Next time the sun comes out and you’re making a beeline for your local beer garden, why not go the extra mile and visit one of Birmingham’s hidden rooftop bars?
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed pub vibe or somewhere a little more upmarket, Birmingham has a rooftop bar to suit you.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best rooftop bars in the city, so all you have to do is turn up, get yourself a drink and soak in the city’s most impressive views.
The Wellington, City Center
It is easy enough to walk past this award-winning pub on your adventures through Birmingham’s city center. However, located just minutes from New Street Station, The Wellington, or ‘The Welly’ if you’re a regular, is the perfect spot for a post-lecture pint.
As well as serving up some of Birmingham’s best real ales and European bottled beers, this classically British pub has a rooftop garden hidden out the back, which is an ideal spot for basking in the warm afternoon sunshine.
Although The Wellington doesn’t serve any food, they are more than happy for you to have a takeaway delivered to the pub, and will even provide with some cutlery if you ask nicely.
Hotel Indigo, Brindley Place
As one of Birmingham’s more classy establishments, Hotel Indigo is probably most well known as being part of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill.
Recently acknowledged as one of the best rooftop bars in the UK, you’ll need to put on your best shoes to visit this glamorous bar. Sitting on the 25th floor of The Cube, Hotel Indigo offers unrivalled panoramic views over Birmingham that make the hefty drinks prices seem worth it.
Additionally, with a sheltered and fully heated seating area, you can even visit during the winter when the bar is considerably less crowded, and views are just as spectacular.
The Church Inn, Jewelry Quarter
Although a short walk out of the city center, the Jewelry Quarter is brimming with hidden eateries and secret bars waiting to be discovered.
The Church Inn is located just five minutes down the road from The Lord Clifden, a Jewelry Quarter favorite. Inside, The Church Inn is a classic English boozer, decked out with mahogany bar tops and brass detailing.
Grab a cocktail or craft ale from the bar and walk through the main room to a set of stairs at the back that lead to the rooftop area. Laden with brightly colored deckchairs and a variety of sweet-smelling fruit trees, the looming skyline of the city will serve as the only reminder you’re in the industrial heart of the West Midlands.
Button Factory, Jewelry Quarter
Another hidden gem in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter is the aptly named Button Factory. Housed in a disused factory that once made, you guessed it, buttons – this bar is one of the city’s trendiest watering holes.
Its bare brick walls and original wooden beams nod to the building's heritage while its all-day bar menu boasts the perfect excuse for a boozy brunch. Currently, the rooftop is only open seasonally and serves as the perfect place to enjoy an alfresco tipple during the summer months.
Don’t forget to check out their food menu that focuses on locally grown, beautifully seasonal produce.
Sky by the Water, Birmingham International
A newcomer to Birmingham’s rooftop bar scene, Sky by the Water is located a little further out of the city center. Fortunately, it’s just minutes from Birmingham International Train Station and part of a large shopping complex so you can stop in here after a busy day hitting the sales.
Situated on the fifth floor, Sky by the Water offers visitors a view of the city’s skyline from afar. Whether you want to enjoy a classic cocktail made with love or enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea, the view from the top makes every experience truly special.
Visit during sunset for some of the most spectacular views, but don’t forget to book a table in advance!
The Bureau Bar, City Center
Situated in the heart of Colmore Row, the long-standing Bureau Bar has been a favorite haunt amongst city workers for years. To the untrained eye, this classy establishment may look like your ordinary city cocktail bar.
However, dare to climb the spiral staircase and you will be rewarded with a secret rooftop terrace, still undiscovered by so many. Cocktail lovers can opt for a well-made traditional concoction or let the skilled bartenders create something out of your favorite liquors.
Why not order something off their simple and affordable deli menu to soak up some of the booze? The duck Scotch egg and classic club sandwich are the bar’s much-loved favorites.
The Malt House, Brindley Place
Packed with popular eateries and tourist hotspots, it can often be hard to escape the bustling crowds of Brindley Place. Overlooking the canal, The Malt House offers a break from the crowds as well as a fantastic selection of real ales and well-made pub food classics.
Why not trace the footsteps of Bill Clinton who once sank a pint on the pub's balcony while enjoying a rare summer’s day in Birmingham, or simply grab a refreshing fruit cocktail and relax while the barges pass by in front of you.
Book a table on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a cracking roast dinner with the sounds of a smooth jazz band in the background.
