Having lived in Birmingham for three years as a student, you could say I’m pretty well acquainted with the best bars in Birmingham. That said, it’s a city that’s constantly changing with the gentrification of some of its iconic industrial areas, and new bars are popping up all the time. As the UK’s second city, you can expect a plethora of watering holes to choose from with something for everyone. From bars set in industrial warehouses and railway viaducts to Victorian cocktail bars in the heart of the city, Birmingham has it all. Without further ado, here’s my guide to the best bars in Birmingham.
Mama Roux’s, Digbeth
A self-proclaimed drinking and dancing emporium, Mama Roux’s is perfect if you love unique style and awesome DJ nights. With a quirky vibe, Mama Roux’s offers both day and night drinking while being the home to feel good house and disco music. One of the best bars in Birmingham, it’s the perfect place to party and is open til late most nights of the week. During their Happy Hours on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, you can grab two cocktails for £10. Don’t miss their Old Fashioned on Crack, a lethally tasty combination of Bulleit Bourbon, Courvoisier, Cocchi Di Torino, vanilla, and plum bitters.
Looking for somewhere to party? Check out my guide to the best party cities in the UK.
The Lost & Found, City Centre
Another of the best bars in Birmingham, The Lost and Found is a great place if you love out-there cocktails mixed in with a little bit of history. Located in a former grand bank, it has a seasonal drinks menu full of delicious blended drinks. The changing menu is all part of the fun as you sink into your surroundings, with vintage and botanical touches throughout one of Birmingham’s favourite bars. Sip away on a sharing cocktail like the Wishful Wisteria – a blend of lemon juice, soda, Bombay Bramble Gin and St Germain. Other favourites include the Raspberry and Rhubarb Sling, and the Strawberry Bon Bon. It’s a fun bar with a great vibe, and they also serve a bottomless brunch.
52 Gas Street, Westside
The Old Crown, Digbeth
Set in Birmingham’s edgy Digbeth area, The Old Crown is also the city’s oldest secular building, dating back to 1368. Having survived the English Civil War and numerous other events over the years, The Old Crown continues to serve pints to the plenty. One of the best bars in Birmingham, The Old Crown has been operating for over 650 years and there’s always a party happening. Head to this Digbeth bar for fun quizzes, and a great beer garden. In the summer, you can enjoy cold pints and tasty pizza outside.
Luna Springs, Digbeth
If you’re after a quirky bar in Digbeth, you gotta go to Luna Springs. It’s a spacious open-air bar located near the iconic Custard Factory. One of the best bars in Birmingham, Luna Springs is an ideal spot for boozing in the sun in the warmer months. It serves delicious cocktails like their incredible hibiscus margarita, and street food for when you get peckish. You’ll also discover tons of live events from bingo to discos, and they do a cheeky bottomless brunch. Grab your mates and get them down to Luna Springs.
The Jam House Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter
Situated in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, The Jam House is undoubtedly one of the best bars in Birmingham. A landmark bar set on pretty St Paul’s Square, The Jam House was founded back in 1999 by Jools Holland himself. An iconic jazz bar, it is a unique and intimate space for bands and live acts to perform while you enjoy some drinks. Over time, the bar has hosted jazz, blues, and rock acts from Chaka Khan to The Specials with an ‘unplugged’ vibe.
Dig Brew Co, Digbeth
Dig Brew Co is a relaxed and welcoming taproom in the heart of trendy Digbeth. One of the best bars in Birmingham, it also serves some of the best craft beer you will find in England’s Second City. Head to Dig Brew Co for industrial surroundings in the taproom, and a showcase of some excellent hops, malt, and yeast in the form of a variety of beers. Soak it all up with a slice of their delicious pizzas once you’ve tasted a range of the beers from this craft brewing project.
Sky By The Water, Resorts World Birmingham
Take a lift to the fifth floor and you’ll discover the wonderful rooftop bar at Sky by the Water. Boasting an award-winning venue design, Sky By The Water is also one of the best bars in Birmingham. Sip on elegant cocktails while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There’s also an open-air terrace in the warmer months, and beautiful views across the water. Expect to wear smart casual clothing for your visit, and sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
NQ64 Birmingham, Digbeth
One of the best bars in Birmingham, NQ64 is a fun, neon splattered gaming bar in the city’s edgy Digbeth area. A bar with a twist, it has a unique offering near to the Custard Factory, with a whole plethora of retro games and vintage consoles available. As well as some fun games to play with your mates, there’s an impressive drink selection on offer too – check out their range of craft beers and game-themed cocktails (don’t miss the Donkey Kong) as well as a whole host of tasty snacks.
Roxy Ball Room, Digbeth
Another trendy bar with a difference in Digbeth, the Roxy Ball Room is a self-confessed home to ‘balls and booze’. It’s one of the best bars in Birmingham, offering tons of fun games and activities for while you booze. You can go bowling, play pool, beer pong, and shuffleboard among others. There’s an impressive range of reasonably priced cocktails on offer, as well as an extensive shots and beer menu. To soak up the booze, you can choose from a range of American-style snacks and tasty pizzas when you get peckish.
40 St Paul’s, Jewellery Quarter
Without a doubt one of the best bars in Birmingham, 40 St Paul’s was even awarded the World Gin Bar of the Year in 2019 by Gin Magazine. At 40 St Paul’s, you’ll discover 140 incredible gins in an ultra stylish setting. Settle into one of the black booths and sample a range of delicious spirits in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Overlooking beautiful St Paul’s Church, there are only 24 seats so make sure you get here early. Head there for a gin tasting, or simply ask the staff for a recommendation – you won’t regret it.
The Pineapple Club, City Centre
Situated centrally in the city’s Great Western Arcade, The Pineapple Club is one of the best bars in Birmingham. A trendy bar and bottle shop, it is also one of the most beautiful bars in the city. Expect to find neon, palm trees, and cute hues of pink and green in its fabulous interiors. For a little taste of Miami in Birmingham, sample sexy cocktails like the Candy Club Punch or Fever 105. A super fun spot, you’ll also find a good choice of craft gins and mead on offer in a super Instagrammable setting.
That’s my guide to the best bars in Birmingham! Are there any more you’d add to the list? Let me know your favourite bars in Birmingham in the comments below.
