There’s nothing worse than getting ready for a night out after a long day at work, finally getting to the bar, having a few drinks, then reading your bank statement the next day, only to find that you somehow managed to spend £50 on 2 cocktails and a pint.
Times are tough, not many of us can afford to go out like we used to. But worry not, for there is always happy hour! Those times of day when the bar is lively, and the drinks are cheap. Here are some of the best deals you can get around Birmingham, so you won’t break the bank.
The Victoria
The Victoria is one of the oldest pubs in Birmingham, having been founded in 1883. The gothic vibes inside make it an aesthetic dream, and these vibes are all the more heightened by rumours of their very own ghost! Their happy hours are from opening until 8pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, until 10pm on their Wednesday quiz night, and all day Sunday. During these times you can treat yourself to 2 for £10 cocktails. Their drinks menu includes classic cocktails as well as seasonal creations made by The Victoria’s bartenders. Since this pub is also a music venue, why not take advantage of the deal while you wait for your band to come on stage?
48 John Bright St, Birmingham B1 1BN
Theatrix
From the old to the new. Opened in August of 2019, Theatrix set up shop in a grade II listed building on Colmore Row, and overlooks Victoria Square. Walking in, it feels like an old-school bank, with period décor and old wood tables. Although, upstairs is a different vibe. The rooftop bar was built 3 months ago, and feature a sliding glass roof for when the weather wants to rain on your parade. Also upstairs, they have a live music venue, with DJs playing every Friday and Saturday night. The happy hours are from 3pm to 6pm Sunday to Thursday, and 4pm to 7pm on Fridays. As well as 2 for £12 cocktails, they also offer 2 for £6 on selected bottled beer, 2 for £7 on selected pints, and a bottle of prosecco for only £18. With deals like that, they really do bring the fun factor.
130 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3AP
The Village
The Village is a modern, chilled out spot to grab food and drinks in the centre of Moseley. With indoor and outdoor seating, as well as sofas and a log burner, they cater for everyone and every occasion. The happy hour here is perfect for those of you who are at work all week, with the 2 cocktails for £10 deal being available from Monday to Friday, 4pm until 9pm. Be careful what you choose though, not all the drinks are included in the deal – look for a star next to the drink on the menu! Your options are too limited though, with a number of classic cocktails being included, such as a pina colada and an espresso martini.
179 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8JR
Lost and Found
Lost and Found venues are popping up all over the UK now, but this one is the original. The Victorian style interior reflects the Victorian building itself, with large columns and antique furnishings. You can also see the philosophy of the bar reflected in the décor, since they have a focus on nature as inspiration, with a canopy of foliage hanging from the ceiling. Their cocktails have a botanical twist, from the saronno bramble to the black river crush, and include both the classics that you know and love, and new drinks created by their expert mixologists. Some of these cocktails are available in their happy hour (or “lost hours” as they call it) deal of 2 for £12 from Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Also in this deal is a bottle of prosecco for £20 and a spritz for only £5. This is a really special place, and the deals just make it all the sweeter.
8 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS
Bodega
Just around the corner from the Lost and Found is a place with an entirely different atmosphere. Want a taste of Latin America from the comfort of home? Then Bodega Cantina is just the place for you. With two floors of bright décor, lively atmosphere, and the smell of fresh, homemade nachos, you would be forgiven for imagining yourself on the beaches of Mexico. Happy hour is more like happy week here, with the deal going from 12pm to 7pm, then 9.30pm to close from Tuesday to Saturday, and all day on Sunday and Monday! So going to the venue almost any time should get you 2 for £12 cocktails. The drinks, like everything else, are inspired by South America, so there are a number of cocktails with a base of tequila, mezcal, and cachaca. The rest of the cocktail menu is extensive and delicious, with only 3 not being included in the happy hour deal, so go and bring some sunshine into your day.
12 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS
Mama Roux’s
Mama Roux’s is a local favourite for live music, disco DJs, and cabaret nights in Digbeth. With closing times that go well past midnight and eclectic décor, it is popular among students as an end-of-night venue. However, it is first and foremost a bar (if quite a loud one!), so their drinks are just as important as the entertainment. That means that on Saturdays between 2pm and 5pm, it’s standing room only, because all the drinks are 50% off. Not just the wonderfully named cocktails, not just the beers, EVERYTHING. You want twice as many shots for the same price as Friday? You got it. A bottle of champagne as a celebration? Cheap as chips. Even your sober designated driver gets to take part, with soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers included too. Make sure to book in advance, because everyone else gets the same deal as you!
3 Lower Trinity St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AG
