Cool and Quirky Bars in Birmingham

From their popular Punk IPA to their downright dastardly Hardcode IPA, Brewdog are leading the independent front when it comes to unique places to drink in Birmingham. Grab a pint, unwind and sink into a tall glass of hop-based bliss. 

Nostalgic by nature, the Night Owl in Digbeth hopes to bring Funk and Soul back to the foreground of Birmingham's nightlife scene. Beautifully decorated with vintage records, retro disco balls and classic typewriters, the venue's resident DJs play all the best 60s, 70s and 80s tracks. 

Based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, this venue certainly isn't short of character. From classic cocktails lists and global beers to comedy nights and festivals, The RVT is not only a hubbub of activity but a thriving mix of young and creative locals. 

What with The Jekyll and Hyde's beer garden covered in Alice in Wonderland interpretations, it's no surprise that this pub feels like falling down the rabbit's hole. From their bespoke and tailored cocktail lists to the Victorian gin parlour upstairs, this pub is fun and frivolous.

Taking on the style of an American diner, Buffalo & Rye serves up beefy bourbons and hearty food in their cool restaurant-bar. Decked out with raw woodwork and exposed brick walls, this place is a must for some hella punchy, Southern inspired cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere. 

The Birmingham Bierkeller has everything you could want from a German themed beer hall. Steins of beers, long tables and staff decked out in traditional clothing. And to top it all off? An Oompah band will provide all the music – you've never had this much fun yet.

Known to be some of the best bartenders in the bizniz, Be At One don't mess about when it comes to cocktails. Championing good times, this cool bar will complete your night with great music, fun atmospheres and a serious happy hour. Piccadilly Arcade never looked so good - nor has their sister site in Brindley Place.

In Home to cocktail creations and a tasty food menu to rival any Deep South Diner, young professionals and students alike fill this pub week-in week-out. Host to lively DJ nights come the weekend, The Victoria becomes more a club space ideal for an alternative Saturday night.

Pinball and pints? YES! The newest member of the City Arcade block, Tilt is a quaint little cafe by day and lively bar by night. Serving hot coffees to get you through the day and craft beers to keep you happy after work, it very much nurtures a community spirit.

The city's urban hangout for killer cocktails and communal dining, Gas Street Social is undoubtedly one of Birmingham's coolest places to drink. Brought to you from the Shaker & Co collective, this place specialises in innovative mixology, bar banter and a buzzing atmosphere.

The Cuban Embassy is a unique venue that has an array of events that keep the crowds flocking. From live art installations to live gigs, there's something for everyone in this music venue come pub. Given the variety on offer, it consistently busy every Friday and Saturday night. 

A pretty suave destination where mixology peaks to innovative and expert heights, The Edgbaston is a collection of cocktail lounges in a traditional Georgian building on Highfield Road. This stylish hotel has become a haven for inventive bartending and one of the city's favourite watering holes.

A two floored tiki bar with exotic charm and cocktails to match, this place is adorned with hula girls, paradise props and palm trees galore. Known for their rowdy Saturdays and cocktail masterclasses, Island Bar is unique, boasting plenty of charm and with an alluring attitude. 

Sitting prettily on the canal and offering up a series of great gins and craft beers, this is pretty much one of the best hangouts in the city. But add in a food menu of delicious robata grilled food and wood-fired pizzas, and you've got something great.

With its rough charm and quirky attitude, Spotlight blends everything from atmosphere and DJ nights to vintage sofa's and retro luggage trunk tables, creating a buzzing cool Birmingham bar that's become a favourite for late nights and raucous parties. 

In the heart of one of Birmingham's nightlife and creative institutions comes the Mockingbird Theatre. A cultural hub for socialising, eating, drinking and even screening films, it's a cool and casual joint with a community spirit where you can see an array of dazzling performances. 

Hidden behind what looks like someone's front door is the wold's best gin bar. With black booths, dark wooden tables and a bar fully stocked with all the spirits you could need, this place is a real gem to sip on some marvelous concoctions made from one of their 140 gins.

Where has this place been hiding and why didn't we hear about it earlier? With a cocktail lounge, cigar shop/humidor and garden tiki bar under their wings, The Prince of Wales in Moseley is more than meets the eye when it comes to quirky bars in Birmingham.