Birmingham’s new Ping Pong bar is ready to serve

Birmingham’s latest quirky eatery has opened its doors in Temple Row, offering customers food and drink in a fun, ping pong themed setting.

Ahead of the official public opening of Serve, more than 250 people attended an invite-only launch event including local dignitaries, representatives from the business community and stars of the table tennis world.

Guests were able to try their hand at ping pong whilst enjoying great food and drink and entertainment from Brazilian dancers and street dance performers.

Serve is the brainchild of David Smith and James Day, who first met in New York and began to develop the idea for a venue which combined four key elements – “great food, fantastic cocktails, outstanding service, and most importantly, fun!”

David Smith, Managing Partner, explains: “We’re delighted to have opened our very first SERVE venue. We had a fantastic turn out for our preview event and everyone was incredibly impressed. We’ve had some great feedback and it’s wonderful to see so many people are as excited about the concept as we are.

“People are more demanding these days about what they want from a night out, they don’t want to just stand around drinking, they want alternatives. The concept for SERVE is really great food, really great drinks, really great music, all surrounded by an activity – in this case, ping pong. SERVE offers a hip, nightclub culture combined with something fun and entertaining. Ping pong social venues have taken off in the states and from the reaction we’ve had so far, it’s obviously going to be just as popular here.

“When we chose Birmingham, we really were focused on finding a place that would enhance our concept and embrace us as an organization – we found that here and we’re very excited. Birmingham will always be home to our head office and flagship space.”

Located on Temple Row, Serve offers a unique immersive ping pong experience within a contemporary underground nightclub, bar, and lounge environment. The first venue of its kind outside of London, it features 17 ping pong tables where guests can play whilst sampling an extensive cocktail, beer and wine list; or enjoy delicious food featuring modern classics and internationally inspired dishes made with local organic ingredients.

During the day, early bird sessions provide the perfect spot for a relaxed weekend brunch or the chance to challenge a colleague over lunchtime. After 7pm there is a strict over 18s policy as the lights go down and the tempo paddles up. Guest DJs will be playing the latest tunes and there’ll even be masterclasses with stars of the ping pong world. A private reserve space with two ping pong tables is also available exclusively for corporate events and private parties.

David added: “We’re now open to the public seven days a week so please come and see for yourself what we have to offer – whether you’re a ping pong pro, a complete beginner or just here for the cocktails, there’s something for everyone!”

For more information and to book a table, visit www.serve-play.com.