Birmingham has a maze of drinking spots and its easy to stick to what you know but these hidden gems are worth the hunt! From secret passwords, to swanky speakeasies behind plain-looking doors – these are some of Birmingham’s hard to find drinking spots.
1. Speakeasy Bar
Address: Colmore Rowe
Open: Thursday 5pm – 1am. Friday midday – 1am, Sunday 3pm -10pm
Speakeasy is the latest addition to the secret gems in Birmingham and it definitely deserves your attention. This basement bar oozes vintage US vibes but you’ll need to follow specific steps to get in. First you’ll need to ring 0121 236 2400 to get a password and make a reservation. You’ll need to press a buzzer when you get to the bar and a host will greet you and ask for the password. If the correct password is given then they will lead you downstairs where you’ll start no doubt one of the best nights in Birmingham.
2. Smultronstalle
Address: City Arcade, City Centre
Described on its website as “a discovered space special to you, treasured and returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress.
The word ‘Smultronstalle’ has been used since the early 20th century to describe a place that you like to come back to and that is not easy for others to find. A favourite spot; a place you relax, a place where you can go and forget about your troubles.”
This bar is hidden in City Arcade and you won’t find its location advertised. You’ll have to book weeks in advance and text on the day to get the address. Its a small venue with only space for nine people so you’ll need to book a table at the bar for your cocktail journey to begin.
3. The Peaky Speakeasy
Address: The Peaky Speakeasy at The Peaky Blinder, 115 Corporation St, B4 7LS
Open from 7pm every night
This fabulous place is underneath a 1920s themed peaky blinders pub in the city centre. But if your not a big fan of old boozers then I’d stay clear of this place. But if not, this place is a real gem and its situated behind a bookcase, now if that doesn’t get you curious I don’t know what will! No surprise this place holds peaky blinder events and they get pretty wild – give it a try and get yourself down there.
4. Gin Vault
Address: Situated canal side between Brindleyplace and The Mailbox
Opening hours: 12pm – 12am Monday to Thursdays, Friday and Saturday 12pm- 1am, Sunday 12pm- 12am. Friday and Saturday nights are busy so book a table!
The Gin Vault is housed in the same building as the O bar upstairs on Broad Street. Its been refurbished to its original glory days of a cellar. It serves 130 different types of gins! Take the challenge and see if you can try all 130 before the end of your Uni experience. Better yet see if you can do it in a year – take a picture of you doing it with every drink! Comment if you manage to complete the challenge!
5. 40 St Paul’s
Address: 40 Cox Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1RD
Opens until 11pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 8pm on Sunday. Closed on Mondays
This hidden gem is small with only 24 seats, so you’ll need to book before you go to avoid disappointment. There are 140+ types of gins for you to try and they’ve won some pretty impressive awards. Its not very visible so look out for the distinct black door with the number ’40’. Let us know how to get on in the comments below.
