If your bookshelves are full of Stephen King and Neil Gaiman novels and you only use Netflix for ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Stranger Things’ then we’ve got the venue for you. The twisted brainchild of the horror-loving couple, Martin Fox and Ella Tuta, Merlin’s restaurant/cafe/cocktail bar promises a spine-tingling experience in Birmingham.
Blending the diehard fandoms of fantasy and horror, it’s taken inspiration from all the iconic films and characters you know and love (like the Addams family and Beetlejuice). Merlin’s delivers an immersive experience across two floors – from creepy animatronics to blood-curdling cocktails – for all ages.
Located at Martineau Place on Corporation Street, the ground floor café and restaurant serves unique dishes from Hell’s Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering to families and individuals alike, you’ll find a horror-fantasy menu offering everything from ‘Boil and Bubble Soup of the Day’ to the ‘Franken Burger’, ‘Poultrygeist’ and uh…’Croissant and Jam’. Upstairs, meanwhile, is a strictly over-18s cocktail bar filled with foggy atmospherics, devilish theatrics and live music until 2am on weekends.
“Merlin’s is more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a spine-tingling experience that will leave you wanting more” said Martin Fox, Founder and Director of Merlin’s. “We wanted to create a venue that transports our guests into a world of fantasy and horror, where every visit is filled with excitement and intrigue. From our unique themed menu offerings to our creatively chilling themed décor, every detail at Merlin’s has been carefully crafted to provide a positively horrifying experience.”
Every corner of Merlin’s is transformed with decorations, animatronics, ambient lighting, and interactive elements that bring the venue to life. An array of cauldron-crafted drinks, each with its own eerie twist, are also available – creatively titled things like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Witches Brew’. Plus, expect Merlin’s to host a variety of themed nights, live entertainment and special seasonal celebrations (circleHalloween in your calendars.)
You can find Merlin’s now open at Martineau Place, Corporation St, Birmingham B2 4UU. To learn more about it head here.