9 Hidden Cocktail Bars in Birmingham All Insiders Know
Crowded bars cramping your vibe? Think Birmingham’s out of hidden gems? Only if you don’t know where to look.
For nights of laughter, craft cocktails, and fun until the early hours without the crowds, it has to be one of Birmingham’s many secret cocktail bars.
From speakeasy bars to modern hidden bars, this city is teeming with swanky watering holes that the masses don’t know about. Just don’t tell anyone about your favourite!
What is a Speak Easy Bar?
Before we dive into the options, we’ll quickly explain speakeasy bars.
This name comes from the 1920s in America, where making and drinking alcohol was illegal. Of course, people quickly found a way around this rule, and thus the speakeasy was born.
These were illegal bars where guests enjoyed drinks, flapper shows, and secret merriment. Since they were secret, many had passwords or concealed entries.
Fun Fact: Some speakeasy bars even had entries through hollowed-out fridges.
Today, some bars mimic the vintage vibes of speakeasies. Below, we’ll detail both speakeasies and hidden bars in Birmingham to give you variety. You won’t find any mainstream picks here!
9 Secret Cocktail Bars in Birmingham
You’ll want to make a list of these hidden bars in Birmingham ASAP.
1. Felson’s Birmingham
Looking for authentic vintage charm? Make a reservation at Felson’s Birmingham.
While this isn’t your typical 1920s speakeasy, the bar does have a 1950s vintage theme. Plus, it’s also a pool bar — so you can enjoy beers and cocktails while competing with your mates.
You’ll also find table football, shuffleboard, and live sports.
2. The Gin Vault
Gin was a favourite in the speakeasy era, and you can still find plenty of hidden bars that focus on premium gin cocktails today!
The Gin Vault is an excellent pick. Not only is it a canal-side spot on Birmingham’s iconic Gas Street, but the bar is stocked with over 470 different types of gin. From traditional recipes to fruity flavours, there’s something for every palate here.
Add some music to the mix. The Gin Vault hosts live music nights on Fridays.
3. Cafe Lovelife
Cocktails with a Mediterranean twist? Yes, please!
Located in Digbeth, 20 minutes from the city centre, LoveLife is an independent cafe, restaurant, and bar that serves up Med-inspired cuisine and cocktails.
The never-ending drinks menu boasts bespoke cocktails, including Cherry Whiskey Sour, Pineapple Martini, El Diablo, and Pornstar Bellinis.
You can also sip on craft beer, cider, Mediterranean wines, natural wines, and draught pints. Alcohol-free cocktails are available, too.
4. 40 St Paul’s
When it comes to hidden bars in Birmingham, 40 St Paul’s is a classic pick.
You’ll find this swanky establishment behind a mundane-looking door in the Jewellery Quarter. But don’t be fooled; inside, you’ll find over 140 gins and plenty more creative cocktails.
Whether you want to impress your mates or secure a romantic evening, 40 St Paul’s passes the secret bar check.
5. Lost & Found
Okay, we know! Lost & Found isn’t exactly a secret cocktail bar.
However, it does tick the vintage-vibes box. So, if you’re looking for a speakeasy bar in Birmingham, a few tipples here might tick the box.
Also, the drinks here are downright unique. There's lots to try, from a Popcorn Old Fashioned and a Picante Margarita to a Lychee Martini or a Strawberry Bon Bon. You can also opt for classic cocktails if you want something well-known!
6. Bacchus Bar
Situated in one of the city’s oldest streets, Bacchus Bar puts an antique spin on the traditional British pub.
Don’t scroll away! This pub isn’t all lager and darts boards. It also serves cocktails, spritz, wine, whiskey, gins, and craft beer.
The bar’s unique design is the main attraction. Faux-historical trinkets, themed rooms, and quirky decor await every visit.
7. Fox & Chance
Fox and Chance is an award-winning independent cocktail bar with a secret bar feel.
Brummies know it as the go-to spot for date nights or celebrations—perfect for when an ordinary bar just won’t do.
Pro Tip: Take your visit to the next level with the bar’s highly-rated whisky tastings.
8. Couch
We’re travelling to Strichley now, southwest of Birmingham centre. You can read the spot via a 20-minute train from Birmingham New Street.
Why make the journey? Because Couch is one of the hottest cocktail spots and it’s still a secret bar. You won’t face crowds of tourists here!
Also, this independent bar takes crafted cocktails seriously. Unique tipples include Impulse, Peads in a Pod, and Jagged Little Pill—a must for Alanis Morisette fans.
9. Grain & Glass
Calling all whiskey drinkers. Make a reservation at Grain & Glass now.
Located in the Jewellery Quarter, this bar and tasting room is a whiskey enthusiast’s dream. Rare whiskeys? Check. Private tastings? Check. Over 300+ different options? Check.
While not specifically a secret cocktail bar, Grain & Glass is too special to omit.
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