Dry-versions (Dry. Diversions)

What better way to return to your inbox than with a trademark pun headline that absolutely needs explaining? You may or may not have embarked on the gruelling ritualistic nightmare-fuel that is Dry January, but either way, easing off on the old moonshine probably isn't the worst idea to begin a new decade. So here's some DRY-VERSIONS™️ to divert you away from the hooch until Fab-ruary.

THROUGHOUT JANUARY

MOCKTAILS AND MARKDOWNS @ TATTU

Blossom-bedecked and luxey Chinese restaurant Tattu is offering a handsome 30% off your food bill. If you're veganuarying may we nudge you towards the crispy kale seaweed (£5) and the king oyster mushroom hot pot with baby spinach, silken tofu and yuzu soy (£16). Where Tattu have really pushed the boat out, though, is on mocktails. Check out the show-stopping Royal Tea (£4.50, top left) which includes ginger, hibiscus, lemon and rose lychee tea. Pfff, wine is so dull. (Until Jan 31)

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS @ HIPPODROME

The Godfather of Black British Photography, Vanley Burke, whose body of work represents possibly the largest photographic record of the Caribbean Diaspora in Britain, is now showing at the Hippodrome and admittance won't cost you a thing. Home is an exhibition of new, interactive portraits of Birmingham’s female elders, in the places they feel most at home, brought to life via augmented reality that sees them tell their stories directly to the viewer. (Until Feb 21)

BEAUT DEALS @ BREWDOG

There's a dizzying array of decent discounts kicking about, but pick of the booze dodging troupe is found at one of the most beery of establishments. A pair of really rather impressive Brewdog deals can be combined (we asked). Not only are they offering 50% off all vegan dishes but also bottomless alcohol free beer, on draft, from just £3.30. And Brewdog's boozeless pints are particularly on point.

ONE NIGHT (OR ONE DAY) ONLY 

MAKING CHAIN GAINS @ MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER

Plans for Saturday? Pub dodge and hand make a beautiful silver chain on a one-day workshop with jeweller Grace Page. From 10am to 4pm all materials are included in the £60 fee, as are non-boozy refreshments. (Jan 18)

GEEKING OUT @ MAC BIRMINGHAM

Author, writer, broadcaster, Costner fanatic and 11 year Den Of Geek editor, Simon Brew, launches his new monthly live film show (and podcast) at the MAC. Introductory ticket prices are just a fiver and you can expect filmmakers interviewed on stage, a film quiz and 90 minutes of top movie nerdery. (Jan 22)

NOTHIN' BUT NET @ BIRMINGHAM ARENA

There's still plenty of tickets to the British Basketball Cup Final. Even if you don't really like the hoops, just a pick a side, go along, and get un-Britishly American about the whole thing. It'll be well lol. Speaking of picking a side, Bristol Flyers take on Worcester Wolves. Cut us, we bleed Wolves. (Jan 26, from £28.25)

JOYSTICKING @ NQ64

Technically, new Custard Factory neon arcade nirvana NQ64 isn't only open for one night. It'll be open forever more, but the paying public are welcome for just the last evening of Dry Jan. And you weren't drinking beer last time you were playing Tekken, Street Fighter II or Space Invaders, were you? Were you? If you want to get in earlier they're looking for games testers over on Instagram. (Jan 31 onwards)

MULTIPLE DRY DATES 

PERUSE THE MUSE @ BMAG

For just three pieces of the Queen's gold (and free to members) BMAG's boffins are providing guided tours of the museum, this month. They're so chill over there that no advance booking is necessary. Just meet your tour guide in the Round Room at one of these timed slots. (Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

BALLIN' @ ROXY BALL ROOM

Admittedly their slogan is 'Booze & Ball Games' but with just a smidgen of will power you can focus on the latter when Roxy Ball Room opens on Mill Hill Lane, Digbeth. Expect a hot casserole of ten pin bowling, ping pong, pool, shuffleboarding and lots and lots of neon. You can always go back and try the bar in Feb. (Jan 24 onwards)

YEAR OF THE RAT @ VARIOUS VENUES

Lions and dragons and Shaolin Warriors. What the hell's not to like about Chinese New Year? The firecrackers and the light-up stilt walkers will be banging and clattering their way around town to this schedule of events. If you're looking for something indoorsy, big-time choreographer Corey Baker is putting on a new dance piece with Hong Kong Ballet and BRB at the Patrick Studio. Book. (Jan 25 and 26)

SMACK AND CRACK @ THE REP

The Political History of Smack and Crack lands at the Rep, January 29, and it's drawing parallels with Trainspotting in the way it takes dark material and still generates joy. Tracing their lives from the 1981 riots to the present day, Mandy and Neil chronicle those communities crushed by the Thatcher-era heroin epidemic. And tickets are a snip at £10. (Jan 29 to Feb 1)