Birmingham’s nightlife scene is a thriving, constantly changing world, providing anything from secretive speakeasies to energetic craft beer hotspots and chic cocktail bars. Entering 2025, there are various establishments that still hold the torch, and fresh contenders appear, reinforcing Birmingham as one of the greatest places for a night to remember. Whether you’re into live music, themed venues, or sleek lounges, exploring the Best Bars in Birmingham is essential for experiencing the city’s vibrant energy.
From hidden gems to popular favorites, the Best Bars in Birmingham offer something unique for every night owl or casual visitor.
Herein, this guide visits some of the greatest bars 2025 the city has to provide for tastes and needs across the board.
Cocktail Connoisseurs’ Paradises:
Birmingham has several top-notch options for those in search of impeccably prepared cocktails and an urbane atmosphere
Couch (Stirchley):
This independent neighborhood bar in Stirchley has received national acclaim, repeatedly featuring in the UK’s best cocktail bars. Praised for its “industry-leading drinks without the pretence,” Couch features a menu of hand-made cocktails that take inspiration from film, with each one named after cult movies. Their highly trained staff and changing special cocktail on draught contribute to the special appeal.
Passing Fancies (Digbeth):
In the fashionable Custard Factory, Passing Fancies is all about “accessible luxury.” With a compact but generous 12-strong cocktail list made up of beautifully designed drinks, this bar keeps things focused on flavour profiles and has small plates to pair with the tipple. Being committed to delivering affordable high-end experiences puts it top of its game in Birmingham’s hip Digbeth district.
The Alchemist (Colmore Row & Brindleyplace):
Birmingham’s cocktail establishment of choice, The Alchemist still charms with its molecular and theatrical mixology. Their mixologists prepare drinks with a focus so precise that they are obsessive about it, making visually dramatic and tasty creations. The setting in the Grade-listed Grand Hotel is especially impressive for their Colmore Row venue.
Fox & Chance (City Centre):
This trendy cocktail bar at the center of Birmingham specializes in producing original and impressive cocktails. With its chic and cozy setting, it is an ideal place for a classy night out.
O Bar Birmingham (Broad Street):
Located on lively Broad Street, O Bar features a lively vibe and a wide range of innovative and colourful cocktails. With its skilled mixologists and themed nights featuring cocktails, it’s an energetic place to start and finish the night.
Specialty and Experiential Bars:
In addition to traditional bars, Birmingham features establishments that are special and experiential:
Indian Brewery Taproom (Jewellery Quarter):
For beer connoisseurs, the recently opened Indian Brewery Taproom in the Jewellery Quarter is heaven. With a huge beer hall with 25 taps, a new menu, views of the brewery, and even a games room, it’s a great spot to try local beers and soak up the atmosphere.
Clays Birmingham (City Centre):
Providing a fast-paced spin on the night out at the bar, Clays is providing a virtual clay shooting experience, coupled with excellent food and beverages. Situated close to New Street station, this state-of-the-art venue is an engaging and fun night out.
TOCA Social (Bullring):
For football supporters and socializers in equal measure, TOCA Social combines state-of-the-art interactive football games with great grub and thirst-quenching drinks. Situated in the Bullring, it’s an innovative and exciting place to have a night out with friends.
Albert’s Schloss (Paradise Birmingham):
This alpine-style bier hall and restaurant provide an interesting and lively atmosphere. With a large choice of beers, comforting food, and ongoing entertainment, it introduces a flavor of the Alps to Birmingham’s city center.
MoonCat Birmingham (Brindleyplace):
This neon-lit haunt in Brindley Place offers a quirky and entertaining experience with piano duels, live music quizzes, and delicious Japanese street food alongside bespoke cocktails.
Rooftop Retreats with City Views:
For those who enjoy sipping their drinks with a view, Birmingham offers some impressive rooftop bars:
Sky Bar & Restaurant (Resorts World Birmingham):
Located on the fifth floor of Resorts World, Sky Bar offers beautiful rooftop views overlooking the lake. It’s a perfect spot for coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or enjoying their cocktail kitchen’s creations while taking in the scenery. Their Secret Garden offers a unique outdoor space with covered pods.
1565 Bar & Terrace (Park Regis Birmingham):
This trendy bar on the rooftop of the Park Regis hotel serves innovative cocktails, tasty cuisine, and afternoon tea with fantastic cityscape views from its alfresco terrace. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a stylish drink while gazing at Birmingham’s skyline.
The Button Factory (Jewellery Quarter):
As much celebrated for its cocktails, The Button Factory has an upstairs bar and roof terrace, offering a wonderful place to drink with a view in the historic Jewellery Quarter.
New and Noteworthy:
Birmingham’s nightlife scene keeps on growing, with new openings in 2025 that are hotly anticipated:
Regina’s Bar and Restaurant (Newhall Street):
Having opened in Spring 2025, Regina’s is a luxurious Mediterranean experience with an exquisite interior and emphasis on true flavours, masterfully mixed cocktails, quality wines, and top-shelf spirits.
Bygones Bar (Southside):
Supported by local bartenders, Bygones is a new cocktail bar opening in late April or early May 2025 in Southside. It will bring a new addition to the city’s cocktail scene.
Hidden Gems and Local Favourites:
Besides trendy bars, there is also their complement of homely local pubs and off-beat gems for discovering in 2025. Not necessarily going onto “best of” compilations, the pubs are distinguished by individuality and an unadulterated Birmingham feeling. Venturing out into sections like the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth, and the suburban fringes is how one gets to find local gems.
Stay Informed:
The bar scene is ever-changing, and new venues are constantly opening. Monitor local press, social media, and sites such as DesignMyNight and Visit Birmingham for the most recent openings and trends to make sure you enjoy the best of Birmingham’s bar scene in 2025.
Whether you’re looking for creative cocktails, craft beers, a specialty atmosphere, or panoramic city vistas, Birmingham’s vibrant and eclectic bar culture in 2025 has something for every discerning imbibing enthusiast. Don’t forget to review opening times and booking details ahead of time, particularly for newer or busy spots. Cheers to a great night out in Birmingham!