10 Cool bars in Birmingham

Originally built as a gun factory before being used as stables for the canal, this cool Birmingham bar has certainly been around the block. Admire their cosy leather booths, well-lit interior and homely wooden beams.

Located in their self-titled street, this aesthetic Birmingham bar overlooks the canal (did you know that Birmingham has more than Venice?), giving you a decent view of the city's waterways.

The main thing which sets this venue apart is their extensive drinks list. Although you’ll be able to recognise all your favourite cocktails, if you’re a fan of the spirits then this bar is your calling. Boasting 40 plus types of vodka and around 80 different gins, there's a lot to get through.

There’s nothing more disappointing than visiting a pub and being let down by the food. However, this cool Birmingham cocktail bar, located in Moseley Village, prides itself on its diverse menu.

We personally love their humorously titled ‘winner, winner chicken dinner’. Boasting southern fried crispy chicken, jacket potato mash (and more) this dish lives up to its name. Wash it down with one of the venue's craft beers — a constantly rotating selection to keep you intrigued.

Our apologies if this description has made you hungry, but don’t worry. If you were planning a chilled night in, then this venue offers food delivery services. Wanting to bask in some of Birmingham’s (occasional) sun? Well, the One Trick Pony Club offers a great pub garden decked with wooden benches and intentional graffiti.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this loft venue in Frederick Street is one of Birmingham’s best kept secrets. With tons of natural light and minimalist decorations, this cool bar allows its Japanese drinks to be the star of the show.

The concept of the venue is inspired by Izakaya culture, informal drinks with snacks after work (not too bad, eh?) With knowledgeable, quality service, you are guaranteed to be in safe hands.

Moreover, this venue offers loads of Japanese drinks which you might not have tried before. Ever tasted sake? Well with a new flavour every month, this cool venue gives you the opportunity to become an expert.

However, the best thing about Ikigai is definitely its omakase feature. With the venue matching you to a drink, being indecisive has never felt so good.

Also available to private hire for up to 40 people.

Did you know that Birmingham’s Temple Street has a bar which holds the key to all your childhood nostalgia? With a carousel themed interior, red and gold decorations and warm lighting, this cool bar is the definition of cosiness.

However, the thing which truly sets this bar apart from the others is its array of dart boards. There are 13 to choose from, all in semi-private oches — known to me and you as booths. Prepare to unleash your competitive side as you battle against friends in an array of fun games.

Don’t be upset if you lose the game (or if you want to celebrate in style) as this cool bar offers some amazing food and drink options. The drinks are particularly striking, with carousel horses decorated on top. Aesthetic galore.

Also available for private hire for the coolest party in town.

Keep this bar in mind if you’re a fan of Northern Soul, retro beats, or want to see some of the best tribute acts which Birmingham has to offer. Located in the heart of Digbeth, this cool bar is open every Friday and Saturday night (ideal for you to party the week away).

Although it has a capacity of 250, this bar prides itself on remaining an intimate space. With vintage interiors and up-cycled furniture you’re sure to feel right at home.

Looking to spend some time with your nearest and dearest? Well if so, this cool bar is available to hire everyday apart from Fridays and Saturdays. With a fully equipped stage, mezzanine area and two bars, even your most annoying relatives will become your best friends.

Just a stone’s throw away from Birmingham New Street is the city’s latest offering, which promises to be the sexiest bar in town. Think leopard print deco, wild bartenders and amazing tunes and you’ve pretty much summed it up.

With a capacity of 450, the atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric. Prepare yourself and your feet to dance into the early hours of the morning. We’ll let you into a little secret as well — happy hour runs everyday up until 8pm. Surely nothing beats a great boozed based bargain. Your visit here is guaranteed to be a night to remember (depending how well you can handle your booze).

Private hire is available for a wild night with your pals, starting September 30th 2022.

Close your eyes (maybe after you’ve finished reading) and picture this. A beer in hand, sourdough pizza in front of you and vinyl music playing in the background. Well, that pretty much sums up this cool bar.

Situated in Digbeth, this place is open from mid-afternoon until late. Their ever-rotating selection of craft beers are sure to have you thirsty for more.

The music is the main focal point of this bar. With a staggering collection of 4000 vinyl’s, the music here is going to cover most bases. If you have a particular record which gets your head bobbing then bring it here for everyone to enjoy.

They also host frequent events which you can buy tickets for.

Calling all wine lovers, this Colmore Row resident will have you dreaming about your visit for days. With a staggering choice of over 100 wines by the glass, your wine knowledge is sure to grow.

Don’t worry if you’re new to the wine game or trying out a new one. You can use this cool Birmingham bar’s wine machines for tasting purposes (how sophisticated). Vagabond also offers a huge selection of craft beers which you can pour yourself. At least that’s one thing ticked off the bucket list.

Available for private hire, this venue is ideal for all wine loving friends. Moreover, they also offer bottomless wine brunches for those days you’d like a few extra glasses.

Not one for the introverted, this cool Birmingham bar will transport you straight to the streets of Germany. Located in Essex Street, expect raucous dancing and plenty of foot stomping fun.

This venue prides itself on their Bavarian beer selection. If you’re becoming bored of the standard pint at the pub then definitely opt for a stein — a litres worth of beer. Yes you heard us right.

Looking to take the night one step further? Then this venue’s oompah bands are the ones to watch. You can sit (or dance) on communal benches whilst enjoying the traditional German music. Prepare for loud music, competitions, and plenty of foot stomping and hand clapping.

Available for private hire.

Housed in the Grand Hotel is Birmingham’s very own centre of magic. Forget the fantasy of Harry Potter, this is the real deal. With two venues, one in Colmore Row and another in Brindley Place, you’re spoilt for choice.

Promising a night of molecular magic, there’s certainly not another bar quite as cool. The theatre in some of the drinks is more obvious (although still amazing), like ‘the colour changing one’. Prepare to be shocked and surprised when you order the likes of the ‘bubble bath’ and ‘pop-sicle’ (we aren’t giving you any spoilers, sorry).

Buckle yourself in to surrender to a night of fun and mystery. Both venues are available for your private hire. Gather your nearest and dearest and prepare for an alchemical night.