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What makes The Portal a different kind of night out?
There is more to the evening than finding a table and deciding whose round it is. At The Portal, you split into mini teams of two or three, discover six themed mini rooms and finish with the Portal finale. The games mix thinking, skill and physical challenges, with scores adding up on a live leaderboard.
It gives the group something to talk about immediately: the challenge you cracked, the technique that almost worked and the team you want to catch. You can compete with friends while still sharing the same arena and catching up between games.
How big a group can we bring?
The Portal can welcome up to 25 guests at once, playing in mini teams of two or three. It suits a group of friends looking for an activity, a birthday outing or colleagues making a night of it. Check available spaces for your chosen session before organising the rest of the evening.
If your group is larger than 25, ask about combining The Portal with the escape rooms. The whole Birmingham venue can accommodate 52 people at once: 25 in The Portal and 27 across the escape rooms. The team can explain which arrangement is practical for your numbers and date.
Can we have a drink while we are there?
The Portal has a mini bar serving bottled beers, wines, cider and soft drinks. Between mini games, take a break, compare scores and catch up with your group. You have a place to pause without leaving the activity behind.
If a game is already in use, scan your spell band to join its queue and enjoy a break while you wait. Choose drinks that suit your evening and leave yourselves ready to take part in the challenges. This is a games experience with a bar, so the activity remains the centre of the visit.
Organising the drinks for everyone? Ask the Birmingham team about paying for a group round or whether a drinks-voucher arrangement can be provided for your booking. Confirm the options and costs directly rather than assuming drinks come with admission.
Where does The Portal fit into a Birmingham night out?
You will find Clue HQ Birmingham at Arches 20 and 21 on Lionel Street, B3 1AG. It is around five minutes on foot from Snow Hill Station, with St Chads tram stop directly above the arches. The Jewellery Quarter and Colmore Row are nearby for the next part of your evening.
Make The Portal the first booked activity, then plan food afterwards. Allow around 90 minutes to two hours inside the arena, plus arrival and briefing time. That gives you room to enjoy the games rather than watching the clock because your restaurant table is waiting. Check travel and restaurant times separately when making your plans.
When is The Portal open, and how much is a session?
Regular sessions run on Saturdays, 1pm–9pm, with start times every 30 minutes. The Portal page currently lists £18 per person, with a £12 same-day price if you have already booked an escape room, subject to availability. The booking calendar shows available sessions; check the current details before buying.
For corporate groups of 12 or more, other dates and times can be arranged by enquiry. If you are planning a work night out, use the corporate enquiry page and tell the team your preferred date, numbers and drinks plans.
Do we need escape-room experience?
You do not need to arrive with a collection of escape-room victories. The mix of games gives you different challenges to explore, and small teams mean you can work through ideas together. Read the activity information before booking so everyone knows what to expect.
The Portal is suitable for ages seven and over, with an adult required in every mini team. Some challenges are physical, so contact the venue about access needs or anything that might affect someone’s participation. For an adults’ night out, the same advice applies: choose an experience the whole group can enjoy.
How do we book our Portal night out?
Head to the Birmingham Portal page, check the live calendar and choose an available session for your group. Make sure you are booking The Portal rather than one of the separate escape rooms. Share the arrival details with everyone and allow enough time to get to Lionel Street.
For a combined escape-room visit, a larger group or a work event, enquire first so the team can help you put the timings together. Then invite your friends, pick your mini teams and give your next Birmingham night out a challenge worth talking about.
Organising a company visit? Read our Portal team-building guide.