*This website contains sponsored posts & affiliate links

Sian Victoria © - Reflection of The Canal House pub & restaurant, Birmingham

Pub food & cocktails in Birmingham

Did you know that Birmingham boasts more canals than Venice? Yes, you read that right—9 more miles of beautiful waterways. As you stroll along the canal path in the city centre, you'll discover a plethora of excellent food and drink places in Birmingham. One gem that has been on my radar for quite some time, especially since I learned that it is dog-friendly, is The Canal House.

Recently, as a food blogger in Birmingham I had the pleasure of being invited, along with a guest, to experience their new "Sip your selfie" cocktails, complemented by a delectable three-course meal. As someone who had never visited The Canal House before, it was an offer I simply couldn't refuse - especially when they mentioned the irresistible perk of experiencing cocktails in Birmingham.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Canal House effortlessly combines industrial charm with a cozy and welcoming ambiance. The venue's location right on the canal adds an extra touch of magic, as the soft rippling of the water creates a serene backdrop for a memorable dining experience in the city.

Cocktails

The Canal House launched the ‘Sip your Selfie’ in early February and is as far as I know the only place in Birmingham right now giving you the opportunity to enjoy an Espresso martini (£8.95) or a Pornstar martini (£9.95) with your very own face on.

Yes, it’s a pricy gimmick but it’s a fun concept, so why not for the lol’s at this Instagram-worthy restaurant in Birmingham. Plus, the cocktail itself tastes pretty darn good, especially the pornstar which is one of my favourite fruity cocktails.

The process of ordering is super easy and quick, simply ask for one and they’ll give you a web link for you to access on your mobile so that you can send your selfie to the machine, which will then like magic create your selfie into the foam of the cocktail, so that you can have a selfie with your selfie drink.

Starters

Sian Victoria © - Vietnamese vegetable Rolls, The Canal House, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Hummus, vegetable sticks & flatbread, The Canal House, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Gỏi cuốn, Vietnamese vegetable Rolls, The Canal House, Birmingham

After a few sips of the cocktail, it was time to get stuck into the food. To start we picked the only two vegan options from the starter menu, although there are also a few vegan nibbles such as baked kale & sesame seed crisps, vegetable couscous and olives.

I’ve been meaning to get my hands on some rice paper for a while to make my own ‘Gỏi cuốn’ at home, so when I spotted ‘Vietnamese vegetable Rolls’ (£5.50) on the menu served with peanut and chilli pickle I just had to have them.

At first, I wasn’t so sure but after a bite or two, I really got into them once I got to the veggies and started dipping. I also got to try some of my guests ‘Homemade houmous’ (£5.25) with crudités and grilled flatbread. Which was delish!

Mains

Sian Victoria © - Crispy halloumi burger, The Canal House, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Pie & chips, The Canal House, Birmingham

Whenever there’s a vegan option on a menu I’ll always opt for it over vegetarian as I’m not a fan of cheese nowadays. However, from what I could see there were no vegan mains which is dissapointing since there is two great vegan starters on the menu.

I ended up going for the ‘Butternut squash, Goat’s cheese & mushroom pie’ (£11.75) – understandably there wasn’t an option to have it without goat’s cheese, but I asked just in case.

Also, before I realised the gravy was from the rotisserie, I had already poured it over my food. So, make sure to ask for vegetable gravy if you are vegetarian - we did say we were veggies to our waiter at the start - oh well!

Because of this, I didn’t manage to eat much of the meal but from what I did eat the food tasted good, the pie was flaky just the way I like it and the generous portion of chips were scrumptious.

My partner had the ‘Crispy halloumi burger’ (£10.95) with tomato, red onion, rocket and properly seasoned chips and thoroughly enjoyed it with it being crispy.

Desserts

Sian Victoria © - Cookie dough dessert, The Canal House, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Chocolate & peanut butter pudding, The Canal House, Birmingham

The ‘Baked chocolate chip cookie dough’ (£4.95) served warm with salted caramel ice cream and toffee sauce was my dessert of choice and it did not disappoint it was deliciously gooey.

While my partner went for the ‘Chocolate and peanut butter pudding’ (£4.95) with lime and banana jam which he enjoyed, especially the crumbly topping. However, he said he didn’t get any hint of lime.

There are so many amazing dessert places in Birmingham - so this is another foodie venue to consider in the city if you fancy something sweet.

The Canal House interiors

Sian Victoria © - Rustic interiors, The Canal House, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - The Canal House, Pub & restaurant, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Reflection of The Canal House, Birmingham

To conclude

Overall, we had a lovely evening the food and drinks were good especially the atmosphere and service, we both agreed we would go back.

Since opening during the summer of 2017, The Canal House has become a popular venue to many. With its charming rustic interiors, statement chandeliers made of recycled glassware, a balcony overlooking the canal and inviting beer garden in Birmingham making it the perfect escape for summer alfresco dining with friends and your furry companion at the weekend.

But even when the sun’s not shining The Canal House offers a cosy atmosphere and a hearty menu to enjoy with friends on chilly evenings.

Featured