We have searched high and low to bring you the best new bars, restauarants and cafes in Birmingham from 2022, as well as a few soon to open and those opening in 2023. The inclusions are based on our own knowledge, press releases we are sent, research, including site visits, reviews and tip-offs from those in the trade. From sexy Street Food to tasty Tapas, funky Cafes & Craft Ale bars to frolicking French cuisine – join us on a journey through Birmingham’s newst food, drink, music and culture scene!
North Taproom, Snow Hill
North, the independent Leeds-based brewery, is growing with the opening of North Taproom: Snow Hill in Birmingham’s city centre. North Taproom will be showcasing North’s extensive core range, alongside an ever-changing line-up of beers, wines, cocktails, ciders and spirits from an eclectic range of local and international producers. Fellow Leeds-based brand, Little Bao Boy, will be making the move with North, serving up a menu of contemporary Asian street food.
Unit 1, Snow Hill, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6GH
www.northbrewing.com/north-taproom-snow-hill
Yardbirds, Stirchley
Since 2018, Birmingham street food traders Yardbirds have been serving up American style buttermilk fried chicken at events across the UK. Their incredible fried chicken has been on the menu at street food events, music festivals such as Latitude and their kiosks at Villa Park. and now they have a permanent home in Stirchley. Co-owners Paul Desmond, Jonathan Jones and Jenny Deeley are the masterminds behind The Bournville Waffle Company, Pietanic and events company Seasonal Markets. They are delighted to open the doors to the new restaurant.
1505-1507 Perhsore Road, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 2JL
Stirs Stores & Kong, Stirchley
Stir Stores opened as a stylish vintage living hub just as the corona pandemic was taking hold. They survived through the lock-downs to open last year as a neighbourhood bar & restaurant with a super-cool music policy with the occasional live music. The current menu is Middle Eastern inspired. Open Wednesays to Sundays – Stirchley’s brightest hangout for food, furniture & neons art. Birmingham-based spirits brand BeauFort Spirit will be taking a month-long residency spot at Kong bar, Stirchley this December, with an exclusive cocktail menu. *Kong bar is owned by the same guys behind Stir Stores and will be opening proper in 2023.
1469 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JL
Passing Fancies, Digbeth
Passing Fancies, cocktail bar headed up by award-winning bartenders Tommy Matthews, Matt Arnold and Eve Green, officially opened in the Custard Factory on 8th September 2022. The bar brings ‘approachable luxury’ to Birmingham, with a regularly changing menu and a vow to stray away from set themes. The venue’s layout is reminiscent of ‘the kitchen at a house party’. The team behind Passing Fancies were inspired by the idea of ‘creativity out of love’, stemming from the story of local chemist and founder of the Custard Factory, Alfred Bird, who created the first eggless custard due to his wife’s allergy.
30 Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BF
Tropea, Harborne
Tropea opened back in 2021 as a rather fancy independent Italian restaurant, however, after a pretty nifty refurb, this Harborne fave reopened in summer 2022 with a new al fresco terrace. In the short time since its opening, Tropea have been featured in Michelin Good Food Guide with an ever-changing seasonal menu and inspired cocktail list.
27 Lordswood Road, Harborne, B17 9RP
Smoke + Ash, Edgbaston
Smoke + Ash, opened Nov 2022 in Edgbaston as a new, independent pizzeria focused on delivering great Neapolitan style pizza, quality wines + seasonal twists on classic cocktails. Smoke + Ash is the brainchild of owners Paul and Clare who met while studying at university here in Birmingham some 20 years ago. Smoke + Ash joins popular venues including Loki and Chapter in Greenfield Crescent.
12 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston Village B15 3AU
Jungle Bird
Jungle Bird, which opened in 2022, is your friendly tropical cocktail bar located just a two minute walk from New Street Grand Central. The team specialize in world class cocktails without the BS, bright and beautiful plant-based dishes curated by the awesome Bah-Ha Vegan and some of the best service in town. There are late-night cocktails with DJ’s spinning classic party tunes, carefree bottomless brunches, Soulful Sunday roasts and private parties.
Westside Two, 20 Suffolk Street, Birmingham, B1 1LW
Atelier, Jewellery Quarter
Atelier, a creative drinks studio and cocktail bar from award-winning drinks creator, Robert Wood, opened in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter September 2022. Housed housed in a Grade II listed building that dates back to 1838, which formed part of the Elkington Mason & Co electro-gilding and plating works, Atelier’s interior is Scandinavian in design. Like a true atelier, the space is a workshop that offers complete creative freedom, allowing Robert to express his ever-changing interests and ideas through drinks. Open for just a few nights a week for a handful of guests each evening, and with each menu available for a limited time only, guests can expect a constantly evolving experience.
Newhall Square, Birmingham, B3 1RU
The Sunflower Lounge
The Sunflower Lounge, has recently undergone a refit with a new 60s-inspired, Op Art installation. The new look, curated by new manager Ben Drummond, and created by local artists Sleep Sparrow and Foka Wolf, is a 1960s inspired haven with murals and pop culture paste ups. The look has been completed with nods to mid century design including a Videosphere TV and Pop Art comic books. Expect 60s-themed nights with indie, disco and a mix of local and touring talent downstairs most nights.
76 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4EG
Blow Water, Kings Heath
Blow Water Cafe is a Hong Kong insipired eatery and arts space dedicated to Hong Kong Culture, connecting the far East with Birmingham through the arts and food. A female-led enterprise, Blow Water builds a cultural bridge to introduce people to the spirit of Hong Kong through authentic cuisine and creative events. Blow Water was founded in 2019 by Sabrina, born and raised in Hong Kong. Hosting Hong Kong supper clubs with a western twist, Blow Water collaborates with creatives, encouraging people to celebrate social diversity together.
4B Heathfield Road, Moseley and Kings Heath, B14 7DB
Dig Brew’s Clubhouse
A 30 second walk from Birmingham New Street Station, is the new colourful Digbrew Clubhouse bottle shop & bar. Opened as a pop-up during the Commonwealth Games 2022, the team decided to make this ultra cool little space a permanent home in the heart of the city to accompany their well established Digbrew Co. brewery and tap in Digbeth. With seating upstairs and a wide range of cans and bottles, it’s a perfect take-away for the train home or to sit down and enjoy the freshest home-made beers on draft.
Unit 17, Piccadilly Arcade, Stephenson Street, Birmingham, B2 4HD
digbrewco.com/digbrews-bottle-shop
HANBAO, Digbeth
HANBAO means burger in Mandarin. This eatery is an east meets west dining experience. Founded in 2016 in Worcester, the unique burgers and cocktails HANBAO serve are all about heavy indulgence; great food, great environment and great service. Travelling to HK & China the owners explored the restaurants, clean-concrete, raw, neon-lit aesthetics of the different cities that inspired them. Then onto America, exploring the best basement bars, street food stalls, back alley restaurants and all-you can-eat buffets en route. HANBAO dishes benefit from experiencing innovative and experimental culinary approaches. HK & China influenced the interior. NYC & LA inspired the flavour.
46 Floodgate Street, Digbeth, B5 5SL
https://www.hanbao.co.uk/locations
Trentina, Jewellery Quarter
Focusing on freshly made pasta, delectable salads and British charcuterie, Trentina aim to bring big flavour with a relaxed experience. Accompanied by a drinks menu featuring classic Italian wines, refreshing aperitivos and intriguing digestifs. Trentina aim to showcase some of the best locally grown, reared and crafted ingredients, from producers who share their love of Italian cuisine. The charcuterie from Cobble Land Cured in Islington, and meat from Dunwood Farm in Staffordshire, are created by producers who really care about their craft. The pasta is made from Organic 00 flour from Shipton Mill near Tetbury in the Cotswolds. Stracciatella and Mozzarella come from British dairy herds, providing the freshest, tastiest cheese.
33 Mary Street, Jewellery Quarter, B3 1UD
Pause, Kings Heath
Much-loved pop-up coffee shop, Pause, now has a permanent home in Kings Heath. Opening in Kings Court (High Street) May 2022, the bricks and mortar coffee shop is ‘a dream come true’ for owners Farah Chaudry and Rory McGhie who are thrilled to join the thriving Kings Heath hospitality scene. Famous for its quality coffee and creative bakes, Pause provides not only a relaxed venue to meet friends and family, but also an inclusive community-focused space where care is at the forefront of everything. Encouraging customers to enjoy a moment of calm served with a slice of kindness, locals can expect a warm welcome and a peaceful space within one of Brum’s most popular suburbs.
90 High Street, King’s Heath, Birmingham, B14 7JZUK
Hengata, Harborne
Skilfully executed seasonal menu, big tunes, coffee, cocktails, natural wine, good beer, good times! Located in Harborne, a stone’s throw away from the City of Birmingham, you can visit Hengata for coffee, brunch, and evening dinner. A sense of playfulness is at Hengata’s core, from the nod to youth culture to the found objects adorning shelves, and the mix of tactile materials providing guests with contrast, surprise, and depth, a rich sensory experience in this stunning old Victorian building.
The School Yard, 106 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NJ
Kilo Ziro, Digbeth
Kilo Ziro is the UK’s First Zero Waste Café Bar & Taproom. A selection of organic, natural & biodynamic wines are served by the glass via self-service ‘Wine & Fizz Refills’ tap wall. Also available to dispense in taster measures, a perfect opportunity for wine tastings – fill a bottle to take home and bring it back for refill! Local craft beers and ciders are available on tap via refillable stainless-steel kegs. A mindfully crafted cocktail menu uses innovative methods of reducing waste and lowering carbon footprint. During the day, Kilo Ziro is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee with your laptop/book/mate or even your pet – they are cat and dog friendly! Lush interiors with hint of Art Deco and comfy velvet seating differentiates this Digbeth bar – think sophistication and date nights; a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
1 Gibb Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, United Kingdom, B9 4AA
The Coconut Tree
A small chain which has built up a great reputation, a taste of Sri Lankan family hospitality, with an authentic affordable menu delivering delicious dishes and fantastic flavours combined with fun Cocktails and a relaxed island vibe. TCT are passionate about sharing uniquely Sri Lankan flavours with the world, serving delicious Sri Lankan small plates in a relaxed ‘island vibe’ setting, mixed in with great hospitality and some cool tunes.
35 Gas Street, Birmingham, B1 2JT
twww.thecoconut-tree.com/restaurant_bars/birmingham/
Gorilla Café, Brindleyplace
At Gorilla Café they like to get the important things right: delicious coffee, excellent brunch & lunch, decadent treats and fine premium beers. Gorilla Cafe is not just a mecca to wonderful food and drink, its also home to a long established legendary bicycle workshop and cycle club. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a bike lover, or both; you’ll adore their friendly cafe. Whether it’s one of the handcrafted sandwiches, locally sourced cakes or wonderful brunches, there is something to tantalise the taste buds for everyone to enjoy. Fantastic food, wonderful beer and great service are at the heart of Brindleyplace.
6 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JB
www.gorillacafe.co.uk/brindleyplace
Shibuya Underground
Birminghams premier Japanese cocktail and sake bar since, serving a drinks focused tasting menu, with a choice of Japanese inspired cocktails or sake selected by sake expert Samuel Boulton. Shibuya opened deep undergound in 2022, directly below the wonderful Pineapple Club cocktail bar in The Great Western Arcade. Pineapple Club opened during the pandemic and has not only survived numerous lock-downs and toilet roll holder thefts (yes it’s true), the bar has also spawned Shibuya, a real treat beneath the streets of Brum, or is it Tokyo?
Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU
The Church Inn, Hockley
The Church Inn, Hockley, has been taken on by the team behind Tiger Bites Pig, Tierra and Trentina. Ed and Neil, two thirds of Imposter, previously worked at The Church. The Church delivers some great British produce with a Gallic accent. A revamped dining room, main bar and roof terrace are the main features. You’ll find a selection of both keg and cask beers, with the cask coming from Everards of Leicestershire, an approachable wine and cocktail list and a selection of hot bar snacks including scotch eggs, sausage rolls and beef dripping chips. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights play host to DJs, ensuring an eclectic mix of soul, funk and hip-hop tunes from 9pm ‘til 1am.
22 Great Hampton St, Birmingham B18 6AQ
Lavang, Solihull
With Lavang, dive into the realm of awe-inspiring South East Asian cuisine while basking in a dining ambience that will leave you spellbound. Lavang based in Solihull offers great-tasting Continental delights at affordable prices. Get Fresh Food Delivered Hot To Your Doorstep! Biriyai, Balti, Tandoori and more.
884 Old Lode Lane , Solihull, B92 8LWB
Schooners, King’s Heath
Schooners transformed itself from a mobile craft ale pop-up to a neighbourhood watering hole in the trendy suburb of King’s Heath. Situated on York Road, Schooners bar specialises in locally brewed beers with a dart board, weekend DJs and friendly vibe. A fab little spot when mooching around the Heath.
31 York Rd, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7SA
www.instagram.com/schoonersbar
Crazy Pedro’s, Digbeth
Crazy Pedro’s pizza chain of Manchester, opened its doors in The Courtyard (formerly The Medicine Bar), at The Custard Factory in Digbeth, summer 2022. The 4-storey venue has a floor dedicated to their bottomless brunch. Crazy Pedro’s specialises in all things tequila and mezcal, showcasing one of the largest agave collections in the UK. The Digbeth venue serves up frozen Margaritas on tap 7 days a week, alongside their 90-minute Bottomless Pizza Brunch, which includes unlimited slices, frozen margaritas, beer, Prosecco & Hooch.
The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA
Vinoteca
Sitting in the heart of Birmingham, Vinoteca’s chefs are cranking out fresh, seasonal food all day long, to pair with impeccably sourced wines, beers and cocktails. The Vinoteca team have packed out the week with flavour, from Tasting Tuesdays hosted by resident wine experts to cosy Sunday roasts. From great value speedy set-lunches to epic Saturday tasting events. The best view in town overlooking Chamberlain Square.
2 Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3AX
The Cocktail Club
The Cocktail Club, formerly known as London Cocktail Club, has chosen Birmingham as the destination for their 15th and biggest site to date. Opened September 2022, The Cocktail Club on Temple Street offers ‘The World’s Hottest Happy Hour’ seven days a week. The bar’s concept was initially conceived by John James ‘JJ’ Goodman and James Hopkins. JJ was crowned the winner of the World’s Best Bartender award at the 2008 Cocktail World Cup. Each of The Cocktail Club sites are individually designed, differing in decor and venue size. Many sites offer themed Bottomless Brunches, which include bottomless Prosecco, Pornstar Martinis and Brambles, a brunch menu and raucous live entertainment.
31 Temple St, Birmingham, B2 5DB
www.thecocktailclub.com/bars/birmingham
Orelle Birmingham
Orelle comprises a modern French restaurant located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row, plus a Cocktail Bar and all day Café located on the ground floor. Orelle offers 360-degree, panoramic views across the city and beyond. Open for lunch and dinner, Orelle serves a menu featuring both classic and modern French dishes. The small but beautifully designed bar will offer both classic and innovative cocktails, all crafted by mixologists.
103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AG
The Queens Head by Davenports
The Queens Head – a ‘proper pub’ – by Davenports Brewery adding even more appeal to the Colmore District. After a stylish revamp and name change, The Queens Head now serves excellent ales, spirits and freshly prepared cocktails which sit alongside a menu of great British pub favourites made with locally sourced ingredients. From a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day, delicious lunchtime sandwiches, fresh fish & chips, great steaks and mighty burgers to sharing platters and Afternoon Tea, there’s something for everyone, at all times of the day in this stunning Victorian boozer (formerly The Jekyll & Hyde).
28 Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6BJ
Other World Bar
Departing from Birmingham you and your friends will be transported to the OTHERWORLD: a virtual island paradise. The Immersion Pod™ Technology features Wind, Heat & Rumble so you body will feel everything as your mind explores. Scattered across the island you’ll find the world’s best virtual reality games & adventures, just like a virtual theme park. Players earn points for drinks tokens from the futuristic self service bar.
20 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QJ
Damascena Edgbaston
Taking its name from the ‘Damascus Rose’, Damascena offers an authentic Middle Eastern taste whatever your dietary requirements. Savour the flavours, inhale the aromas, and take in the Middle Eastern decor. With venues in the city centre, Moseley, Harborne, the Jewellery Quarter and now Edgbaston, you’re never far from Damascena. Grab a takeaway coffee, or savour the moment with a traditional dallah, eat lunch on the go, or relax with a sit-down meal.
Lyndon House, 62 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, B16 8PE
Tabu Bar & Restaurant, Jewellery Quarter
A brand new bar, restaurant and late-night venue in the Jewellery Quarter brings together Pan Asian cuisine and live entertainment all wrapped up in a luxury, underground retreat. Drink, dine, and dance the night away. The seductive subterranean venue boasts a spacious bar and dining area, along with private booths for groups, and will be home to live music every Thursday-Sunday night.
Newhall Hill, Birmingham, B1 3JP
Eis Cafe, Ladypool Road
Eis Cafe is a warm, easy-going outpost offering freshly ground coffee and truly iconic desserts. There’s nothing quite like the Eis Cafe waffle. Freshly baked waffles served with homemade ice cream is the perfect treat for all dessert lovers. Whether it’s A gooey, fudge brownie or the classic strawberry & banana waffle, Eis is a mecca for dessert lovers. The main source of inspiration for the latest design on Ladypool Road comes from a love of Japanese style hipster cafes (some of the most beautiful in the world). The Ladypool Road branch is state of the art, equipped with the the latest, high tech coffee machines for that extra quality brew.
340 – 342 Ladypool Rd., Sparkbrook, Birmingham B12 8JY
Bijoux Lounge
Bijoux is a lively Cocktail lounge, serving beautiful liquids & Fusion Canapes with live entertainment. The venue offer Urban Chic meets club vibes, with soft Teal velour seating, gold contrasts, mood lighting, diamonds & bejewelled decor and finishes. Innovative cocktails from experienced mixologists, house pour & premium drinks. Djs and entertainers create a house and RnB party vibe until the early hours every weekend.
85 – 89 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2BB
No.21, Jewellery Quarter
Two of Birmingham’s club DJ’s are set to make the growing nightlife scene in the second city even more fabulous, with the opening of an elegant independent cocktail bar, located in the heart of the historic Jewellery Quarter. No.21, a beautifully stylish space, officially opened its doors on 5th November 2022. Owners and friends, Danny Kane and Paulos Barron have created a seasonal cocktail collection which will be served against a soundtrack of bespoke live music and guest DJ’s.
21 Frederick Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B1 3HE
www.facebook.com/no21frederickstreet
Opening Soon..
Ikigai, Stirchley
Ikigai at 1000 Trades are about to open new cocktail bar! Having built up a fab reputation for cocktails above 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter, Ikigai are making a move to the increasingly hip suburb of Stirchley. Expect Japanese-inspired mixed drinks with a completely new menu based around Japanese art. The team hope to bring a tasty Japanese street food dishes and home-style cooking to the bar moving forward. Luke Bensley, from Stourbridge, who had previously worked at Michelin-star Opheem, aims to create a cool neighbourhood-style bar.
Pershore Road, Stirchley, B30 2XU
Soi 1268, Stirchley
Award-winning Thai food stall Buddha Belly is to open a new restaurant in Stirchley. Buddha Belly, a stalwart of both Digbeth Dining Club and more recently Hockley Social Club, are opening their new permanent Street Food eatery on Pershore Road. In 2015, Buddha Belly was voted best street food at the Creative Oceanic Food Awards – and in 2017 they were voted What’s On Reader Award for best street food. They were also the 2019 winners of best street food at the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards. Soi 1268 in Stirchley – a permanent home for award-winning Thai food specialists.
1268 Pershore Road, Stirchley, B30 2XU
www.buddhabellystreetfood.co.uk
The Bun & Barrel, Harborne
The Bun & Barrel, a burger restaurant with pool and jukebox, from the team behind Harborne Kitchen, is due to open in Harborne.
152a High Street, Harborne, B17 9NP
Sommar, High Street
West Midlands based, independent brewery, Sommar Brewing Company, is set to open their seventh venue, in Harborne – in the unit formerly occupied by The Paper Duck. Offering customers a taste of their own brewed craft beers, guest beer selection, premium cocktails and live entertainment.
15 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NP
Perch Coffee Shop & Bakery
A new coffee shop & bakery coming soon to Birmingham City Centre! Perch, have been working with the team at Citadel Birmingham to curate a short film, to show their vision for this exciting new venture. The team behind Birmingham’s fantastic Early Bird Bakery will be opening a new pastry and coffee concept on Corporation Street, expect cool things. Coming early 2023!
190 Corporation St, B4 6QD
Opening in 2023..
Attic Brew Co. want to extend their offering within the city. In addition to their pale ales, lagers and IPAs brewed in Stirchley, the team want to create a bar and barrel store in the Jewellery Quarter to bring mixed fermentation and aged beers, as well as rich velvet-y barrel-aged stouts. Attic Barrel Store is opening in Spring 2023.
Michelin-star chef Brad Carter is opening One Star Doner Bar at the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath in early 2023. The curated menu will take in two kebabs and two shawarmas, made from the same high-quality ingredients as dishes on the menu at Carters of Moseley, including Lamb from Launceston, Cornwall, Tamworth Mortadella and Cotswold White Chicken.
Andy Low ‘N’ Slow is opening a permanent home for his slow cooked meaty delights in The Jewellery Quarter. A firm fave on the Digbeth Dining Club scene he hopes to open up shop in 2023 with a soundtrack of hip hop beats for eats.
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana has announced it is due to open in Brindleyplace, Birmingham in 2023. The neighbourhood pizzeria will bring its relaxed dining concept to the former Cielo venue on Oozells Street.
An Independent food hall within a former J.D. Wetherspoons in Kings Heath.
Restoration of The Crown pub opposite New Street Grand Central, which will celebrate the pub’s heritage being the birthplace of Black Sabbath in 1968, but also look ahead and invest in young, creative talent. The pub will also have a combination of two and three-bed ‘boutique art hotel’ rooms.
The Park Playground VR Experience Brindley Place.
Sandbox VR Birmingham.
Glynn Purnell’s tapas restaurant on Edmund Street.
F1® Arcade confirms Birmingham for its second venue in Paradise.
Diggers Arms – Old Wharf, 21, Oxford Street, Digbeth. The Old Wharf ceased hosting live music in late 2011 and finally closed down as a pub in 2012 but rumour is this beautiful old boozer will re-open as The Diggers Arms in 2023.
The Mayan, Meso American quisine in The Mailbox opening 2023. From the guys behind Indico and Qavali.
Kong bar, Stirchley.