Sian Victoria © - Cocktails at Aluna Bar, Mailbox, Birmingham

Your Guide to Birmingham's Canalside Bars Close to the Mailbox

The Mailbox area in Birmingham is the hub of the city's nightlife and a popular destination for those looking for a fun-filled evening. Boasting a range of bars, the area promises a memorable night out with options for all.

From chic drinking lounges to cosy pubs and lively dance venues, The Mailbox's proximity to some of Birmingham's cocktail bars means there's something for every taste. In this post, you’ll find a handpicked selection of the city's finest bars I recommend, all just a short walk from The Mailbox and the iconic Cube building.

So, get ready for a Brum bar crawl in this premium spot with all the best bars in walking distance.

1. Aluna

Located beside the canal, Aluna offers an upscale place to go within the sophisticated surroundings of an elegant mall. The cocktail bar is adorned with crushed velvet banquettes, creating an atmospheric setting for those who value both style and substance. What sets Aluna apart is not only its chic decor but also its innovative approach to mixology.

The bar serves a range of exquisite cocktails that guarantee to excite the palate. Live performances add an extra layer of vibrancy to the already animated environment. Outdoor seating is also available, offering patrons a perfect spot to enjoy mild evenings by the water's edge.

In addition to the impressive cocktails, Aluna also serves as a Pan Asian Restaurant, so if you're seeking Asian food in Birmingham, you should not miss a visit to this restaurant and bar. The menu offers dishes that cross the culinary landscapes of Asia. Such as Thai noodles, and Sichuan Paneer.

For those curious about the art of cocktail making, Aluna provides cocktail masterclasses for hen nights in Birmingham, creating a unique and engaging experience. The venue seamlessly blends the flair of Pan Asian cuisine with the sophistication of a top-tier cocktail bar. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their evening plans near The Mailbox.

Sian Victoria © - Interiors at Aluna Bar, Mailbox, Birmingham

2. The Canal House

Settled beside Birmingham's waterside, The Canal House stands as a charming haven that seamlessly blends the cosy feel of a country-style tavern with the city's lively spirit. Offering a wide array of charming dishes and innovative cocktails, this gem of a venue is a treat for the senses.

The rustic interiors, adorned with upcycled glassware chandeliers that hang from the lofty ceilings, display a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary. A cosy outside terrace invites lively conversations and furry companions, making it an ideal spot for every guest. Perfect for those who crave alfresco drinks in Birmingham during the summer.

Sunday lunches are a highlight, featuring a menu that aims to soothe the soul with every bite combined with the addition of live music. Whether one is lounging indoors amidst the cosy decor or admiring the canal views from the terrace, The Canal House provides a unique taste of Birmingham's pub culture, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the perfect blend of city and rustic charm.

3. Pennyblacks

Pennyblacks is a lively and vibrant addition to the canalside scene, offering a unique blend of a laid-back pub atmosphere and a high-energy party spot. This venue is a top choice for those seeking a diverse range of beverages, including wines, real ales, and ciders, along with an innovative cocktail menu.

The casual yet modern design of the space is perfect for both unwinding on lazy afternoons and letting loose on lively evenings. With live DJ sets from 8 pm every Thursday to Saturday, Pennyblacks transforms into an active hub of music and dancing. Sports fans can also enjoy their favourite matches broadcast live, guaranteeing an action-packed experience.

On the culinary front, Pennyblacks caters to all tastes, from lite-bites and bar snacks to hearty offerings like pizzas, burgers, and hotdogs. This independent restaurant in Birmingham also has a few vegetarian and vegan options.

With its inviting atmosphere, extensive drink selection, and delicious food options, Pennyblacks is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking fun and flavour within a short walking distance from The Mailbox. Moreover, the availability of outdoor seating means that it is an ideal space to enjoy the best of Birmingham's canalside, come rain or shine.

To see more about my visit to Pennyblacks, check out my post on getting discounts on eating out in Birmingham post.

4. Malmaison Bar & Grill Birmingham

Malmaison Bar & Grill, positioned within the fashionable Malmaison Birmingham hotel and situated in the renowned Mailbox shopping centre, boasts a sophisticated blend of modern brasserie dining and refined drinking options. Guests can indulge in the art of mixology, showcasing an impressive selection of expertly crafted cocktails, alongside a range of premium spirits, craft beers, and flavourful wines.

But it's not just the drinks that impress, as the bar also offers an attractive range of food, with my favourites being their fab Sunday lunch in Birmingham which comes with a buffet for starters. The atmosphere is designed to promote social interactions, creating a laid-back yet refined setting where guests can unwind.

With comfortable booths and private meeting spaces available, the bar caters to a range of occasions, from casual catchups to more formal business gatherings. Situated in the heart of Birmingham's Mailbox area, Malmaison offers an irresistible combination of fine drinking and dining in a stylish and inviting setting. Not only that, but it is also the perfect place for pampering and dining in Birmingham.

5. Gas Street Social

With natural wood panelling that creates a warm and inviting ambience for its guests, Gas Street Social offers a refreshing and industrial setting that has made it a prime destination for after-work socials and leisurely weekend gatherings.

As an Instagrammable bars in Birmingham, it is renowned for its stylish interiors and stands out as an excellent choice for communal dining. In addition to a wide range of conversation starters, Gas Street Social offers an enticing selection of sharing plates that are perfect for groups looking to share a meal.

Guests can also take advantage of the special after-work offer on Mondays to Fridays, from 4 pm to 7 pm, where they can enjoy two classic cocktails for £12, including favourites like Mojitos, Brambles, Aperol Spritzes, Tommy's Margaritas, French Martinis, and Long Island Iced Teas.

The outdoor seating area offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the lively spirit of Birmingham, whilst the live performances scheduled regularly add an extra layer of entertainment to the already buzzing atmosphere.

Whether you're winding down after a long day or gearing up for a night out, Gas Street Social presents a compelling mix of elements that cater to a diverse crowd. It is an outstanding choice for those near The Mailbox seeking both style and substance in their social outings.

6. Bar Estilo

For those seeking the friendly and sociable ambience of Spain, Bar Estilo is an inviting tapas bar in Birmingham. The authentic Spanish restaurant boasts a warm atmosphere, welcoming patrons with an international take on traditional tapas and an array of hearty options, such as steaks and burgers.

Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor seating, Bar Estilo has you covered with both options available. Your dining experience is heightened by live performances, adding to the atmosphere of the venue. You'll also find a menu that caters to all dietary preferences, including plant-based, vegetarian, meat, and fish tapas. So, vegan foodies in Birmingham shouldn’t be disappointed.

To perfectly complement your meal, Bar Estilo offers an impressive wine list featuring both Spanish and international favourites, as well as an assortment of speciality sangrias. Cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy the expertly crafted drinks from the bar's mixologists, while those looking for a simpler pleasure can opt for ice-cold beers and ciders, available both by the bottle and on tap.

Sian Victoria © - Aluna Bar, Mailbox canalside, Birmingham

Review of My First Visit to Aluna

Recently, I received an invitation to visit Aluna, a cocktail bar located at The Mailbox in Birmingham. So, along with my Birmingham blogger friend, we made our way to the trendy spot on a Friday evening. Upon entering, the stylish decor caught my attention immediately, from the low-hanging lights to the crushed velvet seating and ornate frames adorning the walls. The overall vibe was relaxed and laid-back, with great music adding to the ambience. The icing on the cake was the bar's location, which provided a lovely view of the Birmingham canals outside the trendy Mailbox.

The warm welcome we received was accentuated by the offer of two complimentary cocktail drinks each. Feeling a bit peckish, we also ordered a chocolate brownie at our own expense with cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce that was perfect for satisfying our sweet tooth. Our first cocktail was the 'Bubblegumtini', a nostalgic vodka concoction that brought back childhood memories with its bubblegum flavour, pink neon glow stick, and popping candy.

Next up was the 'Pomegranate cosmo', a molecular version of the classic Cosmopolitan with little jelly drops adding a unique twist. The 'French Martini', a variation of the vodka and Chambord classic with pineapple foam, was our third choice, and we were delighted with the creamy pineapple topping. Our final drink of the night was a classic Margherita, a refreshing blend of Tequila, Cointreau, and lime with a rim of salt.

Throughout the night, we enjoyed the great cocktails, the friendly service, and the vibrant atmosphere of Aluna. We also noted that they had reserved tables for a party, and the food looked fantastic. I am a foodie, and the menu is right up my alley, so my friend and I are already planning a return visit to dine there soon, to order the tempting Massaman curry.

If you're looking for great food, cocktails, and a wonderful atmosphere in Birmingham or Bristol, where this independent is also based I would recommend a visit. And, for those of you who are always on the lookout for the perfect selfie, the gold angel wings on the wall offer the perfect backdrop for a Snapchat moment, complete with an Aluna filter.

In addition to the main menu, they also have the option of indulging in a bottomless brunch in Birmingham if you fancy sipping on cocktails and delicious bites of food.

To conclude

So, there you go just a few of the great bars with restaurants near Mailbox in Birmingham that present a diverse and lively range of dining and drinking experiences, with each venue offering a distinctive ambience and taste.

Whether it's the inventive cocktails at Aluna or the casual and upbeat atmosphere of Pennyblacks, there is a perfect location for any mood and occasion to enjoy a spot of food and drinks in the city. Whether you want to relax after work or indulge in a lively weekend night out, these premier bars offer a premium experience with their variety of settings, attractive cuisine, and imaginative drinks.

Make sure to visit and embrace the diverse social scenes these establishments provide, promising a rewarding addition to your Birmingham adventures.