that it's a cricket-themed pub with batting cages – something I haven't seen anywhere else. It's just a shame about the food. We had a pizza each, which was far from the best we'd had, but the beer didn't disappoint. In summary, grab a pint, not a bite.

Transport & Parking

We took the lift down from Brindley Place and strolled along the towpath. If you're taking this route, the Brindley Place tram stop and the bus route – both on Broad Street – are the best way to get here. The Mailbox, which is a large multi-use centre housing BBC Birmingham along with several restaurants and shops, is nearby. It has a multi-storey car park with 687 spaces, including 16 disabled bays on the lower level. There are also eight Pay As You Go 22kW electric vehicle charging points, operated by BLINK, located on Level G. Birmingham New Street train station is a mile away, though there are accessible trams to Broad Street just outside the station.

Access

Sixes is located on a terrace area, which is upstairs. The stairs have rails on either side, but for those with reduced mobility, there's a lift nearby that takes you up. The lift is small but big enough for a powerchair user and another person. We sat outside, and while my colleague went in to order the food, I nipped in to use the loo a bit later. The entrance doors were open, so I just went straight through – although there were quite a few people in the doorway. A staff member noticed me looking for the loo and directed me to it. On the way out, I grabbed a few photos. There's a mix of high stools and tables, standard seating throughout the venue, and a booth as you enter. Outside, there are benches, stools and chairs. I didn’t notice a hearing loop, alternative formats or a lowered section at the bar. On the plus side, there’s level access throughout.

Toilets

The way to the toilet is somewhat obstructed, with cricket bats resting against the wall on the left of the entrance and a box and row of menus on the right. The toilet requires a RADAR key, and the door opens outwards. Inside, there is space for a left-side transfer, but there was a wet floor sign lying on its side in the space, making it difficult to move. Additionally, it looked like the toilet was leaking, as there was a pool of water in front of the toilet bowl, creating a real slipping hazard. The toilet has a contrasting seat and grabrails on either side. The flush is on top of the cistern in the centre, and the red cord hangs freely on the left when seated. The sink has a small basin, a lever-style tap, a mirror and contrasting grabrails on either side. If not for the obstructions and the leaking loo, I'd have rated a little higher.

Staff

Staff were helpful, highlighting the location of the accessible toilet when they saw me looking.

Photos