Flight Club Birmingham
Flight Club Birmingham is a multi‑award‑winning social darts venue designed by Ellis Design Studio — an immersive Victorian fairground brought to life through animation‑inspired storytelling, reclaimed 19th‑century fairground panels and richly layered interiors across three dramatic floors.
A Victorian fairground brought to life through immersive, narrative‑driven design
Flight Club Birmingham is an award‑winning competitive socialising venue designed by Ellis Design Studio — an 8,700 sq ft, space that transports guests into the magical world of the traditional Victorian fairground. The interior is a masterclass in narrative‑driven hospitality design, blending animation history, fairground artistry and Birmingham’s cultural heritage into a richly layered, visually intoxicating environment.
Set over three floors and comprising 14 oches and two bars, the venue reimagines the joy, spectacle and eccentricity of the fairground through bespoke scenic art, reclaimed historical artefacts and immersive architectural storytelling.
Ground Floor — A Fairground of Illusions
The concept for the ground floor is rooted in the Victorian fairground’s love of illusion — a world of trick‑of‑the‑eye theatrics, early animation experiments and playful deception. Ellis Design Studio explored the beginnings of the moving image to create a space that feels alive with motion, colour and wonder.
A dramatic marquee‑inspired ceiling feature crowns the centre of the ground floor, while perimeter trompe l’oeil “windows” reveal a painted village fairground beyond, creating the illusion that guests are inside a grand fairground marquee looking out onto the countryside.
The bar is a richly detailed centrepiece featuring:
- Hand‑painted patterns inspired by traditional fairground games
- Reclaimed Victorian fireplace tiles
- Laser‑cut blackened steel detailing
- A canopy referencing classic carousel canopies
This level sets the tone for the venue’s immersive storytelling — playful, nostalgic and full of character.
Reclaiming History — Original 19th‑Century Fairground Panels
One of the most extraordinary elements of Flight Club Birmingham is the inclusion of rare original 19th‑century fairground panels, salvaged from a carousel designed by Frederick Savage, the pioneer of carousel design.
Ellis Design Studio meticulously restored these panels, re‑staging them with:
- Custom fret‑cut panelling
- Bespoke lighting
- Hand‑painted scenic artwork
These historic pieces bring authenticity, depth and heritage to the venue, intertwining Birmingham’s past with contemporary competitive socialising energy.
Custom Animation‑Inspired Lighting
Guests encounter custom‑designed phenakistoscope‑inspired wall lights — a tribute to the pioneers of animation. These interactive lights allow guests to witness early animation experiments first‑hand, adding a layer of enchantment and discovery to the experience.
First Floor — Equestrian Elegance & Birmingham Heritage
The first floor celebrates the British passion for equestrianism and country pursuits. The bar features hand‑painted scenic artwork inspired by 19th‑century painters J. Vincent Barber and Thomas Baker of the Birmingham School of Landscape Artists.
The space is anchored by a captivating ceiling feature — a “deconstructed Neo‑classical” design inspired by architect Robert Adam. Classical motifs have been reimagined to reference inventions originating in Birmingham, from roller skates to the car horn, weaving local innovation into the decorative language.
Custom carpets draw on Victorian Orientalism, paired with dense floral and geometric patterns across furniture and upholstery to create a richly layered, historically inspired aesthetic.
The Stairwell — A Shrine to Darts
The stairwell linking the ground and first floors becomes a theatrical moment in its own right. Victorian Orientalism continues through customised wallpapers, while a decorative plaster alcove houses a vintage fairground dalmatian statue — reimagined as a shrine to the hallowed game of darts, crowned with a halo of antique darts and garlands of vintage medals.
A curated collection of original grandfather clocks, vintage artwork and objects adds density, eccentricity and storytelling, encouraging guests to linger and explore.
A Fully Immersive Flight Club Experience
Across all three floors, Ellis Design Studio blends:
- Bespoke furniture and lighting
- Hand‑painted scenic art
- Reclaimed historical artefacts
- Custom carpets and upholstery
- Intricate Victorian detailing
The result is a dynamic, immersive world where history comes alive — a venue that whispers tales of innovation, creativity and fairground magic on every floor.
