Couch is hardly a secret anymore. Having helped transform Stirchley into one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods, since it opened in 2019, it has quickly established itself as one of Birmingham’s best cocktail bars. So what’s got everyone’s tongues wagging about Couch?
Well, first off, there’s nowhere doing anything like Couch’s unique menus. Tackling an array of creative themes—from iconic women in music to the nation’s favourite TV shows—you’ll find one-of-a-kind cocktails that change every month. Some favourite creations include a Grace Jones-inspired vermouth blend and grapefruit, and a nod to EastEnders’ Dot with a lapsang tea gin.
But it’s not just about the joy of ordering a Brooklyn Nine-Nine-inspired cocktail with clarified apricot yoghurt. Couch not only boasts some of the best bartenders in the country (we’ll get back to this), but is beloved for its friendly, laidback yet often lively atmosphere—there’s even a sun-trapped garden to relax in.
Sat at the heart of Stirchley, it’s become a go-to hangout for the community, but attracts cocktail enthusiasts from across Birmingham and beyond too. Unsurprisingly, then, it’s won countless awards in recent years—including the ‘Best Bar in the Midlands & East Anglia’ at the CLASS Bar Awards 2025. But that’s not all:
“Couch is full of talented bartenders who work in perfect harmony to create what is now a nationally famous neighbourhood bar in Stirchley, in the burbs of Birmingham. It’s no coincidence that Couch’s owner Katie Rouse took the big individual prize: Bartender of the Year sponsored by Funkin Cocktails.
“A leading light of the UK bar scene in recent years Rouse is no stranger to a finalist list. Her maiden win comes off the back of a big year at her Birmingham neighbourhood bar Couch, where the level of the drinks is only matched by the vibe and service.”
Whatever the menu holds—from a Kurt Cobain-inspired Pennyroyal Tea to The Killer Queen (served with a slice of Gouda)—you’re always in for a surprise at Couch. You’ll also find a range of classic cocktails, too, if you prefer, but why not take advantage of these creative mixologists? Open for walk-ins only, Tuesday to Saturday, learn more about Couch here.