The Edgbaston Hotel Cocktail Lounges
Not one but three (count ’em quick while you’re still sober) cocktail lounges within this exquisitely designed boutique hotel that has fast built a reputation for the finest cocktails in the city. And this from people who know the city and its more salubrious watering holes all too well. An art Deco interior of black and gold, classic cocktails, murderously good Martini’s and tableside service give this place its well deserved cherry-on-top/great-shakes reputation. Superb, understated service without all the bell-ringing hysteria of its Americana cousins, this place is quintessentially cool and does British chic in the best way possible – in good old understated style. A team of bartenders knee-deep in the multiple awards they’ve recieved here and cocktails made from the finest fresh and sourced ingredients create traditionally elite and modern, innovative drinks all showcasing The Edgbaston’s passion for perfection. As well as cocktails customers can sample twelve different champagnes most of which are available by the glass. A rare gem. Reservations essential.
18 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3DU. Tel: 0121 454 5212 or email reservations@theedgbaston.co.uk
www.theedgbaston.co.uk

The Jekyll & Hyde
Snuggled amongst Birmingham’s abundance of bars lies The Jekyll and Hyde, a little hidden gem of a gin parlour just on the corner of Steakhouse Lane, it’s nestled amongst the vintage warehouses and graffiti riddled junk shops of Digbeth. With Alice in Wonderland murals covering the walls and plush velvet furniture transporting you back to the 1920’s, the bar is overflowing with hundreds of different liquor bottles, all skilfully utilised to create their enticing range of cocktails. With the notebook of Mr Edward Hyde as their menu, they offer a wide and wacky range of elixirs, concoctions and potions, served in a range of receptacle oddities from laboratory flasks to bowler hats. For a truly different cocktail experience, this rare curiosity is a must-see – be sure to try the Lemon Bon Bon, fittingly served topped with the retro lemon sweets.
28 Steelhouse Lane, City Centre, Birmingham, B4 6BJ. Tel: 0121 236 0345. 12pm –11pm, www.thejekyllandhyde.co.uk

The Lost & Found
Birmingham’s ‘Best Kept Secret’ is hidden in a beautiful Grade II listed building. This Victorian treasure is situated in an old bank on the corner of Waterloo Street near Bennett’s Hill. The drinking emporium serves an extensive range of both long and short drinks. A botanical hideaway artfully decorated with period artefacts, the architectural opulence make for the perfect after work, pre-dinner or special occasion drinks. Just far enough away from the hub-bub of the city, its atmosphere is truly magical. Grab a Pamplemousse Sparklet whilst you’re there, a marvellous mixture of Hendricks Gin, pink grapefruit liquor, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and Favola prosecco.
8 Bennett’s Hill, City Centre, Birmingham, B2 5RS, Tel: 0121 643 9293, 11am-11pm, www.the-lostandfound.co.uk

Island Bar
Voted one of the Top 50 bars in the UK by The Independent, it’s easy to see why Island Bar is a favourite of the locals here in Birmingham. Specialising in South Pacific & Caribbean drinks, and tucked away just behind Queensway, Island offers a vast variety of quirky cocktails with a huge selection of rums. With a Hawaiian themed Tiki bar upstairs and a unique combination of exotic charm, rock & roll attitude and master mixologists, this independent venture is a veritable castaway’s paradise amongst a sea of corporate chains – and a definite must-try. Be sure to visit on a Thursday night, where their acoustic open mic evenings influence the bar staff to serve up a number of Music inspired cocktail concoctions like rum-fuelled ‘Welcome To Jamrock’, served in an appropriately kitsch jam-jar.
14-16 Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham B1 1LT, Tel: 0121 632 5296, 5pm-12am, www.bar-island.co.uk