Nights out in Birmingham can be difficult to navigate when you’re over 30. Somehow, 10+ years have passed since you were a student and suddenly you feel much too old to be on the Snobs or Pop World dance floor. Besides, it’s not like you want to be there anymore anyway. Your trashy party days are long gone and you’d much rather enjoy a few good drinks in a calmer, more sophisticated bar or pub where you can actually engage in conversation. Luckily, Birmingham’s nightlife is diverse and caters to all ages — you just have to know where to go. That’s why We Love Brum has compiled the ultimate list of Best Bars for Over 30s in Birmingham. From live burlesque and piano bars to breweries and social clubs, it has got your night out covered for every occasion.
Best Over 30s Bar for Ladies: Tonight Josephine
Tonight Josephine is a “sassy AF gang of late-night cocktail bars” that recently moved into Birmingham (right opposite New Street Station). Think mirrored walls, glitter streamers, and pink neon lights saying “Well-behaved women don’t make history”. Paired with Beyonce drag, Mamma Mia, and Moulin Rouge-themed bottomless brunches (hosted in the afternoons and early evenings), it’s the perfect venue for a sophisticated yet sassy ladies’ night out. Starting at £39 a ticket, its events attract millennials with money rather than tight-pocketed students. The events don’t stop there though: try cocktail-making on Takeover Tuesdays, enjoy the ‘You Can’t Spritz With Us’ 2-4-1 cocktail night on Wednesdays, compete in Prosecco Pong on Thursdays, and sing your hearts out on Sassaoke Fridays.
Best Over 30s Taproom: Dig Brew & Co
While much of Digbeth has been claimed by younger crowds, Dig Brew is one of a few Digbeth destinations where over 30s won’t feel like babysitters. This is partially because Dig Brew is first and foremost a brewery and a taproom second, attracting those that appreciate a proper pint. Like much of this ex-industrial estate, Dig Brew is set in a red-brick warehouse with shutters for doors. Inside, expect tiled floors, exposed brick walls, and wooden benches lined up beside its steam-fired kettles. The brilliant Birmingham beer brand produces bottles that are as edgy and alternative as its digs. We recommend ‘Lucy in the Sky With Demons’ and ‘Fruit of the Bloom’.
Best Over 30s Bar for Entertainment: Albert’s Schloss
Opened in 2021 as part of the suave new Cahmerlain Square development, Albert’s Schloss has quickly become a favourite for the over-30s crowd. Why? Not only does this high-brow Germanic cook house and self-proclaimed ‘bier and pleasure palace’ serve up chef’s-kiss schnitzels, bratwurst, and a classic selection of German beers, but it guarantees free live entertainment from class acts every night of the week. Hosting the Mein on Mondays, Baby Grand Slam Wednesdays, Friday Frolich, and Sunday Service, expect everything from the fun and fabulous to down-right debaucherous. Besides, where else can yo soak up a beer with a freshly baked pretzel from the bar in Birmingham? Nowhere. While drinkers are welcome to sit or stand around the bar, seats are reservation only. If you want one, booking in advance is essential.
Best Over 30s Gin Bar: 40 St Pauls
The multi-award-winning 40 St Pauls has garnered a reputation as a sophisticated Jewellery Quarter gin bar with one of the world’s best selections of gins. As a small single-fronted bar, 40 St Pauls has just 24 seats, making it an intimate and exclusive place to drink. Meanwhile, over 140 different gins are lined up behind the bar, asking you to make the impossible choice. Luckily, its creative cocktail and gin mixer menu will give you the inspiration you need to avoid a panic order. Since it’s quieter than most Birmingham bars and a little on the expensive side (but worth it), it is firmly preferred by the over 30s. Especially those looking to splash a bit of hard-earned cash but still be home by midnight.
Best Over 30s Bar for Socialising: Hockley Social Club
Hockley Social Club in Newtown is all about good food, good drink, and good conversation, which make it an ideal over-30s hangout spot. Brought to you by the creators of Digbeth Dining Club, it follows a similar concept. The open-plan former print factory filled with a grid of benches offers a rotating line-up of street food vendors (including Buddha Belly, Vegan Kitchen, and Get Bund) and a bar serving everything from craft beers to craft cocktails. On any night of the week, Hockley Social Club is vibing with music and chatter, but Fridays promise live music too. Be sure to keep up-to-date with the goings on here because it also hosts monthly comedy nights, Sunday markets, and other cool events.
Best Over 30s Bar for Live Music: Jukeboxers Duelling Piano Bar
Jukeboxers is a suave and sexy piano bar next to the Utilita Arena with sweeping views of the Birmingham Old Canal Line. As a drink, dance, and dine bar, Jukeboxers promises delicious food and drink and a lively atmosphere. From 8 pm ‘til 2 am each night, the bar comes to life with live music on request. From their app, guests can choose between anything from Sheryl Crow to Ed Sheeran and the song will be added to the musicians’ playlist. Knowing that you’ll work up an appetite between the drinking and dancing, Jukeboxers has partnered with street food vendor Hope You’re Hungry to serve banging bao buns and small plates like spring rolls and wok-fried pak choi too. As if it wasn’t desirable enough!
Best Over 30s Pub: The Clifden
The Clifden in the Jewellery Quarter is a typical old man’s bar and pub at first glance, but its recent facelift has made it a proper hipster hangout for the 30s club. In contrast to the historic oak bar and burgundy leather quilted seats, it features eclectic wallpaper, Banksy-style wall art, and a line-up of cool craft beers from Laine Brew & Co at the bar. The Clifden’s true highlight is its generously sized beer garden where graffitied brick walls are juxtaposed by trees, creepers, and flower beds to create the ultimate urban summertime sun trap. That said, this pub is popular inside and out all year round. To add to The Clifden’s appeal, it has also solidified itself as one of the best places in Birmingham to get gentrified pub grub.
Discover more Birmingham bars
For more Birmingham bar inspiration, check out the Best Bars in the Jewellery Quarter and Birmingham’s Coolest Canalside Bars & Restaurants.
