The Quirkiest Secret Drinking Spots In Birmingham, England

With the busy flurry of commuters and shoppers that pass through New Street every day, it could be easy to miss the entrance to the Burlington Arcade. Nestled right in the heart of the city, this building has a secret. Those who venture to the lower ground floor will be transported into another world; a jigsaw of gothic arches, each leading to an assortment of cozy coves adorned with wrought iron and rich, dark wood decor. Despite its discreet location, the Bacchus bar, and its unrivaled range of cask ales, attract enough merrymakers to create a bustling atmosphere. This truly is a hidden gem, and not one to miss.

Although perhaps the least discreet of these ‘secret’ drinking spots due to its bright purple exterior, The Jekyll and Hyde truly deserves its place on this list due to its many quirks. This venue consists of a Victorian themed bar, a Gin parlour and a Wonderland-themed courtyard. Choosing from the cocktail menu at Mr. Hyde’s Main Bar is difficult, but a sweet indulgence, with choices including drinks that contain a plethora of delightful syrups and are even topped with toasted meringue, bon-bons or popping candy. Upstairs in Dr. Jekyll’s Gin Parlour there are over 80 different gins on offer, as well as a gin & food fusion menu. Also available to enjoy are quiz nights, tea parties and cocktail chemistry masterclasses. However, those that enter do so at their own risk – rumour has it that the gin parlour is haunted by the ghost of Hilary, a worker of the oldest profession that still continues to roam the stairs on which she met her demise.