Birmingham city centre is packed with places to enjoy a good cocktail, from polished lounges on Colmore Row to lively bars in Southside. The trick is knowing which part of the centre suits your night. At WashWorx, our cocktail bar and lounge on Hurst Street, we see every kind of evening, from quiet after-work catch-ups to full-volume celebrations, and the right setting makes all the difference.
This guide explains where to find cocktails in Birmingham city centre, how to choose between the different areas, and what to look for in a cocktail lounge so your next round is worth the trip. Whether you are planning a date, a birthday or simply a Friday with friends, you will find a starting point here.
Why Birmingham city centre is great for cocktails
The city centre is compact, which is its biggest advantage. You can start with a cocktail near Colmore Row, head to Southside for entertainment and finish on Broad Street, all without a long journey. Each area has its own character, so a night out can change mood as you move between them.
That variety means there are plenty of places for drinks in Birmingham, whether you want something refined, relaxed or loud. It also means you can build a night around the mood you are in, rather than fitting your plans around one venue. Good transport links, from New Street Station to the tram and plenty of late buses, also make the centre easy to reach and easy to leave, which matters when the night runs long.
Where to find cocktails in Birmingham city centre
Colmore Row and Bennetts Hill
This is the polished end of the city centre. Colmore Row and Bennetts Hill are home to well-known cocktail bars such as The Alchemist at The Grand, The Lost & Found and Dirty Martini, along with plenty of restaurant-led venues. It suits date nights, after-work drinks and celebrations where you want a stylish room and a confident menu. The mood is usually more conversational, which makes it a good choice for catching up.
Southside and Hurst Street
Southside is one of the liveliest parts of the city centre after dark. Hurst Street sits close to the Birmingham Hippodrome and Chinatown, so dinner, a show and drinks can all happen within a short stroll. It is also home to Birmingham’s Gay Village, a welcoming cluster of bars and clubs with DJs, drag and live entertainment.
WashWorx at 131 Hurst Street is a social, inclusive cocktail lounge and entertainment venue built around theatrical drinks. It is relaxed earlier in the evening and livelier as the night goes on, so one booking can cover both a catch-up and a night out.
Broad Street
Broad Street is Birmingham’s best-known party strip. Large bars and clubs line the road, which suits big groups and late finishes. Cocktails here tend to be fun, fast and made for sharing, so it works best when you want a high-energy night rather than a quiet drink.
Finding the right place for drinks in Birmingham by occasion
Choosing by occasion is the easiest way to narrow down your options.
- After work: Pick somewhere central that opens early and has a relaxed first hour. WashWorx opens at 4pm from Monday to Friday, which makes it easy to start with a calm drink and let the evening build.
- Date night: Look for warm lighting, comfortable seating and a menu with a few classics and something a little special. A venue that is quiet enough to talk but lively enough to feel like an occasion is ideal.
- Big group or birthday: Check capacity, booking policy and whether you can reserve space. Private hire is worth asking about for larger parties, as it takes the pressure off finding room for everyone.
- Before a show: Choose a venue close to the theatre district and plan your timings so nobody is rushed.
- Late night: Check closing times in advance. WashWorx stays open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
What to look for in a cocktail lounge in Birmingham
A few simple checks separate a good cocktail lounge from an average one.
- The menu: A confident list with classics, house creations and good non-alcoholic options is a sign the team knows what it is doing.
- Atmosphere: Lighting, seating and music volume matter more than people expect. You want to hear your friends and feel comfortable.
- Service: Friendly, knowledgeable staff who can recommend a drink make a big difference, especially if you are new to cocktails.
- Entertainment: DJs, drag performances and themed nights shape a venue’s personality, so check the events calendar before you choose.
- Hours and location: Make sure opening times and transport links suit your plans.
- Booking: Find out whether you can reserve a table, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cocktails worth ordering
A good cocktail lounge should offer reliable classics and a few drinks that surprise you. At WashWorx, the drinks menu runs from a fresh Margarita and a Pornstar Martini to an Espresso Martini and the dry ice serves, such as the Zombie, which arrive in a cloud of smoke. There is also a full list of mocktails for anyone skipping alcohol, prepared with the same care as the cocktails. If you are unsure where to start, order one classic and one signature serve, then compare them. It is a simple way to learn what you enjoy, and it gives the table something to talk about.
If you would like help choosing, our guide to the best cocktails to try in Birmingham walks through the favourites, and the bar team are always happy to point you towards something that suits your taste.
Pairing cocktails with something to eat
A cocktail night is better with something to share. WashWorx serves tapas-style sharing plates alongside the drinks, with vegetarian and vegan options, so you can graze while you sip. You can read more about the tapas and drinks on offer, or see our guide to tapas and cocktails in Birmingham for pairing ideas.
Tips for enjoying a cocktail night in the city centre
- Book ahead: Fridays and Saturdays fill up, particularly for groups.
- Start early: Arriving before the rush means a better table and a calmer first drink.
- Mix your areas: Begin somewhere relaxed, then move on to somewhere livelier.
- Tell the venue about the occasion: Most places will happily make a birthday or celebration feel special.
- Pace yourself: Alternate cocktails with water or a mocktail so the night lasts.
- Plan the journey home: Check closing times and transport before you head out.
- Plan the whole evening: For ideas on food, shows and late-night plans, read our Birmingham nightlife guide.
The bottom line
The best place for cocktails in Birmingham city centre depends on the kind of night you want. Colmore Row and Bennetts Hill suit polished drinks and conversation, Broad Street is made for big, loud nights, and Southside brings entertainment, drag and a welcoming atmosphere. For theatrical cocktails and a relaxed-to-lively evening on Hurst Street, WashWorx is a strong place to start.
Browse the drinks menu, see what’s on, or book a table for your next night out.