7 Of The Best Cocktail Bars in Birmingham
The Birmingham Cocktail Scene
In my world, the age of 2-4-1 cocktails at the Slug and Lettuce has long since passed, if ever it even was a thing at all. The idea of sticky floors and spilt drinks while dancing is one of pure 2:30 am night terrors now. As I have matured (shut it), my taste in all things has become refined. (I told you to shut it) The era of average, chain drinks places is over, and I keep a running list of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham.
For one week only, I am divulging my list for you. Well, actually, my team have just told me that this will be a permanent blog post, so that’s that up the swanny. Imagine I said something really clever and funny instead of the one week only thing. Please.
I remember going into a pub once (no naming and shaming), and they were having a ‘cocktail night’. I asked what cocktails were on, and I was told they had vodka and lemonade, vodka and Coke, whisky and Coke, and a gin and tonic. Slightly embarrassed, I asked for a glass of wine instead. To which I was asked ‘red or clear?’. This is honestly a true story, and that encounter is absolutely polar opposite to anything you’ll experience at any of the places on this list, rest assured.
So here we have a list of my 7 of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham. Ready? …aaaaand….Go!
40 St Pauls, JQ
Walking into 40 St Pauls, you instantly feel like you are somewhere special. It’s dark, with the lowly lit bar lighting up the room. Light enough to make drinks well, but for the rest of the room, it has a feel of being somewhere else about it. Soho maybe. Possibly downstairs at Garlic and Shots. You are shown to your seat and off you go. The current drinks list is made up like a restaurant menu with a starters, mains and desserts section. So as per my norm, the last time I popped in, I had to try one off each section.
In 2019, 40 St Pauls was named the ‘best gin bar in the world’, and although it doesn’t hold that title any more, it isn’t that far removed from the 2019 version. There are more non gin based cocktails now, but it feels just as special.
I had my first drink off the starter’s menu. An Autumn Highball. I then did that thing of seeing somebody with something I liked the look of, and asked for one of what they are having. Never done that before, and I immediately felt silly. It was a Dark and Stormy, but made with home made ginger beer. Wow. Punchy.
For my third drink, I went for a Peanut Alexander. Flipping heck. I don’t have a huge sweet tooth, but it was incredible. A man described it as an alcoholic Snickers smoothie, but it was WAY better than that. Put me on a drip of these please. It trickled down my throat like pure pleasure.
When you leave here, remember that the windows are boarded up, so if it’s an early visit, it may be light outside still.
Couch, Stirchley
This is my local cocktail joint. I can genuinely say ‘they know me here’, but they know everyone, so it’s not me spouting self absorption. And if they don’t, they’ll make you feel like they do. That’s Couch. Come in and join the gang. Get comfy and have a great time. Jacob dressed as Ginger Spice down and to the right is absolutely not forced fun. It’s fun, and it always is.
This year, they are one of a small number of bars in Birmingham that got onto the new Pinnacle list. Like Michelin, but for cocktail bars. It wasn’t by accident. Also this year, they got voted 4th on the Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the UK list. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc.
At the moment, the menu is made up of bespoke drinks that are inspired by each member of staff’s childhood memories. And they are all superb. I’ve had them all. Plus some old faves, like the Gambler (the Gambler). Ooosh. (The Gambler)
They have regular events with other national and local cocktail bars, the rare brunch event and other fun AF stuff, and also provide drinks for the Michelin mentioned Rabbit next door. It’s all about Stirchley.
It’s small and cosy, with a rear garden for the nicer weather. Intimate. And it’s walk-ins only, no booking. I may be biased, as it’s minutes from my house on foot, but it’s certainly one of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham in my opinion.
Lucky7, JQ
Found at the top of some relatively discrete stairs opposite 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter, Rob and Kyndra will tell you that this place isn’t a cocktail bar, but instead an Izakaya. It’s their place, so of course they are right, but if you manage to get a table here, you will get the pick of one of the most well thought about cocktails around. You’ll also be able to sample some of the food menu too. I have never had a drink or a food that I didn’t love. The drinks are thoughtful, considerate and exciting, and the food is proportionate and very very tasty. Otsumami. Finger food to accompany the drinks.
The space is intimate, Rob and Kyndra are engaging, and the experience is one I fully endorse.
With vast experience in the local scene, I remember them being central to the Birmingham cocktail evolution way back when the Edgbaston was one of the key venues, if not the. Several excellent places later, and here we are, enjoying yet another superb venture.
Also on the Pinnacle list, with their own pin, which really shows you that you don’t need to take my word for it.
Walk-ins only, but you can leave your number for a text when there’s a table free.
It’s difficult to pick a favourite drink, but the Kimchi Party is a firm fave. When I went last, there was the old fave ‘Duck No Duck’ back on the Limited Edition menu, and was an enhanced version of the previously loved drink. A beautiful thing. A considered and fun experience every time.
Passing Fancies, Digbeth
I’m just going to go straight ahead and say that Passing Fancies is currently 3rd on the ‘Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the UK’ list, and is also on the global Pinnacle list too. The place is spacious, and designed to feel like a kitchen party. The team are heavily into collaborations and pop up all over the place. They also do the occasional bottomless brunch, which I hear is great (I’m not particularly a bottomless brunch fan, so there).
Located underneath the Custard Factory, it’s easy to spot along Gibb Street. The space looks out to Gibb Street, and also into the Custard Factory courtyard, where I sometimes sit if I need a moment to myself. (quite common when I get a drink that knocks me for 6. ‘give me a moment’)
The gang here are a top lot, and you are generally greeted like a friend that they haven’t seen in a while. Unless you were in yesterday. Then it’s like…ermmm…they haven’t seen you since yesterday.
With drinks with names like ‘Adult Ribena’, ‘Short and Stout’ and ‘House Martini’, the names are straight to the point, but the drinks pack some heavyweight calibre. Concise and unfussy. There is also a very decent wine selection too.
Book via their website (link below). If you Google it, make sure you put the word ‘bar’ on the end. That’s all I’m saying. Definitely one of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham.
Grain and Glass, JQ
Primarily a whisky bar and tasting room, Grain and Glass boasts 350ish whiskies. However, their superb knowledge of spirits and their excellent bar banter mean that I always love popping in here for a cheeky drink. I often mix my cocktails up with a tasting flight, but sitting at the bar here and having a cocktail is something I love doing every now and then. Especially if you like an Old Fashioned, as there is a section on the menu just for those. There is also a ‘House Cocktail’ section, and I particularly love their Japanese Highball, although there are also drinks not reliant on Whisky, also very decent.
Sitting at the bar and enjoying the moment is great here, and when I last went in, I had a lovely chat with Amy, the owner. We chatted about a load of things small business based, the Birmingham independent scene and generally putting the world to rights. As the driving force of Grain and Glass, she knows her stuff.
You can just turn up to Grain and Glass and have a lovely few hours, but you can book on the website (always advisable), and of course, the whisky tastings should always be booked.
Fox and Chance, City Centre
As well as being a very good cocktail bar indeed, Fox and Chance is fortunate enough (by design) to be seconds from Grand Central/New Street Station. Making up a very small number of city centre based independent cocktail bars, this place not only has a superb location, but the space is great too. Long and deep, it’s one to enjoy. It also has a quieter side room at the front (or maybe a front room?) for some less lively catching up with friends. It’s also on the top 50 Cocktail Bars list, so comes with a very good reputation, and also organise regular collaborations with other great bars.
Their bespoke cocktail menu is superb. I’ve had many a night on the Pisco Punch, or the Plum Dog Millionaire. Or even their Pear Force One. Oh, and don’t I dare forget their Clear Rivers. Wow.
Personally speaking, I’d say that Fox and Chance make the very best Irish Coffee I’ve ever had. Once, a gang of us went there just for a mass Irish Coffee nightcap. BUT, their Classics cocktail list is ridiculous.
Always book if you can. I know from personal experience that rocking up on the off chance on a Saturday night can lead to disappointment if you don’t.
Final Thoughts On My List Of The Best Cocktail Bars In Birmingham
I’ll end my words by saying that as usual, it’s presumptuous to say that certain places are ‘the best’. These are what I see as my favourite at this moment in time. For me, going out for cocktails isn’t just about the drinks themselves. I love the theatre that some places can offer, the experience, the finding them, the process. I’m also not that interested in bottomless brunch places either, which often revolve around some cocktail places. It’s nothing personal, it’s just not very me to be totally force smashed at lunchtime. I had enough of that back in the rugby days. I mean…I don’t mind letting my hair down, but for me, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And believe me, I’ve trained hard for this. 🙂
I also don’t generally go on a cocktail crawl that often either. Some areas are better equipped than others for this. The Jewellery Quarter is great, and will only get better. 😉
The eagle eyed amongst you may also have noticed a reference to a place that isn’t on the list at all. You may have also noticed that the list only includes 6 places. I’m saying no more than…it kind of is a 7th, and the list is 7 strong. I’ll let you work the rest of that out. Look at the photos at the very top. So 7 of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham by default.
If you want to read more tips about where to find the best independent food and drink in Birmingham, click here to visit my website and subscribe to the B Town Social newsletter! I also have an interactive map which lots of people are already finding helpful.
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