Housed in the former National Provisional Bank of England, the Lost and Found bar is a delightful hideaway inspired by the adventures of fictional Victorian explorer Hettie G. Watson. Its high ceilings are impressive and its interior charmingly embellished with a canopy of birdcages, butterflies and flowers. Cocktail-lovers will enjoy a varied choice of concoctions and, expanding on the theme of exploration, the menu comes complete with a quirky ‘taste map’, which displays drink options ranging from light to strong along one axis, and from dry to sweet along the other. The Lost and Found provides a magical escape from the hectic city center, and rumor has it that it contains another well kept secret – an extra bar hidden behind a bookcase.
The Lost & Found, 8 Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands. +44 (0)121 643 9293
The Custard Factory in Digbeth is the former site of factory buildings belonging to Alfred Bird, the inventor of instant custard. It is now home to a thriving community of independent shops, artist’s studios, cafes and bars. One of these bars is Alfie Bird’s, which offers a great selection of drinks and cocktails, plus a delicious food menu featuring some mouth-wateringly good pizzas. As well as being a cool hangout with three floors each decorated in their own unique and quirky way, including a fun, red, telephone-box photo booth, Alfie Bird’s is also a live music venue. Located behind a secret bookcase on the ground floor hides ‘The Oobleck’, a large capacity venue that hosts a variety of touring live music acts.
Alfie Birds, The Custard Factory, Digbeth, Birmingham, West Midlands. +44 (0) 121 270 6665