5 of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham

Whether you’re a martini or a mojito fan, the best cocktail bars in Birmingham have something for everyone. As the weather looks set to perk up this week (hello sunshine, is that you?) now’s the ideal time to enjoy some of Brum’s best mixologists work and really get into the summer mood.

Our guest editor Laura McEwan (of Bite Your Brum) has compiled her top five venues if you’re looking to enjoy something shaken or stirred this week. Her pick of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham includes some city centre must-tries as well as a few options further afield that are well worth trying.

So, grab your cocktail shakers and get ready for some fruity fun across the city. Over to you, Bite Your Brum.

40 St Paul’s

Once voted the best gin bar in the world (yes, the whole world) this Jewellery Quarter gem is my favourite place for cocktails. Known to regulars simply as 40s, this 24-seat bar is the perfect late-night spot for those who like their drinks strong and their lighting low. It’s an intimate venue and popular with both cocktail and gin lovers alike, so booking is advised, especially for weekends. If you can take your spirits make sure you try the negronis here – they’ll blow you away. You’ll find 40 St Paul’s squirrelled away at St Paul’s Square.

The Grand Hotel

After a £45million restoration, The Grand Hotel is without doubt one of the most beautiful buildings in Birmingham. Its jewel in the crown is Madeleine – the Parisian inspired bar where you can enjoy champagne and cocktails. Aside from the stunning soft furnishings (it’s rather boujee) there’s a creative and exciting cocktail menu to work your way through. If you want something truly unique, the Maison Mexicana is well worth its price tag, and their martinis are some of the best in the city. You can find the hotel on Colmore Row.

Couch

Stirchley is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting places for food and drink in the city, but this suburb has something truly special with Couch. Owned and run by some of the most rock star drinks heroes, this small but mighty cocktail bar is always busy, serves up only quality tipples and has a fun but relaxed atmosphere. Menus change every so often and are inspired by anything from music to films. The drinks are exciting, playful and if you’re lucky you might end up in a sing-a-long.

Pineapple Club

If you like sipping drinks in a colourful space with a lively atmosphere, then Pineapple Club may be your best bet. The cocktail list is vast and fun with plenty of fruity tipples to try, and there's also a bottomless brunch option available. There’s all the classics plus some more wacky options if you’re a bit more adventurous. The staff are friendly, there’s tapas to line your stomach, and there’s always an eclectic playlist playing in the background. This is a well-priced offering nestled in the gorgeous Great Western Arcade by Snow Hill.

Green’s Cocktail Lounge

One for those of you that frequent Solihull – say hello to Green’s Cocktail Lounge. Slap bang central, you’ll find this gorgeous bar right next to Taste Collective, and they have both indoor and outdoors seating. Drinks are split into categories such as fancy, fierce and fun and there’s something for everyone. Smells Like Tea Spirit offers a combination of British and Japanese flavours and is well worth ordering. As are the massive cheese boards that can be found on the food menu.

And there you have it - the best cocktail bars in Birmingham. Like what you’ve read? Don’t forget to follow DineHub Birmingham on Instagram and follow the blog for previous articles about eating and drinking in the city.