Did you know Birmingham actually has more canals than Venice? Well, it does! And with the thriving bar and pub scene dispersed along its central waterways, dare we say they’re actually cooler than Venice’s canal too. During the industrial revolution, Birmingham’s canals were lined with factories making everything from guns to malt. Now, they make quirky craft cocktails, hearty pub lunches, and delicious gins. Here’s our top pick of Birmingham’s best canalside bars for your next canal bar crawl.
The Canal House
As the former old Wharf terminus of the Birmingham Canal, there is nowhere that brings Birmingham’s brilliant canal heritage to life than The Canal House. Overlooking the rows of barges parked up in the canal, its deck is one of the most popular places to swing back some bevvies under the summer sun — especially when a live band is playing. The inside is a nod to Birmingham’s master engineer James Brindley with a beguiling mix of elegant Victorian and rustic country features. And the food? Don’t even get us started. Just try it for yourself and thank us later.
12 Bridge St, Birmingham B1 2JR
The Gin Vault
This one is dedicated to all you gin enthusiasts out there. Now, brace yourselves because The Gin Vault hasn’t done anything by halves; you can expect a menu of over 350 different gins to tease your taste buds. And of course, a dreamy assortment of gin cocktails too (you know, just to confuse you even more). To help you pick your poison, they have created a clever gin chart that will direct you to your dream drink. All you have to do is sit back and slurp it up in the edgy botanical bar which goes from ‘casual cocktails’ to ‘party potions’ depending on how late you arrive.
Canalside Bar
And the award for cutest and quirkiest canalside bar goes to…the aptly named Canalside Bar! This Brummie bar is essentially more of a Victorian terrace house with wonky floors, bare-brick walls, low beams, and tons of other period features that will charm your socks off. By day it’s a cafe serving caffeine-rich coffees and all-day breakfasts and by night, it’s a cosy dimly lit bar with live music events.
The Distillery
Yes, The Distillery is exactly what it says on the tin — a gin distillery — but it’s also so, so much more. As well as creating Round House Gin and providing gin-making lessons, Birmingham’s first city centre distillery also acts as a bar and restaurant serving everything from bottomless brunch to Sunday lunch. Inside, the bar embraces the edgy urban factory-style aesthetic attracting a cool and hip crowd that keeps it buzzing day and night. However, The Distillery is perhaps best-loved for its giant canalside courtyard which draws some of the city’s coolest crowds during the summer months.
4 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
The Flapper
Considered one of Birmingham’s most iconic canalside pubs, the Flapper has a traditional wooden beamed interior and a rock ‘n’ roll heart. With regular live music nights spanning from local and established bands spanning classic rock to alternative rock and pop genres, there’s never a dull moment here. They also hold Quiz Nights every Thursday where it is just £1 to enter and there are big prizes to win.
Kingston Row, Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham B1 2NU
Malt House
The Malt House is another diamond on the Birmingham canalside bar trail. Like its name suggests, this establishment was the city’s most predominant water-powered malt house back in the day. Now, it’s a history-soaked Greene King pub serving the best of British food and drink. If you’re after a sensational selection of real ales and a hearty pub lunch on Birmingham’s canals, this is the place to hang your flat cap. Fish ‘n’ chips, steak and ale pie, and BBQ chicken all feature on its mouth-watering menu.
75 King Edwards Rd, Birmingham B1 2NX
Tap & Spile
Birmingham has no shortage of fantastic, classic pubs. With the staple décor of wood panelling, brick walls and hardwood flooring, Tap & Spile is as quintessential as it gets. You’ve got the option to sink your teeth into some pub grub essentials such as lasagne and a range of burgers, or something a little less familiar. But don’t be thinking it’s laid back and stuffy. Thursdays and Fridays, the pub hosts karaoke nights, Every Tuesday is Cask Tuesday where Cask Ale is £2.50 all day, and finally happy hours happen often here where certain drinks are dropped to special prices.
Noel’s Bar
If you’re in the market for something more, well, upmarket, then Noel’s Bar is the cream of the crop when it comes to canalside grub. The modern look is finished with a marble top bar and sleek lighting, all of which compliments the menu perfectly. They specialise in Mediterranean inspired food made with fresh ingredients by master chefs. The meat is cooked on a charcoal fired grill giving that delicious smokey taste. Sit outside for some al fresco dining and enjoy a dinner of Scallops, Pan Fried Halibut, and Vanilla and Orange Crème Brûlée with one of there many cocktails. You also have the option of afternoon tea with champagne, and you can pretend you’re on the canals of Cambridge.
22 Waterfront Walk, Birmingham B1 1SN
Pennyblacks
PennyBlacks is a contemporary bar known for their lively environment. They have a great food and drink offering and are able to cater for many dietary requirements too. Some of the foods on offer are pizzas, hot dogs, and a range of burgers. For drinks the bar specialises in wine, ales, and ciders. While you drink, they have live entertainment, sports screens, and disco boogie nights, so it’s basically a one stop shop for all things party.
132-134 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RQ
Gas Street Social
Home to the first bottomless brunch in Birmingham. One of the longest surviving independent cocktail bars in the city. Clearly, Gas Street Social is one to try. Located on the first floor tier of the Mailbox canalside district, you have a great view of the water without any risk of falling in after one too many. And there is a risk of overdoing it with all the deals and options available. Their Afterwork Social gets you drinks at a discount from 5-7 pm on weekdays and they host Burger Monday where there is 50% off burgers all day!
