With the growing number of cocktail bars and ale drinking establishments, it may be easy to overlook some of the plush wine bars in Birmingham. This list will provide an extensive look into some of the best local wine bars, which offer a different experience in each. The recommendations listed include wine bars which provide scenic environments, competitive prices, exclusive taster sessions, nibbles and much more. So, whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, or are partial to the odd glass with a meal, come and let these wine bars cater to your fancy.
The Plough, Harborne
21 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NT, United Kingdom. Tel: 0121 427 3678
Voted by the Morning Advertiser one of the “Top 20 pubs in the UK,” this trendy pub/restaurant combines stylish décor, alongside an impressive wine list which showcases both new and old wines from all over the world. A spit and wine school is offered, which enables you to learn about the wines and spirits on offer in the comfort of a private dining room in the Plough. Not only do they provide 21 varieties of house wine and sparkling to drink by the glass, they also offer a selection of ‘rare beasts’ from small or iconic producers. These wines are only offered by the bottle and is regularly updated- so grab them whilst they are still in stock as they only get a small amount in of each. They believe that these wines are worth discovering, so if you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, or are keen on experiencing rare wines, check it out. (Bottles vary from £19.50-£60.00)
The Plough & Spit & Wine School
Bar + Block
3-6 Waterloo Street, Birmingham B2 5PG, United Kingdom. Tel: 0121 227 5139
Meat and wine lovers unite. Bar + Block offers a large menu specialising in steaks and grills. Your meal could be complimented with a glass of wine from their drinks menu, with bottles of wine ranging from £14.95-£34.95. On a Friday, they offer bottles of Prosecco for £15 all day. With the extensive menu and 18 different wines and sparkling to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. A fab steakhouse with decent wines on offer.
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1000 Trades Bar
16 Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HE, United Kingdom. Tel: 0121 233 2693
Set inside a picturesque grade II listed building in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, this bar offers a selection of craft beer and natural wine. However, perhaps the main attraction of this bar is the live music which can be listened to whilst sipping a refreshing glass of wine. Playing to an eclectic audience, rhythm and blues, jazz, indie, funk, soul, and disco are just some of the genres that you can experience here. Ideal for a few glasses of wine whilst listening to independent labels from the high-quality sound system.
The Botanist
14-16 Temple Street, Birmingham B2 5BG, United Kingdom. Tel: 0121 600 7430
For an experience like no other, The Botanist offers a rustic interior combined with a botanical garden feel. The menu offers a delicious selection of botanical cocktails, ales, beers, food, and, of course, Champagne and wine. Adding to the mood of the place, guests can enjoy live music most evenings which includes a selection of contemporary rock, indie, pop, soul, blues etc. Named ‘The New World Wine List,’ the Botanist offers wines from all over the world alongside a detailed wine map (which feels almost educational). The menu holds an impressive 33 different wines and sparkling, with bottles varying from £17.50-£135.00. A unique experience accompanied by live music and a fantastic range of wines.
The Jekyll and Hyde
28 Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6BJ, United Kingdom. Tel: 0121 2360345
Step into wonderland and experience this quaint pub and unusual décor, reflecting the split personality as suggested in the name. This pub offers an extensive drinks menu with over 90 different gins. Although predominantly a gin parlour, this pub offers delicious food and a list of wines which is sourced by the local wine merchant Connolloy’s. With 8 different wines to choose from, bottles range from £14.95-£25. Enjoy the enchanting beer garden which is painted with character’s from Alice in Wonderland, offering great photo opportunities for you and your friends.
Loki Wine
Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU, United Kingdom
0121 2129440
The most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham, Loki Wine offers an exciting experience which allows you to taste any of the wines before purchase. This becomes a fun activity since there is the chance to taste up to 40 different wines. The innovative nature of this establishment means that it has won Decanter UK Wine Merchant of the Year outside London. On arrival, you are given a Loki Wine tasting card which you upload credit on, giving you the opportunity to taste the boutique and award-winning wines for as little as 69p per glass. Depending on what takes your fancy, you are then able to purchase a bottle from the shop (which is home to 600 bottles of wine) to take home. Not only will you get to try more wine than any other wine bar in Birmingham, it offers a unique experience which you won’t forget.* (*note: this may depend on how much wine is consumed)
All Bar One, New Street Station
28b, New Street Station, Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B2 4QE. Tel: 0121 643 3157
With 51 options to choose from, All Bar One offers an extensive selection of handpicked wine for you to enjoy. This is particularly enjoyable on their ‘Tapas Tuesdays’ which allows you 4 small plates of tapas and a bottle of house wine for £20- a steal. Or, for an extra £5 you can upgrade to one of their hand selected ‘must try’ bottles from 4pm on Tuesday. If you are after a sophisticated place to chill after work or with friends, this bar is just the ticket.
Utopia Country Bar
16 Church St, Birmingham B3 2NP.Tel: 0121 233 3666
Situated near the Jewellery Quarter, Utopia is the perfect spot to meet up with friends or colleagues after work. The wine menu features an extensive list of reds, wines, and rosés from around the world. With bottle prices ranging from £15-£39, there is a choice of 25 different wines. If you are after a trendy bar offers a great selection of wine without breaking the bank, then you may just have found Utopia.
The Rectory
50-54 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1QS. Tel: 0121 605 1001
The Rectory is situated in St Pauls Square on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. Their aim is to produce relaxed, causal drinking and dining in a comfortable, modern surrounding. Offering both food and drink, they use flavours from local suppliers to cater to your tastebuds. In terms of the wine and sparkling list, they have 30 different bottles to choose from ranging from £18.95-£79.95. The comprehensive wine list and chilled environment makes the Rectory perfect for after work drinks. A relaxed environment to enjoy a glass of wine at a competitive price.
The Bulls Head- Davenports
38 Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham B15 1EJ, United Kingdom. Tel: 0121 633 0838
Alongside offering quality pub food and beers on tap, The Bulls Head provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all the family. Prices per glass vary from £3.29-£4.89, and bottles from £12.49-£18.99. From 5pm, the Sunday wine club means selected wines are priced at only £10 a bottle (providing savings of up to £5.99). With a variety of 21 bottles, you will not be spoilt for choice. A warm and friendly experience with an array of decently priced wines, The Bulls Head ticks a lot of boxes and is near to Five Ways station too!
The Bristol Pear
676 Bristol Rd, Birmingham B29 6BJ. Tel: 0121 414 9980
Situated in Selly Oak, near the University of Birmingham, the Bristol Pears offers an informal environment, with good food and a good atmosphere. It often hosts poetry, comedy and sports nights, as well as having a function room for hire. The pub offers guests a reward card which you can gain points on for further purchases in the pub. Although predominantly a pub, the Bristol Pear offers 14 different wines and sparkling, ranging from £9-£44.50 a bottle, which is great value for money. An eclectic and student friendly atmosphere.
Bank, Brindleyplace
4 Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2JB. Tel: 0121 633 4466
This lively, continental brasserie is situated within Brindleyplace, one of the most exciting destinations in Birmingham. Bank offers a vast selection of wine, prosecco and champagne, with prices per bottle ranging from £18.50-£260. It is a sophisticated atmosphere in a vibrant setting, more suited to adults 25+. A unique dining experience is also offered, serving British steak which is perfectly paired with a glass of pinot noir. The bar provides two all-weather terraces, allowing guests to enjoy a bottle of wine whilst overlooking Birmingham’s famous canals. A classy bar amid a thriving and atmosphere.
Rose Villa Tavern
Warstone Lane, Birmingham, United Kingdom, B18 6JW. Tel: 0121 236 7910
Providing a unique and edgy interior, the Rose Villa Tavern combines a Victorian aesthetic with a variety of food and drinks to enjoy. It’s sister venues include The Victoria, Island Bar, The Jekyll & Hyde, Bodega Marmalade and Buffalo and Rye. Despite featuring an array of cocktails and 100 different types of vodka, this pub also provides an impressive wine selection with 12 options to choose from. With bottles ranging from £14.95-£45.00, you have the option of sticking to the classics or celebrating with some heavenly bubbles.
Article by Katie Ambler for Grapevine Birmingham