*PR: Contains some gifted meals

Birmingham Dining Places with Outdoor Seating

If like me, you can’t wait to get some normality back into your life when it’s safe to do so. One of the first things I’m planning to do is dine out with friends and family to indulge in all the delicious food and drinks I’ve missed out on over the past year and finally celebrate an overdue 30th Birthday with the ones I love.

Since we can only book dining places with outdoor seating right now. I’ve put together a list of my favourite restaurants and bars that have the space for alfresco dining outside. So, whether you're booking a reservation now or holding on and looking for summer dining inspiration. I’m sure you’ll find a venue in Birmingham you’ll love from my recommendations.

If not, then you may find my places to eat in Birmingham post helpful for more great foodie places to visit.

1. Browns

A place I visited often before the lockdown was Browns Brasserie & Bar located opposite the iconic Selfridges Bullring and the picturesque St. Martin's church. The quality restaurant has a contemporary British themed menu with a slight French twist and a lovely ambience. Great for taking time out to enjoy food and drink after shopping.

Browns Bullring has outdoor dining on the ground floor as well as a rooftop terrace to overlook the city centre. Making it one of the perfect places to visit for delicious food and drink in the heart of Birmingham.

For more on Browns see my places to eat vegetarian in Birmingham and the afternoon tea places.

2. The Edgbaston

Sian Victoria © - The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge

The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge in Edgbaston Village located a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Broad Street is the perfect place to go for an award-winning cocktail menu and a unique afternoon tea experience.

Inside The Edgbaston, you’ll find art-deco black and gold interiors with beautiful chandeliers and antique-style furniture. While outside in the garden you’ll find a variety of tables, sun loungers and padded seating. Making it the perfect choice for a warm summer’s day.

To see more from this venue and others similar nearby, visit my Summer experience at Calthorpe Estates.

3. Bank

Sian Victoria © - Bank restaurant, Brindley place

Bank the Continental restaurant located in Brindley place has a spacious bar and dining experience with an outdoor terrace overlooking Birmingham’s iconic canal system. The stylish venue offers fine dining and a unique ambience with friendly customer service.

The outdoor dining area has an electronic cover making it a great place to visit come rain or shine. Over the past few years, I’ve experienced the three-course vegetarian menu as well as the vegan food at Bank and I can honestly say it’s some of the best veggie food I’ve eaten at a place that isn’t solely vegan.

The food and drink are made even more memorable in this beautifully styled venue.

4. The Canal House

Sian Victoria © - The Canal House, Birmingham

One of the most popular places to visit for a beer garden in the city is The Canal House. Located on Bridge Street a short walk from Birmingham’s iconic library, Symphony Hall and Hyatt Regency Birmingham hotel.

Besides the canal views from the ground floor and rooftop terrace. You’ll love the rustic interiors at this country-style tavern which offers British pub grub and live music.

5. The High Field

Sian Victoria © - The High Field, Edgbaston

Located across the road from The Edgbaston on Calthorpe Estates. You’ll find The High Field. It has a spacious beer garden, with an undercover decking area and a light and airy dining space inside. The cosy yet stylish restaurant and Gastropub serves a seasonal British menu and a great selection of quality draught beers, ale, cocktails, gins, and wines.

The welcoming family-friendly venue also serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, a Sunday roast, a gluten-free and children’s menu. So, there’s something for everyone at any time of day.

To have a peek at the menu, see my Edgbaston Summer experience for a three-course food and drink review.

6. Birdies

If you fancy escaping to an outdoor tropical-themed bar and street food venue in Birmingham. Then you’ll need to head to the creative quarter in Digbeth. Here you’ll find Birdies Bar on Gibb Street. A short walk from the iconic Custard Factory.

The food menu consists of locked & loaded fries and burgers with the option for most items to be modified for vegans. There’s also a variety of fruity cocktails and a food and drink package offer.

To see more from Birdies, visit my cocktail bars in Birmingham post.

7. Sky By The Water

Sian Victoria © - Sky by the Water, Resorts World Birmingham

Sky by the Water formally known as The Sky Bar at Resorts World Birmingham. Offers a luxurious rooftop bar and restaurant experience with neon-lit Secret Garden pods on the terrace overlooking the lake at the NEC complex. I’ve not visited since the recent refurbishment, however the photos I’ve seen look fantastic.

On the fifth floor of the outlet shopping destination near Birmingham International train station you can enjoy afternoon tea and a Sunday roast menu as well as a lunch, main and children’s menu.

Plus, a fantastic cocktail menu featuring the new Jaffa cake themed alcoholic beverage with a zingy and velvety chocolate flavour.

8. Dark Horse

Sian Victoria © - Dark Horse pub, Moseley, Birmingham

In the heart of Moseley Village on the outskirts of Birmingham city centre, you’ll find the Dark Horse pub on Alcester Road. The family-friendly pub is a popular venue for craft beer and live music.

Most recently they introduced an exciting pop-up food menu to support local foodie businesses while introducing something different for customers to indulge in every month.

There are over 50 craft beers to choose from. But if beer isn’t your thing there’s a variety of delicious cocktails to enjoy too.

9. The Village

Sian Victoria © - The Village Pub, Moseley, Birmingham

Down the road from the Dark Horse, you can find The Village Pub in Moseley. Where the laid-back cosy venue offers outdoor dining on a decked terrace area. But if it gets too cold you can always find a warm spot inside next to the log burner, restrictions permitting.

There’s plenty to order from the food and drink menu. There’s also a bottomless brunch on Saturday’s for £25pp and a Sunday roast menu featuring items for vegans.

10. 1565 Bar & Terrace at Park Regis

Sian Victoria © - 1565 Bar & Terrace at Park Regis

Right at the end of iconic Birmingham Broad Street is the 1565 Bar & Terrace at the Park Regis hotel, perfect for those seeking somewhere new to enjoy drinks and dining with friends. There’s also the new Indus Indian restaurant on the 16th floor if you fancy enjoying the views of the city on days it may be too chilly to enjoy the alfresco terrace - although there is heating and a canopy for your comfort.

The 16th-floor restaurant was once home to Japanese dining, where I enjoyed afternoon tea at Rofuto. But afternoon tea at Park Regis can now be indulged in at the 1565 Bar instead as well as Happy Hour and an all-day dining menu.

Hard to miss when strolling the westside streets of Birmingham, step inside the towering hotel and travel up to the fourth floor. The beautiful rooftop terrace and luxurious cocktail bar are expansive spaces designed to accommodate all visitors seeking a break from the chaos of the city. Enjoy a coffee while relaxing inside the elegantly decorated bar, fitted with chandeliers and sophisticated furnishings, or stroll outside onto the terrace if the weather is in your favour.

Despite overlooking Fiveways ring road, which is slightly hidden by the towering trees below, they’ve done well to create a lovely space with comfortable seating spaces with the addition of artificial grass on the terrace and ambient music playing, so you can sit back and enjoy sipping on your favourite cocktail and forget about the bustling city streets beneath you.

11. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

Sian Victoria © - Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill is a well-loved, high-quality restaurant chain across the country. Situated in the iconic Cube building that’s also home to the Cube Hotel Birmingham next to the Mailbox, this eatery invites its diners to enjoy mouth-watering dishes – while also providing panoramic city views as you tuck into your meal.

Slightly on the pricier end, the Marco Pierre White restaurant in Birmingham is the perfect place to dine if you’re going out for a meal on a special occasion, or if you just fancy treating yourself and your loved ones to a divine dining experience. It’s a place you can enjoy the finest quality steaks, burgers, or a vegan dish such as a flavoursome vegetable and bean cassoulet or Bolognese.

To see the vegetarian dishes, I’ve had here visit my Hilton Chester hotel & Marco Pierre White experience where I indulged in a romantic three-course meal. It’s also well-known locally as one of the best places for afternoon tea in Birmingham, an experience I had the pleasure to enjoy as a perfect Mother’s Day gift.

There are a variety of seating areas for eating and drinking at this premium dining restaurant in Birmingham. With the city skyline accompanying your dining experience, you have the option to sit at a table by the window in the restaurant for an additional fee, or there’s the Cube terrace area outside offering unforgettable alfresco memories with Birmingham as your backdrop.

12. Pitcher & Piano Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Pitcher & Piano Birmingham

Overlooking the iconic Birmingham canals is the Pitcher & Piano; a buzzing bar and grill situated within the iconic Brindley place not too far from another favourite of mine, the Thai restaurant Siamais that also has a small area for alfresco dining under a canopy.

Boasting an arch terrace balcony and alfresco dining lining the Canalside, inside is just as eye-catching too. The interior of the bar couldn’t be more contemporary and inviting, with hanging botanical features, bright lighting fixtures and colourful furnishings throughout.

Serving up all the classic cocktail concoctions and grill classics, where you can enjoy a bite to eat with friends. Whether it’s a £10 sharer plate of nachos you fancy, or something more such as a vegan buddha bowl or burger, enjoy a glass of champagne or wine as you tuck into your dish.

Perhaps one of this bar and restaurant’s most notable features is its terrace. Overlooking the stunning canals and beautiful development that is Brindleyplace, enjoy bottomless brunch or a glass of bubbly as you take in the stunning scenery around you.

It’s especially lovely during summer and just as beautiful at night too with all the lights reflecting in the canal making Pitcher & Piano certainly one to consider visiting for its alfresco dining experience.

13. All Bar One, Brindley Place

Sian Victoria © - All Bar One, Brindley Place

Another perfect alfresco dining option within Birmingham’s Brindleyplace is All Bar One. If you’re seeking a place to enjoy a night out with friends, All Bar One is the place to go. It’s one of my favourite chain restaurants and bars to enjoy delicious vegan food in Birmingham as they have so many great options. Both healthy and indulgent.

Whether you fancy just a small brunch snack such as some French toast, or you have an appetite for something bigger like a vegan burger or a nourishing bowl, there’s an extensive array of flavoursome dishes to try out as you sip their wide range of drinks. They also host cocktail-making classes in Birmingham – perfect if you are planning a hen night or Birthday celebration.

With a lovely alfresco dining area in the heart of Brindleyplace steps away from the canal bridge enjoy a glass of champagne or your favourite classic cocktail as you dine alfresco, taking in the views of BrindleyPlace overlooking the Canalside. Either soak up the sun on a warm summer’s day or start your night out right by the glistening water’s edge.

14. Bill’s

Sian Victoria © - Bill’s restaurant at Bullring, St Martin’s Square

A classic, family-favourite restaurant, Bills serves up delicious contemporary European dishes. Located in the heart of the Bullring in St Martins Square, this restaurant and bar features lovely interior design and a fantastic menu perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon cakes and all-day dining.

From distinctive lighting fixtures to charming plant décor, Bills restaurant makes sure to leave an impression as soon as you step inside. Take a break from your shopping in Birmingham and see what’s on offer. Treat yourself to a classic brunch or go all out with something from their impressive vegan menu such as the dirty vegan burger, the hippy bowl or the plant-based Shawarma stuffed flatbread.

Whether you fancy sitting inside amongst the striking décor or want to make the most of the warm weather on the outdoor terrace centrally located in the heart of Birmingham city centre with a view of the historically beautiful St. Martin's church, you’re sure to enjoy your delectable meal amongst the buzzing surroundings of the city. Perfect for whether you're seeking a drink or a bite to eat with family or friends, an alfresco dining experience here is one not to miss.

To see just a handful of the vegetarian and vegan food I’ve eaten at Bill’s over the years, see my restaurants in Birmingham post for dishes on the main menu and my day trip to Leamington Spa to see the brunch plates.

15. Café Rouge

Sian Victoria © - Cafe Rouge, alfresco dining at the Mailbox

Located across from Bill’s restaurant in St Martin’s Square is Café Rouge at the Bullring. Offering contemporary French cuisine to be enjoyed in the central shopping district of Birmingham this nationwide chain restaurant is in the perfect location to indulge in delicious food and drink while admiring the historic St Martin’s Church amidst the bustling square between the Bullring and Selfridges.

The city was also previously home to Café Rouge at The Mailbox overlooking the Canalside, this had always been one of my favourite alfresco dining places in Birmingham until it sadly closed. It’s where I’ve enjoyed many three-course meals at Café Rouge with friends and family as the sun sets reflecting beautifully with the city lights at the water’s edge.

But the Bullring location is still considered an Instagrammable restaurant in Birmingham with its picture-perfect backdrop for outdoor dining. I’ve ate a lot here, the summer menu at Café Rouge is always exceptional. Especially when it comes to their well-stacked burgers, they’ve been known to have some of the tastiest vegan burgers in Birmingham. But a plant-based burger isn’t always on their seasonal menu.

The modern bistro offers Persian dining from 09:00 - 21:00 and is available for breakfast, lunch, dessert, afternoon tea as well as an all-day menu with a few dishes for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dietary requirements.

16. Gusto Italian – Colmore Row

Sian Victoria © - Gusto Italian, Colmore Row alfresco dining

Gusto Italian is located on Colmore Row, the center of Birmingham's business district, and invites you to sample the flavors of Italy for a decadent lunch or a special occasion dinner. Their 12 locations are spread out around the nation, and each one offers a unique dining experience.

The Gusto Birmingham restaurant offers a perfect backdrop for alfresco dining in the city with its picturesque location facing St. Philip's Cathedral and the green space surrounding the square known locally as Pigeon Park for you to enjoy while you tuck into Sicilian inspired dished at one of the top-rated Italian restaurants in Birmingham.

You'll feel right at home in its stylish yet comfortable environment, where cosy lighting and gorgeous olive tree decorations combine to create a welcoming ambiance that is only made more perfect by the delicious cuisine and beverages you'll be served.

You can choose from a wide selection of traditional Italian foods from Bruschetta to beautifully made Foccacia on an extensive and reasonably priced A La Carte menu to suit any craving you may have. Starting at slightly over £10, you can try main courses offering you authentic flavours prepared by people who have a passion for flavour and authenticity, with each recipe being carefully crafted so that you can experience a traditional dish of Italy, such as pizza with a sourdough base or a delicious creamy carbonara, to mention a few.

Gusto Italian is the ideal option if you’re seeking delectable dishes that are rich with flavour and authenticity while wanting to enjoy a pretty city landscape with your outdoor dining in Birmingham.

17. The Fighting Cocks

Sian Victoria © - The Fighting Cocks pub, Moseley, Birmingham

Also, nearby in Moseley Village is The Fighting Cocks Pub. Situated in a stunning Grade II listed building from the 1800 period with some beautiful historic features to be experienced inside.

The outdoor beer garden has a variety of tables and undercover booths to enjoy alfresco dining while indulging in breakfast, a main or Sunday roast.

To conclude

So, there you go I hope you’ve found somewhere new to experience from this list. If you have any recommendations of places, I should visit let me know. If I love the venue, I’ll add it to my list of personal recommendations.

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17 Best Alfresco Birmingham Restaurants, Bars & Pubs