Island Bar celebrates 10-year anniversary in style

Island Bar prides itself on being 'one of Birmingham's first independent cocktail bars'.

The venue on Smallbrook Queensway has notched up a decade providing libations to thirsty Brummies.

Island Bar first opened its doors on September 9th 2006, offering handcrafted cocktails, classic blends and in-house tiki concoctions.

The extensive rum collection was pioneering in Birmingham, and the bar also stocked a range of bottled beers.

A spokesperson told us:

"The venue's ethos was, and still is, to serve quality products by knowledgeable staff in an unpretentious venue."

The bar has had many a makeover in the past ten years, while the cocktail offering has expanded.

Musically, the vibes have shifted from indie and rock n' roll to soul and disco.

To mark the tenth anniversary, Island Bar's general manager Simon Gilligan has created a line-up of events:

• Wednesday 7th September
  • Quiz night dedicated to the past ten years
  • Rum-based prizes to be won.
• Thursday 8th September
  • A special version of 'Tiki Thursday' with popular DJs Jam Jah Sounds playing dub and reggae
  • Bespoke menu by Jamaican rum Wray and Nephew.
• Friday 9th - Saturday 10th September
  • Customers invited to join the party atmosphere.
  • DJs past and present will relive the best moments on the Island Bar dancefloor.
  • One-off menu will offer tiki fans 2 for £10 all weekend on the top tipples of the past decade

Island Bar's birthday is also a celebration for the independently run Bitters ‘n Twisted Venues, one of Birmingham's hospitality success stories.

Owner Matt Scriven set out "to offer the flagging bar scene in the Midlands a much needed injection of creativity and fun".

After Island Bar's 2006 opening came The Victoria and gin emporium The Jekyll & Hyde.

Fast forward ten years and Bitters ‘n Twisted Venues owns 10 venues in Birmingham and the Midlands, including a Bodega Cantina in Leicester.

Matt Scriven said of this milestone:

_"Looking back to 10 years ago the hospitality scene in Birmingham has changed beyond recognition. We've been honoured and determined to play a large role in this renaissance of Birmingham and we remain passionate about contributing positively to this great city for another 10 years. _

"I can't believe how quickly the time has gone and what we have achieved. I hope our customers continue to love what we do for many years to come."

Be part of Island Bar's 10-year milestone

The Island Bar team are asking customers to join in via social media to share their best memories over the years.

Use the hashtag #Island10 to share your anecdotes and pictures.

The best ones will be rewarded with 'drink-based prizes' for the weekend.