Now we don't know if anyone's told you yet, but Birmingham just so happens to have more canals than Venice. And while you may not find any gondola rowers hooting and hollering their way down the river, you will catch a great collection of bars and pubs that make for relaxed drinks in the city. Check out our recommendations for the best riverside bars in Birmingham.
With cocktails, wine and scrumptious dinner dishes, All Bar One Birmingham is an excellent choice for those wanting a riverside bar. Along with the interior's casual ambience, you'll appreciate the deals, including 2 for £13 cocktails from Sunday to Thursday after 5pm.
A pub and restaurant right by the canal, The Distillery Birmingham has an outdoor terrace worth heading to on the weekends. Great for whiling away during the warmer months, the venue slings out crispy squid and peeping hot pizzas.
A sanctuary of style and flavour, The Botanist Gas Street Basin is famed for its eclectic menu and creative drinks. Its split-level design, complete with lush greenery and an inviting atmosphere, makes it perfect for any occasion.
Venture down to delight in its world-famous hanging kebabs, cookie dough desserts and seasonal spritzes made with English botanicals.
After Birmingham canals? Pitcher and Piano is a charming watering hole poised directly over the river. Make haste for one of the patio tables or perch yourself over its second-floor balcony to get a great glimpse of the city's beaut waterways.
On a Birmingham canal pub crawl? Felson's is a top-notch shout for those looking for activities and delish drinks. From shuffleboard to pool and the yummiest chicken wings, this late-night bar promises nothing but good vibes.
Overlooking the mailbox canal from its Gas Street location, Verve Lounge is a stylish cocktail bar that's housed in the same building as the famous Bobby Browns was formerly. The sleek space is decorated with minimalist interiors and a foliage feature wall, boasting a heated outdoor area too.
There are a wide variety of signature cocktails available here, on a menu that takes inspiration from all over the world and uses lots of homemade ingredients too.
Located in Brindleyplace, The Alchemist is a bit of a no-brainer for waterside retreats. The venue slings out delicious bottomless brunches and a fabulous selection of drinks - we mean the likes of espresso martinis, bloody marys and other creative (and sometimes theatrical) cocktails.
Looking for riverside bars in Birmingham? Check out Slug and Lettuce, where you'll find pornstar martinis, pina coladas and coconut bombs aplenty. Its quaint outdoor seating also features string lights and pretty views of the city.
Located right next to Birmingham's bustling canal, The Malt House is a historic pub with a laid-back atmosphere. It sports a balcony overlooking the main bar and traditional, wooden awnings and a waterside seating area casting views across the city. On the menu, you'll find plenty of delicious local ales alongside hearty food such as fish and chips.
Pretty and pink, Noel's Bar & Restaurant is a riverside eatery serving up Mediterranean bites in a pastel setting. Featuring stunning botanical decor and golden light fixtures, the interiors are just as sticking as the canal-side views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. You can expect to tuck into ribbons of fresh pasta here, braised beef croquettes and grilled octopus.
Located in the Mailbox over the Gas Street Canal, Pennyblacks fronts vintage furniture and exposed brickwork. In addition, the venue whips up pizzas, burgers and hotdogs, which you can enjoy alongside wine and real ale. But that's not all, as this joint also hosts live DJs from Thursday to Saturday, plus screens all major sports matches.
If you're searching for relaxed drinks, then this riverside pub in the city couldn't be more perfect. Nab a spot outside on one of Ju Ju's Cafe's patio tables and just watch the world go by. Or if you fancy a spot of grub on your visit? Go for a fry-up that comes in a quirky little frying pan.
