*PR: Some drinks were gifted

Sian Victoria © - Dirty Martini, Birmingham

Best Cocktail bars in Birmingham

If you’re keen to spice up your Instagram feed over the summer, this one’s for you. With new and exciting spots opening every day, Birmingham’s streets are lined with quirky bars that will provide the perfect backdrop for your latest selfie.

Whether you’re visiting with friends for a night out or just fancy a quick drink after shopping in Birmingham. There are numerous enticing cocktail bars in the city so there’s sure to be something on this list that calls your name.

Each venue below boasts a beautifully unique interior setting that compliments the myriad of weird and wonderful cocktails on offer, allowing you to make special memories as you make sure to photograph the bold backdrops and fabulous furnishings around you. Visiting one of these bars after enjoying one of the many entertainment venues in Birmingham makes a fun day out in the vibrant city.

Here are just a few of the many Instagrammable cocktail bars in Birmingham that are worth visiting. There are also plenty of new gimmicky pop-up bars too which you’ll find in open spaces in the city such as at the Bullring overlooking St. Martin's Church, but this post will focus on the permanent bars in the city that are loved by the locals.

1. The Lost & Found

Sian Victoria © - The Lost & Found, Birmingham

Housed in a stunning 20th-century Victorian building, The Lost & Found bar transports you back in time as soon as you step through the door. Boasting grandiose high ceilings, enchanting botanical decorations, quirky birdcages, and murals, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a whimsical world far from the bustling city centre of Birmingham.

Located on Bennetts Hill just a short walk from bustling New Street, this bar is a favourite amongst locals – and for good reason. Although the elegant settings of this venue act as its main selling point, the array of food and drink on offer ensures your visit to this bar will be unforgettable and will make you want to come back for more.

Treat yourself to the bar’s carefully crafted selection of eclectic cocktails, including the Mythical Garden Martini and the Wishful Wisteria, or stick to a classic with a tempting Daiquiri or Old Fashioned. From unique cocktails to share with a group and bottles of vino and a choice of mocktails or ales, there’s something for everyone here.

Feeling peckish? treat yourself to a bite to eat as you relish in the stylish surroundings of The Lost & Found. Enjoy a variety of beautifully curated dishes or enjoy an afternoon tea in Birmingham with friends. There are meals suited for vegans and kids, so the restaurant and bar ensure everyone is catered for.

There’s nowhere quite like The Lost & Found – sip on a one-of-a-kind cocktail and appreciate the bars' Victorian splendour, making sure to snap a few photographs of the sculpted pillars and flower displays.

For photos of a three-course meal at The Lost & Found check out my places to eat vegetarian in Birmingham post.

2. The Botanist Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - The Botanist, Birmingham

Situated amongst the busy bars of Birmingham’s Temple Street is The Botanist. The bar’s name gives you an insight into what a visit to The Botanist entails, inviting you to enjoy a whole array of eclectic cocktails while you take in the blossomed botanical surroundings. With charming rustic décor, unique light fixtures and flower displays, this venue is a popular choice for many locals.

The weird and wonderful cocktail list matches the distinctive décor of The Botanist. While ensuring to provide the classic cocktails, such as a martini and bloody Mary, there are several one-of-a-kind drinks up for grabs, too. From a vanilla and macadamia cocktail to a rhubarb and rose, what’s not to love? Plus, there’s an extensive list of mocktails too.

While you may just visit The Botanist for a drink with friends and snap a few pictures amongst the flowers while you do so, you might fancy tucking into any one of the delectable dishes on their food menus.

Try one of their iconic ‘hanging kebabs’ with plant-based meatballs or treat yourself to a Sunday roast – with several options for vegans and vegetarians too, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a vegan twist on scrambled eggs you fancy or a sharing board, The Botanist has it covered.

Ultimately, The Botanist is certainly one to visit next time you visit Birmingham. Take in the aesthetic interior as you photograph your delicious food and drink – your visit is sure to be memorable.

3. Dirty Martini Birmingham

Across the road from The Lost and Found, Dirty Martini is another buzzing cocktail bar on Birmingham’s Bennetts Hill. Have a day out in style at this venue, where a chic vibe is created by neon signs lighting up your path and contemporary furnishings surrounding you.

The drinks you’ll receive will match the dark elegant atmosphere of this trendy bar. Make the most of the bar’s happy hour by sipping on a watermelon martini, a frozen daiquiri or even a chocolate martini.

If you’re visiting this popular bar on a special occasion, why not try out the martini brunch? Choose from an array of enticing bottomless cocktails while snacking on some delicious brunch foods, which cater to those who are plant-based or gluten-free. Indulging in a spot of Brunch in Birmingham is always a good idea.

Although Dirty Martini is primarily known for its incredible cocktail concoctions, you can also enjoy a selection of fancy bar snacks while you are visiting. There’s a variety of delicious small plates, sliders, fries, and birdcage sharers on offer, including halloumi and vegetable kebabs, Falafel & Beetroot on brioche buns and Matchstick Fries.

It’s clear to see why Dirty Martini is so popular amongst locals. With instagrammable neon backdrops, stylish features, and flavoursome cocktails on offer, it’s one to consider.

4. Be At One

With two buzzing locations in Birmingham – at Brindleyplace or Piccadilly Arcade opposite Grand Central Station, Be At One is perhaps one of the many liveliest spots when it comes to Birmingham’s nightlife.

Characterised by eye-catching neon signs perfect for a selfie, frivolous cocktails and music that will make you want to get up and dance, this bar is a favourite amongst many. With classic party tunes from each decade, everyone is welcome to visit and have fun at Be At One. You’ll even catch the bartenders dancing and taking part in the fun.

Scan the extensive drinks menu and you’ll find a cocktail that calls your name. The ‘Oh My Days!’ whiskey drink, ‘Tropic Like its Hot’ rum cocktail and ‘Man-goes Bananas’ cocktail are perhaps some of the most eye-catching titles on their menu. Sip on your delicious drink as you sing along to the tracks played by the DJ.

You can even try your hand at the art of cocktail-making yourself, with Be At One offering cocktail masterclasses. This bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a fun night out with friends at the end of a long week, where you’ll be able to let your hair down and enjoy the carefree atmosphere of this lively bar.

5. Aluna

Situated in Birmingham’s iconic Mailbox district, this bar and restaurant simply evoke style and elegance. Boasting copper furnishings, classy golden chandeliers, marble countertops and an angel wing furnishing perfect for a photo, this bar will give you the VIP treatment.

If the stylish surroundings of Aluna Birmingham weren’t photograph-worthy enough, the cocktail creations ensure you’ll be taking your phone out to snap some pictures when visiting this venue. From flaming drinks to smoking gin cocktails, these magical concoctions are sure to make your visit special. Cleverly titled ‘Hubble Bubble’, ‘From the Cauldron’ and ‘Midnight Madness’, this venue couldn’t be more enticing.

The array of food on offer at Aluna continues to tick all the boxes. With extensive selections including tempting Pan-Asian cuisine, enjoy a dish of Thai green curry, Singapore noodles or a katsu burger. Though not too substantial, there are plant-based dishes available that are sure to please your taste buds.

Ultimately, the vintage glamour of Aluna is unlike anything else you’ll find in Birmingham. Fall in love with the effortlessly chic vibe and enjoy a night out here, making sure to snap a picture in front of the myriad of Instagrammable backdrops.

6. Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery

Sian Victoria © - Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery, Birmingham

Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery sits on Frederick Street within Birmingham’s compelling Jewellery Quarter and is one of the most unique cocktail bars around, with a concept like no other. Blending a passion for all things Mediterranean, this Spanish tapas restaurant makes sure to make itself memorable with a range of distinctive décor, from vintage furniture to eye-catching sculptures and art pieces.

Enjoy delectable cocktails as you immerse yourself in the antique world of Ana Rocha Bar, whether it be a red wine sangria, Singapore sling, cosmopolitan or a Spanish speciality. Try out some delicious Spanish tapas dishes while you admire the surroundings of this one-of-a-kind venue, with options available for those who are plant-based to allow everyone to experience the flavours of Spain.

When visiting Ana Rocha Bar, you won't risk becoming bored – with so many unique pieces on display, which are also available to buy if one piece catches your eye, you’ll find yourself sipping on an incredible cocktail creation while admiring the décor.

So, why not pay a visit to this hidden gem in the Jewellery Quarter? You’ll also find the independent 1000 trades bar & kitchen nearby too.

7. Bank

Bank is located within the lively nightlife district of Brindleyplace near Broad Street, this restaurant and bar overlooks the iconic Birmingham canal and will treat you to some iconic drinks.

This venue simply oozes sophistication, with rustic wood furnishings and inviting light fixtures throughout, as well as boasting two terraces offering two landscape views of Brindleyplace, canalside or with a view of the water features in the square.

Bank is the place to visit when fancying a full meal alongside a delicious cocktail, with an extensive menu that’s sure to have a dish that will curb your cravings. Offering a variety of elevated dishes, Bank ensures they cater to those who are plant-based, too. Scan the vegan menu at Bank and see what takes your fancy, with flavoursome dishes such as cauliflower katsu curry.

The array of delicious meals on offer is complemented by the fully stocked drinks menu. From no alcohol mocktails to some of the finest wines, this venue has all bases covered. Try one of the cheekily named cocktails such as the ‘Getting’ Figgy With it’ and ‘Everything's Just Peachy’ and dine alfresco on the beautiful terrace as you look out to Birmingham’s iconic canals.

Have a night out with friends at Bank Restaurant & Bar Birmingham as you soak in the views around you while trying out some of the creative cocktail concoctions and incredible dishes on offer. The spacious long bar lined by mirrors is a great place to spend an hour or two with friends after work or at weekends.

8. The Canal House

Sian Victoria © - The Canal House, Birmingham

The Canal House, one of Birmingham’s most distinctive pubs with cocktails on offer. With a history stretching back to the Georgian period, this venue is home to beautiful rustic interiors. Guests will immediately notice the unique chandeliers, crafted out of recycled glass bottles, a piano, as well as the overall homely vintage atmosphere created by antique furnishings.

Test out some new flavours as you make your way through the ale inventory, with over 60 beers up for grabs at the bar, alongside all the classic cocktails including a strawberry daiquiri and espresso martini. Sip your Instagram-worthy cocktail as you take in the surroundings inside the venue.

Fancy a bite to eat? Try out some of The Canal House’s delectable dishes. If you only have a small appetite, try out the shared plates, including ‘The Vegan Board’, or tuck into your choice of hearty meals while alfresco dining in Birmingham amongst the landscape of the canal on a summer evening at this unique venue.

Whether you fancy sitting outside on the terrace to catch a glimpse of the barges passing along the canal or inside the restaurant itself amongst the mesmerising décor, there’s no doubt that you’ll remember your visit here.

To conclude

So, there we have it. A selection of some of the top-rated cocktail bars in Birmingham that are home to some of the most Instagrammable backdrops, decors, and interiors. From neon signs on each wall to glass bottle chandeliers and dancing bartenders, a visit to any one of these great venues is sure to be memorable.

If trendy places to eat and drink are your thing, then you may also enjoy my post on the instagrammable restaurants in Birmingham interesting too.

Follow & Support