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0 Thanks to the team at Nox Lumina, we got invited as guests to the Omniplex Cinema Birmingham for a Minecraft movie event. I say it was a Minecraft movie event but really we were there to experience the swanky newly refurbished venue. And experience it we did!
Please Switch Your Mobile Devices Off
If you’re in the UK and unfamiliar with the Omniplex Cinema brand, that’s not a surprise as it’s cinema chain that originated in Ireland in 1991. Fast forward to 2023 and that same chain bought out the Empire Cinemas beginning their UK Cinematic journey. Now here we are in 2025 with Omniplex now being a 3rd generation family owned company, with a 14 million pound refurb behind them.
I’ll hold my hands up aside some video footage, which you can see on our TikTok, I don’t have anything to show off the inside of this really cool venue. But trust me, it is one of the coolest cinemas I have been to. In fact it may just be the coolest. Remember when going to the cinema felt like a treat? Omniplex Cinema Birmingham has recreated that feeling. The aesthetic of the refurb feels cool, fun and special.
Nacho Average Snack
So what sets this aside from other cinemas? Lot’s of things but for now let’s concentrate on the cinema snacks. Because everyone knows snacks can make or break a cinema visit. That’s where Joe’s comes in. What’s Joe’s? Well a food truck of course. Yes, a food truck inside a cinema. That’s not all though. There is also a Beer and Cocktail Van. Before you rush to your local Omniplex Cinema, I have to tell you that these are currently only available exclusively at the Omniplex Birmingham and Wigan venues.
Thirst Traps
Let’s start with the hydration options, of which there was a good selection. The counter had all your usual cinema staples like soft drinks, frozen drinks etc.
Deciding that when in Birmingham it would be rude not to experience the Beer and Cocktail van, we headed straight there. Whilst there was no signs to say exactly what was on offer, this didn’t stop us. I watched intently as the cocktail master made me a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri from scratch,. Well, mostly. They very skilfully poured the alcohol, cocktail mix and ice into a blender, then carefully decanted it into a glass garnished with a lime wedge. Hats off to the guy though, because he had to do this about 10 times over for every individual that requested one. I do think a bigger glass was needed as even just walking back to my seat this did start melting. No regrets though.
They Ate
Moving onto Joe’s Food Truck. The menu was centred around what I would call good American fast food. Things like New York size pizza, chicken tenders and of course burgers. We got to try some little samples of the skin on fries, chicken tenders and the Ham & Pineapple pizza. Yes, pineapple belongs on pizza, let’s move on. The food we had was really tasty and more importantly hot. It was all freshly cooked nothing had been sat there staying lukewarm waiting. Whilst we didn’t have to pay for these things at the event, I did have a little look at the price list. The prices seemed to be a little mixed but on the whole there weren’t what I would call “typical cinema prices”. This is after all freshly cooked food. There is also a family meal deal which can save you up to £4.70. Which may not be a huge amount but as most of us parents know anywhere you can save money, especially during a cinema trip is a bonus!
Of course not everyone goes to a cinema for a full-blown meal. Outside of Joe’s there is a pick and mix station, popcorn in varying size bags and all the usual cinema treats available at the counter.
Screen Time
“There are 3 simple reasons to choose OmniplexMAXX; the advanced sound, the biggest screens and the comfiest seats.”
That’s what the Omniplex Cinema Birmingham website says. What better way to test this out then by settling in to watch the brand new Minecraft Movie?! And what a movie it was. Without turning this into a movie review, if you like Minecraft and you want a fun movie go see it! Even if you’re not a Minecraft fan it’s still enjoyable and had me laughing at quite a few points.
Back to the viewing setup. Rather than the Sofas at the front of the screen, we chose to sit in the normal recliner chairs. I say normal but they were anything but. I’m sure I’m not alone in that when you go to a cinema and you’ve paid extra for a recliner seat, the worst thing is when it not only squeaks with every movement, but when reclined your view is obscured. These were not like that. The seats were really comfortable and due to how Omniplex have approached their setup. With each row having risers to ensure you’re always above the person in front of you. There is no doubt the rocker chairs are comfortable. And the attached tray was very welcome. It doesn’t get in the way if you want to hold hands either!
The End
The Minecraft Movie was the perfect movie to experience this cinema for the first time. The whole experience felt special and fun. It genuinely took me back to the cinema being a really big treat. Whilst the TC Mini Crew weren’t with us for this outing, I know they would love to go. Ticket prices are affordable too ranging from £8.95 to £12.95 .
The Omniplex Cinema Birmingham is a great place to take kids, for a mates outing or a much needed date night.
We’re already planning our visit to the Omniplex Cinema in Wigan. Maybe we’ll see you there?
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