Looking for a fun spot in Birmingham? Aura Lounge Birmingham might be it. This place offers shisha, mocktails, and a lively vibe. Located in Digbeth, it draws crowds for its food and atmosphere. But is it worth your time? This guide dives deep into the lounge. I’ll cover the menu, shisha, decor, and more. You’ll get honest tips to plan your visit. Let’s explore this hidden gem!
What Makes Aura Lounge Birmingham Special?
Aura Lounge Birmingham sits at 111-119 Bishop Street, Digbeth. This area is known for its trendy nightlife. The lounge stands out for its mix of food, shisha, and music. It’s a spot where people gather to relax or celebrate. Many love its modern look and social energy. A 2024 TripAdvisor review calls it great for groups. But some mention slow service or loud music. My visits to luxury spots worldwide, like villas in Ibiza, help me judge places like Aura fairly. This guide shares what you need to know before going.
The lounge opened to fill a gap in Birmingham’s shisha scene. Digbeth has many bars, but few mix shisha with diverse food. Aura serves Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Western dishes. This variety sets it apart from places like Sahara Lounge. It’s popular with young adults and friend groups. Families may find it less ideal due to smoke. The lounge stays open late, often past midnight. This makes it a go-to for night owls.
The Atmosphere at Aura Lounge
Walk into Aura, and you feel a vibrant buzz. Dim lights create a cozy mood. Colorful walls and sleek furniture add style. The decor is modern, with a touch of Middle Eastern flair. Think plush seats and shiny tables. Music plays a big role—hip-hop, pop, or R&B fills the air. Some visitors love this energy. Others say it’s too loud to chat. A 2025 review noted you might need to yell to talk. If you want a quiet night, this may not be your spot.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Seating
Aura offers two seating options. Inside, you get cozy booths and tables. The indoor area feels warm but can get smoky from shisha. Outside, a small patio gives fresh air. It’s great if you don’t like smoke. On hot days, upstairs seating can feel stuffy. Ask for downstairs tables for cooler air. The layout suits groups, but busy nights feel cramped. Book ahead for weekends to secure a spot.
Is It Instagram-Worthy?
The decor screams social media. Bright walls and neon lights make great photo backdrops. Many visitors snap pictures for Instagram or TikTok. A 2024 review praised the “Instagrammable” vibe. But some chairs show wear, like loose fabric. This can dull the luxury feel. If you love posting aesthetic shots, you’ll find plenty of angles here. Just check your seat for comfort first.
The Menu: Food and Drinks
Aura’s menu is a big draw. It blends flavors from different cultures. You’ll find sushi, noodles, burgers, and more. Portions are large, and prices are reasonable. Expect to pay £10–£20 per dish. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer:
- Starters: Dynamite Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. It’s spicy, saucy, and crispy. BBQ Wings are another hit. They’re juicy with a smoky kick.
- Mains: Teriyaki Noodles shine with savory flavor. The Smokey Cheese Burger uses fresh beef. Sushi, like the Tiger Roll, bursts with taste.
- Desserts: Waffles and cheesecakes are sweet and shareable. They’re perfect for groups.
- Drinks: Mocktails rule here. Try the fruity Passion Fruit Cooler. No alcohol is served, which surprises some. A 2024 review wished for cocktails.
Food quality gets mixed feedback. Many praise the flavors and presentation. A 2025 review called the shrimp “10/10.” But others report cold food or long waits. One visitor waited 45 minutes for drinks and cold noodles. Busy nights slow the kitchen. Order early to avoid delays. If you have allergies, check with staff. Aura has a 5-star FHRS rating for food safety.
The Shisha Experience
Shisha is Aura’s heart. The lounge offers many flavors, from fruity to minty. Staff, like Hamza, help pick the best mixes. A 2024 review loved the smooth smoke and frequent coal changes. Flavors use brands like Al Fakher, known for quality. Prices start at £15, which is fair for Birmingham. But quality can vary. A 2020 review called the shisha “fake” and weak. Most recent reviews rate it 8/10 or higher.
Shisha creates a smoky indoor vibe. This may bother non-smokers. If you’re new to shisha, it’s like smoking flavored tobacco through a water pipe. It’s a cultural tradition from the Middle East. Aura’s setup feels authentic, with skilled staff. Ask for tips if you’re a beginner. The patio is less smoky for a lighter experience.
Shisha Culture in Birmingham
Shisha lounges are booming in Birmingham. Places like Sahara Lounge and Kasablanca compete with Aura. But Aura stands out for its food variety. Shisha is popular with young adults for socializing. It’s a way to unwind with friends. Birmingham’s scene reflects its diverse culture. Many lounges, including Aura, avoid alcohol to respect traditions. This makes them welcoming to more people.
Service: Strengths and Weaknesses
Service at Aura gets mixed reviews. Many praise staff like Hamza, Ahmed, and Noor. They’re friendly and check on guests often. A 2024 review said staff made a birthday special. But others report slow service. A 2025 TripAdvisor review waited 45 minutes for drinks. Another called the manager rude. Busy nights strain the young staff. Despite this, they’re attentive when not rushed. Tip: Visit on weekdays for faster service.
Staff know the menu well. They suggest shisha flavors and food pairings. This helps new visitors. But some guests feel ignored if not ordering shisha. The lounge could improve by training staff for consistency. If you need quick service, remind your server politely.
Who Should Visit Aura Lounge Birmingham?
Aura suits specific crowds. It’s great for:
- Young adults looking for a lively night.
- Groups wanting shisha and food.
- Social media fans seeking photo spots.
It’s less ideal for:
- Families with kids, due to smoke.
- People wanting a quiet meal.
- Those expecting alcohol.
If you want a calm dinner, try a nearby spot like The Loft Brum. For shisha and vibes, Aura shines. It’s not perfect, but it’s a gem for the right visitor.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Planning a trip to Aura? Here are tips to make it great:
- Book Ahead: Weekends get busy. Reserve a table online.
- Visit Early: Arrive before 8 PM to avoid long waits.
- Choose Your Seat: Pick the patio if smoke bothers you.
- Order Smart: Start with starters to speed up service.
- Bring Cash: Some reviews note cash-only payments. ATMs are nearby.
- Check Hours: Aura stays open late, often past midnight. Confirm on their Facebook page.
Parking is available nearby. Check Parkopedia for lots. The lounge is near Birmingham Back to Backs, a short walk away.
How Aura Compares to Other Birmingham Lounges
Birmingham has many shisha spots. Sahara Lounge offers a spacious vibe and smooth shisha. Kasablanca blends East and West decor. Arabesque has lavish decor but less food variety. Aura’s strength is its menu diversity. It serves sushi and burgers, unlike most lounges. But its service can lag compared to Sahara’s. If you want a premium vibe, Aura’s decor rivals top spots. For quieter evenings, try Phoenix Cafe.
The Bigger Picture: Shisha and Birmingham’s Nightlife
Shisha lounges shape Birmingham’s nightlife. Digbeth is a hub for trendy spots. Aura fits this vibe with its music and decor. Shisha reflects the city’s diverse community. Many lounges avoid alcohol, making them inclusive. But loud music and smoke aren’t for everyone. Aura balances fun and flavor, but it’s not a calm cafe. It’s part of Birmingham’s shift to vibrant, social spaces. For more on the city’s scene, check Visit Birmingham.
Conclusion
Aura Lounge Birmingham is a hidden gem for shisha, mocktails, and vibes. Its menu offers something for everyone. The decor and music create a lively scene. But slow service and smoke may bother some. Visit on a weekday for the best experience. Want to explore more lounges? Read our Birmingham Shisha Guide. Have you been to Aura? Share your thoughts !
Disclaimer
This article is just for information and fun. Everything here is based on my own visits and other people’s online reviews. Things like food, prices, opening times, and service can change—so please check with Aura Lounge directly before you go. I’m not paid by Aura Lounge or any other place I mention. This is not an ad. I don’t promise everything will be perfect if you visit. Everyone has different experiences. I try to share honest opinions and facts, but I’m not responsible if something goes wrong on your visit. If anything in this article is wrong or causes a problem, please let me know so I can fix it.
Explore More
- Cei Bach Beach: Quiet Coast Escape Near New Quay You’ll Love
- Hornsea Beach Uncovered: Tide Secrets, Local Tips & What Most Visitors Miss
Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.