Mixologists in Birmingham have been shaking (and stirring) up a storm on the country’s cocktail scene for several years now. Whether you’re after somewhere classy to relax with a refreshing drink or an after-work party-bar with eye-catching cocktails, the city has some of the top cocktail bars in the UK. There are creative concoctions to taste dotted all over Brum. But now we have further confirmation of just how amazing Birmingham’s cocktails are.
Yesterday evening (February 6), Top 50 Cocktail Bars announced its winners for 2024 and several Birmingham spots cutting it. Hand-picked by industry experts, the Top 50 Cocktail Bars champions independent bars that make “Britain’s drinking scene exciting and innovative.” Organizers recruit over 100 industry experts to make up the voting academy, from bartenders and owners to writers and influencers to curate this extra special list.
For a cocktail bar that only opened 16 months ago – and was named the country’s best new bar last year – Passing Fancies has performed incredibly highly in 2024. Jumping from last year’s 32nd to 3rd place, this Digbethspot is the brainchild of Matt Arnold, Eve Green and, former Couch bar manager, Tommy Matthews.
Offering “approachable luxury in Birmingham’s hip neighbourhood”, Passing Fancies offers 12 cocktails on the menu – which includes a range of fruity serves like the Nectarine Bellini, Apple Highball, Berry Cobbler and Adult Ribena – has a layout “akin to ‘the kitchen at a house party’.” But the bar’s name is a nod to the trio’s aim to regularly change with the times. Other cocktails include the Salt & Rye, which combines rye, walnut and salt, and a classic Espresso Martini.
Jumping an incredible eight places from last year, Couch in Stirchley followed closed behind by coming 4th. The neighbourhood bar employs out-of-the-box thinking when crafting its cocktail menus – with each drink based on iconic popular culture references, such as women in music, TV and history.
Top 50 Cocktail Bars notes “the high design of the cocktail menu itself, which is graphically designed and set out as a series of picture editorials.” Couch’s interior is also described as “clean and spacious with stools at the bar and bistro tables dotted around the main bar area.” But the big draw is the team, who are “expertly trained and clued up on all things drinks” and the 2024 winner of Bar Team of the Year.
The last Birmingham spot on the list is Fox & Chance (39th), which offers “world-class tipples and a trip back in time in Birmingham’s centre.” Expect a more old-school cocktail bar than Birmingham’s other offerings. Fox & Chance reflects the city’s history in the bar’s décor, especially the West Midlands railway-inspired bathroom. Top 50 Cocktail Bars also make special mention of The Winter Adonis cocktail: “perfect for colder months, featuring a mix of walnut, Oloroso sherry and maple and orange.”
If you would like to see the full Top 50 Cocktail Bars list head here.