Our best cocktail bars in Birmingham…
We’ve spent some time sampling and touring the cocktail bars of the second city to compile a list (in no order) of our favourites.
From award winners to quirky hidden gems, this is a list to give you an insight into Birmingham’s cocktail culture through the eyes of GNO and our personal favourites…
ALUNA: The Mailbox
The perfect spot for Saturday night cocktails or pre-drinks with DJs playing house music throughout the evening and a great vibe from a busy crowd. The location is ideally situated within the Mailbox overlooking the canal. Aluna pride themselves on providing exceptional hospitality and quirky cocktails. Be sure to book a table if you don’t want to be stood up all night and look out for the Golden Wings if you want a great insta pic 😉
Our recommendation: The Pomegranate Cosmo: a clear, bubbling version of the classic cosmo with a twist, so refreshing…
BE AT ONE: Piccadilly Arcade
With the most extensive cocktail list from our selection is Be At One, offering over 150 cocktails on their menu. New to Birmingham within the Piccadilly Arcade and already becoming a favourite with party goers and first date fancies alike due its late opening hours and quirky decor. You can pick a cocktail just right for you by selecting the size, spirit and flavours you prefer to generate a recommendation!
Our recommendation: The Jager Mega Drive… mostly because we love the name and also, who doesn’t love a Jager to kick-start at Saturday night?
THE EDGBASTON: Highfield Road
It goes without saying that The Edgbaston would make our top picks having won Best Cocktail Bar in Birmingham in 2016 and head bartender James coming within the top three in the country at the world’s biggest cocktail competition. This is a MUST for cocktail lovers. The cocktails come with edible garnishes, sherbets, cordials and syrups that are freshly made by the staff in front of your eyes. The décor is jet black and gold, so fancifully indulgent. I would advise booking a table before your visit. This is date night perfection.
Our recommendation: go bespoke! Tell the bartenders what flavours you fancy and let the best do the rest!
FUMO: Colmore Row
Fumo is a popular weekend spot with a lively atmosphere, DJ and busy bar. A traditional Italian restaurant and cocktail bar serving cicchetti (Italian tapas). Fumo has become a favourite amongst the WAGS, celebs and socialites so be prepared to get dressed up and go glam. We’ve included Fumo not just because of the cracking party vibes but the cocktails themselves are superb.
Our recommendation: The Zombie with Wray & Nephew rum will blow your head off…in a good way!
THE ALCHEMIST: Colmore Row
The Alchemist is all about the theatre of cocktail making. The cocktails are designed to impress with bubbling, smoke, colour popping and fire! The cocktails here are all visually fantastic and they taste equally sublime. The Alchemist bartenders enjoy experimentation so be bold and go for something different!
Our recommendation: The Bubble Bath Cocktail. One for the ladies; pink and fluffy and smells divine!
LOST AND FOUND: Bennetts Hill
One of Birmingham’s hidden gems up on Bennetts Hill is beautifully picturesque in a Victorian setting. The cocktail ‘map’ allows you to select from dry, sweet, strong or light cocktail choices. There is a happy hour between 5 and 8pm on weekdays where all of the ‘found’ cocktails are just £5! A must if you want something a little less commercialised and glitzy.
Our recommendation: The Florida Holly. One of the most refreshing cocktails we’ve tried with pink pepper infused Tanqueray gin, it’s a dream on a summer’s day.
ISLAND BAR: Suffolk Street
Live music, DJs, extensive happy hour sessions and even quizzes make Island Bar our most fun cocktail bar on the list. They cite themselves as being ‘full of soul with no pretension’ and we would wholeheartedly agree.
Our recommendation: The cocktails are mostly DIY so go with the flow and get something exotic!