Top Bars and Cafes in Birmingham

The Rope Walk

Set amidst the Georgian chic of St Paul's Square, one of the better city center addresses, The Rope Walk has been established for 12 years now. It is popular with business types at lunchtimes and early evening, and serves traditional English meals as well spicier Mexican fare. On Sundays there is a carvery, where soup followed by as much meat as you can force down will cost around GBP6. The usual alcoholic range is offered, there's a patio out the back for airy summer drinking, and service is cordial.

Medicine Bar

A pre-club bar in the trendy Custard Factory complex, the Medicine Bar is a welcome alternative establishment. There are DJs every night belting out jazz, hip-hop, jungle and drum 'n' bass. Fridays and Saturdays are busier, so expect a funky mix of tracks. Décor tends towards industrial chic, so if you're after something more comfortable you may be better off elsewhere. Snacks, sandwiches and light meals are served from midday until 3p if you are feeling peckish, but after that it's just alcohol and soft drinks. Special one-off events are also organized once a month.

Floating Coffee Company

A tranquil setting for a relaxing coffee or light snack, as Hilary Clinton found out when she visited in 1998 whilst Bill was off at the nearby Malt House pub. Food includes a large breakfast available for early birds, at £5.95, and baguettes for £2.95. Space is at something of a premium, as you'd expect on a narrowboat, but it's a different experience and has more character than some of the flashy American-style places nearby.

Selly Park Tavern

A large and quite traditional pub, the Selly Park Tavern is often frequented by locals but its close proximity to Pebble Mill studios, Cannon Hill Park and Birmingham Nature Centre means that the pub can attract a mixed crowd. The range of drinks is wide but not unusual and there is good value food. There is a function room available and sometimes live music and quiz nights. The Tavern also has a skittle alley and a large car park.

Bank

Bank has remained one of the most popular and highly-regarded restaurants in the city, attracting a mix of customers as well-polished as the cutlery. It is a large eating and meeting, wheeling and dealing sort of place, accommodating 250 diners in some style. The food is mostly excellent and includes homely staples like sausages and mashed potatoes alongside more contemporary fare like Thai-style seared tuna. This is also one of the few places in Birmingham where you can get fresh oysters.

Foggs Bar

Located within Around the World in 80 Dishes, a multi-cuisine restaurant, Foggs Bar is a cool hangout. Several music events are held at this bar. You will get to hear Rock, Pop, Hiphop, RnB and much more. Dj's too play their favorite tracks from time to time. Want more? Come to the food station and enjoy a lovely buffet consisting of variety of cuisines. Overall, an apt choice for a fun night out.

Bobby Browns

Somewhat of a cult place to the citizens of Birmingham, Bobby Browns was previously a night club, but is much more than that today. Located on Gas Street, this club is now also a posh bar and diner. You'll see plenty of red here; the interiors are modern and there is a striking dominance of the colour red, giving it a strong urban feel. They have entertainment line-ups throughout the week, right from live performances to DJs. The place is available on hire for private events, parties and functions for which they provide catering and staff services as well. 

Sugar Suite

If you're looking for some place to crash in for a great night out, the Sugar Suite is that place. It promises the most happening music, and lives up to it night after night. With the best DJs playing the latest R&B, House and other tunes, there is no scope to miss an energy-packed night life in Birmingham. They are pretty particular about the dress code, so expect to be refused entry if you're dressed in sports wear or trainers. Located at the same address is the Velvet Bar (under the same management as this night club) which serves some great drinks. The Sugar Suite is also available on hire for private events. Contact for details.

The Place I Love

A music venue and bar in Digbeth, The Place I Love is a lot more than just another night club. You will always find some band playing live music, or on club nights they have the best DJs come in and spin some magic. The place promises good and cheap drinks making it extremely popular among students and youngsters who don't exactly have a heavy pocket. Lookout for deals and special offers on drinks. Contact for details.

O'Neill's

No matter where you go throughout the United Kingdom, you will surely find an O'Neill's pub in the vicinity. This one is the Birmingham city centre branch, while there is another one to the south of the city in Moseley. O'Neill's is well known as the quintessential Irish pub, and is especially popular for its Guiness and other beers. They also have a lip-smacking pub menu with all-time favourites like eggs and bacon, fish 'n' chips and meat pies. Coffee is also available for those who prefer to go sober. The pub has interesting music, especially some live music and artists like Jazz maestro Carlo De Wyjs have graced the place with their presence.