I tried a new VR clay pigeon shooting bar experience and had a blast

Yahoo

01-03-2025

FROM boozy bowling alleys to bars with elaborate and often 'junkyard' themed crazy golf courses, just sitting down with a cocktail in hand is becoming a thing of the past.
Experience bars are becoming an increasingly popular attraction, with many popping up across the West Midlands in recent years, however, none quite like this.
Clays Bar opened up in the Picadilly Arcade in Birmingham City Centre at the end of 2024, offering a virtual reality (VR) clay pigeon shooting experience – something I can safely say I never thought of trying before.
When the opportunity arose to head down and try it out for myself, I was immediately intrigued.
Clays uses real decommissioned shotguns in its games (Image: Newsquest) From the moment I stepped through the door, I felt the luxurious vibe of a sophisticated country estate.
The bar area was beautifully decorated, with the countryside-esque colour palate and fake foliage that was dotted throughout really adding to the theme.
The VR experience in the 'Clays Arcade' consists of five quick-fire shooting games, with players using real decommissioned shotguns to play.
After getting used to the surprising heaviness of the props, I can safely say I had a blast.
You get two goes at each game, meaning there's plenty of chance for redemption if you struggle to get to grips with the technique.
The bar was beautifully decorated and had an equally beautiful menu to match (Image: Newsquest) Each game was fun and unique and overall was a great way to have fun with friends with some healthy competition!
If I had one critique, I would say the shooting was over quite quickly, however, it is designed to be 'quick fire' fun after all.
That being said, aside from the technological fun, Clays at its core is also an incredibly enjoyable bar with some delicious food offerings as well.
With a menu centred around small plates designed for sharing, my group and I opted to try the dirty loaded fries, seitan sliders, the breaded lemon sole and a margarita 'pizette', all of which I can say I would order again.
The bar has an extensive menu with wines, beers, spirits and an abundance of cocktails. I liked 'The Ruby' so much I simply had to have two!
The food was also excellent (Image: Newsquest) Overall, Clays proved to be an incredibly enjoyable night out, unlike anything I had done before.
It brings something a little bit different to Birmingham's bar scene that I did not even think was missing!
Olivia was invited down to Clays Bar and was gifted the drinks, food and experience free of charge.