Speakeasy Bars In Birmingham

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By Kiera Chapman Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 14th September 2026

If you're looking to grab a taste of the American Prohibition era, these Birmingham speakeasy bars should do the trick. And there are several of them to discover across the city, immersing you in the secretive but decadent world of the 1920s.

From those lurking behind nondescript doors to not-so-secret spots hiding in plain sight, these quirky watering holes are bringing you cocktails, unique decor and plenty of fun activities. Discover your new favourites below.

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Top Speakeasies In Birmingham




Downstairs At The Grand

Tucked away within Isaac's restaurant beneath the iconic Grand Hotel Birmingham, Downstairs At The Grand brings an alluring, prohibition-era secret to the city as its premier late-night live music speakeasy.

Channelling the covert magic of hidden subterranean dens, this moodily lit hideaway comes alive Thursday through Saturday nights with an incredible lineup of world-class jazz residencies, sultry bossa nova, energetic boogie-woogie, and intimate cabaret. You can sink into deep leather booths while sipping masterfully crafted negronis, classic old fashioneds, or fine fizz, perfectly paired with late-night artisan cheese boards and sourdough pizzas as soulful saxophones and bluesy vocals echo long into the early hours.

The Cocktail Club Birmingham

Located on Temple Street, this high-energy venue is designed by a top UK designer, making it the ultimate spot for cocktail lovers and party-goers alike. With a capacity of 450, spread across three vibrant rooms, The Cocktail Club is perfect for any celebration - from corporate events to birthdays and engagement parties. You can even book a private room for a truly exclusive experience.

Famed for its 'World's Hottest Happy Hour,' guests can enjoy cocktails like the Jam Jar Daiquiri and Solero Sundae, plus 2-for-£14 on all cocktails until 8pm daily (7pm on Saturdays). For a bit of extra fun, check out their 00's Bottomless Brunch every Saturday - packed with throwback tunes, crazy antics, and, of course, unlimited drinks.

180 Club at The Rectory

Hidden beneath the bustling buzz of St Paul's Square lies one of Birmingham's coolest underground secrets - 180 Club, a modern speakeasy with a playful twist. Tucked beneath The Rectory Bar & Restaurant, this subterranean hideaway is all about social darts, bringing high-tech electronic boards, neon-lit vibes, and seriously good drinks together in one slick package.

Whether you're looking to spice up your next date night, plan a quirky team hangout, or just fancy sinking a few cocktails while aiming for that bullseye, 180 Club hits the mark. With six lanes, space for up to 150 people, and plenty of atmosphere, it's a unique mix of retro pub game and modern party energy. Expect cocktails, shots, beers, and bites, with a couple of ground-floor lanes available for accessible fun too.

Bistro Du Vin

Tucked away beneath the stylish Hotel Du Vin, Bistro Du Vin is a hidden gem in Birmingham, offering a cosy, intimate escape from the bustle of city life. With its charming, cellar-like atmosphere, this snug pub is the perfect spot for city slickers and professionals to unwind after a long day.

It may be small, with room for 60-80 guests, but its warmth and inviting ambience create the perfect retreat for after-work drinks or a quiet nightcap.

The Gin Vault

Nestled in a cosy, cavernous space beneath the iconic Black Sabbath Bridge overlooking the Gas Street Canal, The Gin Vault is one of Birmingham's most charmingly authentic subterranean speakeasies.

Boasting a staggering wall of over 470 gins sourced from every corner of the globe, this hidden canalside den invites you to trade the bustling city streets above for a moodily lit retreat filled with botanical flair and expertly crafted cocktails.

The Wilderness

Hidden behind an understated brass plaque near New Street Station, The Wilderness is a moodily lit subterranean escape that captures the secretive, exclusive spirit of a private members' club.

Descending beneath the city streets into a moody den of exposed brick and flickering candlelight, you discover a favourite hideaway for Birmingham's creative elite. The real star here is the seasonally evolving mixology program, which mirrors a strict farm-to-table ethos by pairing house-distilled spirits with locally foraged ingredients for hyper-inventive cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a speakeasy bar?

A speakeasy is a bar inspired by the illegal drinking dens of 1920s Prohibition-era America, when the manufacture and sale of alcohol was banned. These secret establishments typically featured hidden entrances, passwords for entry and a clandestine atmosphere. Today, modern speakeasy bars recreate that sense of mystery and exclusivity — think concealed doors, underground settings, moody lighting and craft cocktails.

Which speakeasy bars in Birmingham are good for a date night?

Several of Birmingham's speakeasy bars are ideal for a date night. The Gin Vault's canal-side setting, intimate atmosphere and vast gin selection make it a romantic and memorable choice. Bistro Du Vin, hidden beneath Hotel Du Vin, offers a warm, cellar-like escape that's perfect for a quiet, intimate evening. The Lost & Found's secret room — with flickering candles and sleek decor — is another strong pick for a more exclusive date night drink. For something more playful, 180 Club's underground darts and cocktail combination makes for a fun, interactive date that's a step above the usual bar crawl.

Are Birmingham's speakeasy bars good for groups or private hire?

Yes — several of Birmingham's speakeasy-style bars cater well to groups and private events. 180 Club has six darts lanes and space for up to 150 people, making it a great option for group nights out, team events or birthday celebrations. The Lost & Found's secret room can accommodate up to 40 guests for private events, with its own serving area and atmospheric interiors. The Cocktail Club on Temple Street has a capacity of 450 across three rooms and offers private room hire for celebrations.