While exploring the many exciting attractions in Birmingham, you may want to stop and grab a pint! The trouble is, there are tons of great bars in Birmingham – from the traditional to the more contemporary.
How do you decide where to pop in to grab a pint or cocktail?
In this guide, we’ve narrowed down to 20 highly-rated bars in Birmingham to make things easy for you.
| Read more: Explore some of the Best Free Things To Do In Birmingham. If you want to enjoy a bite on a warm evening, check out the Best Restaurants & Bars For Outdoor Dining. |
This Article Contains:
20 Of The Best Bars In Birmingham
- The Botanist
- The Gentleman & Scholar Pub
- Bacchus Bar
- Gas Street Social
- Canal House Bar and Restaurant
- The Alchemist Brindleyplace
- The Button Factory
- 40 St Paul’s
- Be At One
- Vagabond
- BrewDog
- The Loft
- The Lost & Found
- O’Neill’s
- Chance & Counters
- Popworld
- Bodega Cantina
- Sky By The Water
- NQ64
- Tilt
Five Other Great Bars To Try In Birmingham
20 Of The Best Bars In Birmingham
Birmingham has no shortage of excellent bars worth trying. Here are 20 of the best bars:
1. The Botanist
Located on Temple Street, this bar is a must-visit for everyone with a love of plants. With lush foliage decorating the walls, resident botanists craft unusual concoctions. Live music, a great atmosphere, and mouthwatering meals ensure great times are guaranteed.
Address: 14-16 Temple Street, Birmingham, B2 5BG, UK
Phone number: 0121 600 7430
Website: https://thebotanist.uk.com/
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Thursday and Friday: 12 PM to 12 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Global
Best drink to try: The Botanist
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Colmore Row Stop Sh11 (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Moor Street (6 min walk)
Nearby attractions: The Alexandra Theatre (0.21 miles away), Colley Ison Gallery (0.14 miles)
2. The Gentleman & Scholar Pub
Drink and be merry with a wide selection of beers, local ales, fine wines, Champagne, and traditional cocktails surrounded by more than 200 years of history. Whether you prefer to relax in the comfy sofa areas or enjoy a drink on the heated terrace, The Gentleman & Scholar is enjoyable all year round.
Address: 2 Bridge St, Birmingham B1 2JZ, UK (inside the Hyatt Regency)
Phone number: 0121 643 1234
Website: https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uk/birmingham/european-bar-in-centenary-square-the-gentleman-scholar-pub-and-terrace
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 12 PM to 12 AM
Price range: £££
Cuisine: British pub food
Best drink to try: Strawberries and Cream
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Sherborne Wharf (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (12 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Symphony Hall (0.16 miles away), Ikon Gallery (0.14 miles away)
3. Bacchus Bar
With its extravagant decor, Bacchus Bar is sure to leave an impression. Tucked away in the basement of the Burlington Arcade on one of the oldest streets in Birmingham. Dating back to 1398, the pub offers an extensive whiskey and gin selection that makes the most of its long history.
Address: Burlington Arcade, New St, Birmingham B2 4JH, UK
Phone number: 0121 632 5445
Website: https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/eastandwestmidlands/bacchusbarbirmingham#/
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11 AM to 12 AM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: British
Best drink to try: Belsazar Rose & Tonic
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: New Street Station Stop Ns4 (2 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (11 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Birmingham Town Hall (0.2 miles away), Bullring and Grand Central Shopping Centre (0.3 miles away)
4. Gas Street Social
Gas Street Social takes the cocktail one step further. Aside from being bright and colourful, some more extravagant cocktails come with an accessory. If you want to take it further, there’s a ‘party igloo’ available for hire that you can relax in. The interior is inspired by the industrial and cultural aspect of the city’s rich history with a focus on sharing and socialising.
Address: The Mailbox, 166-168 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RL, UK
Phone number: Not listed, but you can make a reservation here
Website: https://www.gasstreetsocial.co.uk/
Opening times:
Monday: closed
Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 6:30 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: European
Best drink to try: The Unicorny
Nearest bus/train station
Bus: Ernest Street Stop HH2 (10 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street Station (12 min walk)
Nearby attractions: BBC Birmingham Tours (0.09 miles), The Old Rep Theatre (0.35 miles)
5. Canal House Bar and Restaurant
Sitting in the Birmingham City Centre, Canal House was awarded Best Pub/Bar in the Midlands in 2019 at The National Pub & Bar Awards. It’s not hard to see why with one of the best beer gardens in Birmingham city, fine decor, and private dining rooms.
Address: 12 Bridge Street, Birmingham, B1 2JR, UK
Phone number: 0121 643 8829
Website: https://thecanalhouse.uk.com/
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Thursday: 12 PM to 12 AM
Friday and Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM
Sunday: 12 PM to 12 AM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: British
Best drink to try: Pornstar Martini
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Sherbourne Wharf (3 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter (26 min walk)
Nearby attractions: The Alexandra Theatre (0.13 miles away), Library of Birmingham (0.28 miles away)
6. The Alchemist Brindleyplace
With a unique design, The Alchemist offers spectacular views of the Water’s Edge while enjoying any of their unconventional cocktails. The bar also provides ‘theatre served’, with an all-day dining menu to top the whole experience off.
Address: 10F-12F The Water’s Edge, Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HL, UK
Phone number: 0121 794 2164
Website: https://thealchemist.uk.com/venues/birmingham-brindley-place/
Opening times:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Thursday: 10 AM to 1 AM
Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 2 AM
Price range: £££
Cuisine: International
Best drink to try: The Legal One
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Broadfield Walk (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Snow Street (8 min walk)
Nearby attractions: National Sea Life Centre (0.16 miles away), Symphony Hall (0.2 miles away)
7. The Button Factory
Nestled in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, The Button Factory has restored and extended one of the quarter’s traditional buildings. Keeping much of the original design, the bar is a must-visit no matter the time. If you need a quick coffee or want to enjoy an extravagant after-work cocktail on the expansive rooftop bar, The Button Factory covers all the bases.
Address: 25 Frederick Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, B1 3HH, UK
Phone number: 0121 236 4653
Website: https://thebuttonfactorybirmingham.co.uk/
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM
Sunday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: International
Best drink to try: Rhubarb & Rosehip Rickey
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Graham St (2 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (23 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Vittoria Street Gallery (0.06 miles away), St Paul Church (0.21 miles away)
8. 40 St Paul’s
40 St Paul’s has a host of awards under its belt, including the World’s Best Gin Bar 2019. There are also only 24 seats available, so booking ahead of time is recommended. Aside from being one of the most exclusive bars in Birmingham, St Paul’s is also home to a gorgeous first-floor terrace.
Address: 40 Cox St, Birmingham B3 1RD, UK
Phone number: 07340 037639
Website: https://www.40stpauls.co.uk/
Opening times:
Thursday and Friday: 5 PM to 10 PM
Saturday: 1 PM to 10 PM
Price range: £££
Cuisine: Bar snacks
Best drink to try: Brief Moment of Beauty
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: St Paul’s Metro Stop CN4 (4 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Snow Hill Station (5 min walk)
Nearby attractions: The Church of St Paul (0.11 miles away), Pen Museum (0.33 miles away)
9. Be At One
Be At One is more than a simple cocktail bar. With an unmissable 2-for-1 happy hour, an extensive range of cocktails, and several cocktail masterclasses, Be At One brings the party. The swanky New York styled bar also has a late licence meaning the DJs can spin your favourite songs well into the early hours of the morning.
Address: 20 Stephenson Street, Piccadilly Arcade Birmingham, B2 4BJ, UK
Phone number: 0121 227 2225
Website: https://www.beatone.co.uk/new-street-birmingham
Opening times:
Sunday to Wednesday: 4:30 PM to 2 AM
Thursday and Friday: 4:30 PM to 3 AM
Saturday: 2 PM to 3 AM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Not served
Best drink to try: Oh My Days!
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Colmore Row Stop Sh3 (1 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Snow Hill (6 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Colley Ison Gallery (0.19 miles away), St Philip’s Cathedral (0.24 miles away)
10. Vagabond
Known for its extensive wine menu, Vagabond should be the first choice for anyone looking to enjoy any of its 100+ wines on offer. The bar’s unique self pour option means visitors are free to top up their card and help themselves to a glass or pint. However, if you need some help narrowing down the possibilities, Vagabond’s knowledgeable staff are on hand to help.
Address: 92-98 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3BD, UK
Phone number: +44 20 4599 8605
Website: https://www.vagabondwines.co.uk/
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM to 11 PM
Thursday: 1 PM to 12 AM
Friday: 12 PM to 1:30 AM
Saturday: 11 AM to 1:30 AM
Sunday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Best drink to try: Zombie
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Alexandra Theatre Stop Sf1 (5 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (47 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Everyman Mailbox Birmingham (0.09 miles), Birmingham Hippodrome (0.32 miles away)
11. BrewDog
For anyone looking for an extensive craft beer menu, BrewDog is the answer. Known for its unrivalled knowledge of the world’s best beers, BrewDog also brews a selection of its own beers. Packed with attitude, their home-brewed beers use zero substitutes and preservatives, creating a range of delicious brews. The bar is completed in the New York style, with exposed brickwork in their vintage-clad basement.
Address: 81 John Bright St, West Midlands, England, B1 1BL, UK
Phone number: 0121 6161 339
Website: https://www.brewdog.com/uk/bars/uk/brewdog-birmingham
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 12 PM to 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 9 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: British bar food
Best drink to try: Valhalla Vacation
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Alexandra Theatre Stop Sf1 (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (8 min walk)
Nearby attractions: BBC Birmingham Tours (0.2 miles away), Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (0.25 miles away)
12. The Loft
Anyone in the mood for good food, delicious cocktails, and a massive award-winning beer garden will feel right at home at The Loft. Situated in the heart of Birmingham’s South Side, it’s the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. The Loft brings the wow factor with a focus on premium spirits, craft beer, and cocktails.
Address: 143 Bromsgrove Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6RG, UK
Phone number: 0121 622 2444
Website: https://www.theloftbrum.co.uk/
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 5 PM to Close
Friday to Sunday: 12 PM to Close
Price range: ££
Cuisine: European
Best drink to try: Loves Crush
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Pershore St/Bromsgrove St Stop PS2 (2 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (6 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Birmingham Back to Backs (0.03 miles away), O2 Academy (0.17 miles away)
13 The Lost & Found
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, The Lost & Found on Bennetts Hill might be what you’re looking for. It’s a botanical themed bar in the Birmingham City Centre that exudes Victorian charm and cocktails you can’t get enough of. If the botanical garden isn’t to your taste, you can make the most of their happy hour by enjoying the homemade concoctions in the secret room. The Victorian explorer and adventurer Hettie G. Watson served as inspiration for the bar’s interior.
Address: 8 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS, UK
Phone number: 0121 643 9293
Website: https://the-lostandfound.co.uk/restaurant/birmingham
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11 AM to 1 AM
Sunday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Seasonal, international
Best drink to try: The Bubble Popper
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Colmore Row Stop SH11 (1 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (3 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (0.5 miles away), Legoland Discovery Centre (0.2 miles)
14. O’Neill’s
Sitting on one of Birmingham’s busy Broad St, there’s always a reason to go to this quintessential Irish pub. Whether you want a relaxed bar to catch up with a few mates over a pint and a game of pool or need somewhere to watch the match, O’Neill’s is the perfect place. Plus, with a kitchen turning out delicious pub food at good prices, it’s easy to spend an entire day here.
Address: Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HG, UK
Phone number: 0121 616 1623
Website: https://www.oneills.co.uk/national-search/east-and-west-midlands/broad-street-in-birmingham#/
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 9 AM to 11 AM
Friday and Saturday: 9 AM to 2 AM
Sunday: 9 AM to 11 PM
Price range: £
Cuisine: Pub food
Best drink to try: Woo Woo
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Bishopsgate Street (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (7 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Crescent Theatre (0.2 miles away), Ikon Gallery (0.1 miles away)
15. Chance & Counters
Located in the Custard Factory, a Grade II listed building, Chance & Counters combines board games with delicious food and stunning drinks. With over 2,500 square feet, you can expect over 500 games, 10 beer and cider lines featuring some of the best breweries in Birmingham, and a wide range of delicious meals from street food to vegan options. Chance & Counters is the perfect place to relive those childhood memories of playing board games while enjoying a soft drink.
Address: Courtyard Studio 8 Scott House Custard Factory, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AA, West Midlands, UK
Phone number: 0121 296 9997
Website: https://www.chanceandcounters.com/birmingham/
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Friday: 12 PM to 12 AM
Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Pub food
Best drink to try: Carrot Cake
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Birmingham Coach Station (2 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (7 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Bullring and Grand Central Shopping Centre (0.5 miles), Birmingham Back to Backs (0.3 miles)
16. Popworld
Popworld is a retro-party-themed bar on Birmingham’s busy Broad Street. The bar holds nothing back, with all the cool and quirky decorations reminiscent of the 1970s, including disco balls, movie paraphernalia, and a dance floor John Travolta could tear up. Popworld has a first-class playlist to match the decor, making it popular among students and anyone looking for a raucous disco-themed evening.
Address: 55 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HJ
Phone number: 0121 616 2957
Website: https://www.popworldparty.co.uk/birmingham
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 10 PM to 3 AM
Friday: 9 PM to 3 AM
Saturday: 6 PM to 3 AM
Sunday: Closed
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Pub food
Best drink to try: Cheeky V
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Crescent Theatre (4 min walk)
Train: Five Ways (13 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Library of Birmingham (0.16 miles away), Symphony Hall (0.2 miles away)
17. Bodega Cantina
Bodega Cantina is the perfect spot for those in the mood for South American inspired cocktails and cuisine. Located on Bennett’s Hill, Bodega offers classic South American street food with a twist. Downstairs, you’ll find the Sugarloaf Bar. Open on Fridays and Saturdays; the cocktail bar is complete with brightly-coloured carnival-style decor and an extensive cocktail menu.
Address: 12 Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS, UK
Phone number: 0121 448 4267
Website: https://www.bodegacantina.co.uk/locations/birmingham/
Opening times:
Monday: Temporarily closed
Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM to 10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 9 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: South American
Best drink to try: El Diablo
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Colmore Row Stop SH11 (4 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (3 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Birmingham Cathedral (0.18 miles away), Colley Ison Gallery (0.12 miles away)
18. Sky By The Water
This breathtaking rooftop bar is located on the outskirts of Birmingham, offering plush booths with gorgeous rooftop views. Located in Resorts World Birmingham, the restaurant and bar specialises in British and French food with a few contemporary twists. If that’s not enough, there’s also a secret garden with covered pods.
Address: Inside Resorts World Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PU, UK
Phone number: 0121 273 1043
Website: https://www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk/eat-drink/sky-by-the-water
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM to 11 PM
Thursday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday: 12 PM to 12 AM
Sunday: 12 PM to 10 PM
Price range: £££
Cuisine: British
Best drink to try: Re-fashioned
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Birmingham International Station Stop SA (19 min walk)
Train: Birmingham International (39 min walk)
Nearby attractions: National motorcycle museum (0.42 miles away), Land Rover Manufacturing Tour (2.7 miles away)
19. NQ64
Situated in Birmingham’s iconic Custard Factory, NQ64 is a unique combination of strong drinks and retro gaming. It’s easy to get lost in nostalgia playing all your favourite childhood arcade games like Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter 2, Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders, and more, all running on tokens. You can even find some classic consoles like the N64, SNES, and Megadrive, which are free to play.
Address: The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BG, UK
Phone number: Not listed, but you may email them at hello@NQ64.co.uk
Website: https://nq64.co.uk/birmingham/
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 4 PM to 2 AM
Friday: 4 PM to 3 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 12 PM to 3 AM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Bar snacks
Best drink to try: Pacs a Punch
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Adderley Street (5 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (31 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Grand Union (0.32 miles away), Thinktank Science Museum (0.48 miles away)
20. Tilt
Feeling like a game of pinball and a pint? Tilt, housed in a Grade II listed building, brings this unique idea to life. With a range of specialty coffee and craft beers on tap, the bar boasts 19 pinball machines spread out over three floors. For £1 a game, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, beer, or soft drink while you lap up the industrial-style interior.
Address: 2 City Arcade, Birmingham B2 4TX, UK
Phone number: 0121 643 1048
Website: https://tiltbrum.com/
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Price range: ££
Cuisine: Not served, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Best drink to try: Rum BA Simple Tricks & Nonsense by craft brewery Fallen Acorn
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Moor Street Station Stop MS3 (1 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Moor Street (18 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Graffiti Art of Digbeth Walk (0.14 miles away), Birmingham Open Media (0.17 miles away)
Five Other Great Bars To Try In Birmingham
Here are a few other bars that are worth visiting:
- Malt House
- Tonight Josephine
- Birdies Bar
- Dirty Martini
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill