Home to one of the UK's most diverse drinking and dining scenes, there's no shortage of hidden gems in Birmingham. In this roundup, we'll be bringing you insider knowledge on the venues you might miss if you aren't looking in the right place. From rustic pizzerias and quirky basement bars to the fabulous food outlets rocking the suburbs and secret drinking dens, here are our top spots for lesser-known nightspots.
Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy
Last updated on 31st March 2025
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Situated on Temple Street, The Botanist is an excellent shout for catch-ups with friends. Munch on everything from baked camembert to sharing boards and fragrant prawn curries, alongside well-crafted cocktails. We recommend trying the blood orange spritz.
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A dinky darts bar hidden below The Rectory, 180 Club is all about bullseyes and bold interiors. With a punk aesthetic and a potent cocktail selection to match, this St Paul's Square activity hub is one of our top picks for underrated places.
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Make the most of the sunshine this summer by taking your eating and drinking outside at Luna Springs. This stunning alfresco area offers a range of unusual things to do, as well as street food, cocktails and draught pints.
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Owned by none other than Jools Holland himself, this fun jazz club is one of the city's hidden treasures. Head over on any night and you'll find live bands gracing the stage, playing everything from blues and swing to funk and soul.
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With a local following and a quaint space, Tiger Bites Pig is one of our top recommendations if you're searching for hidden gems in Birmingham city centre. Tuck into pork belly bao buns and mustard greens, mapo tofu rice bowls and other twists on Chinese and Taiwanese eats.
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Located below Broad Street, basement pool hall Felson's is not your average underground speakeasy. Fronting street art, shuffleboard and table football, it makes for a great haunt for flirty first dates and group activities with your pals.
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For hidden gems in Birmingham city centre, Bacchus Bar is a basement pub serving up some eye-catching interiors. With weird and wonderful decor lining the labyrinthine space, this fun and friendly boozer is a great location for catch-ups with pals.
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Tucked away in the Jewellery Quarter is Hockley Social Club, a serious celebration of street food on a warheouse scale, complete with food from thee different kitchens, cocktail bars and 2-4-1 offers, all brought to you by the team behind Digbeth Dining Club.
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Hidden gem restaurants on the Birmingham scene? Otto is the Caroline Street pizzeria serving up some of the finest Neapolitan slices in the city. These wood-fired bites come topped with everything from artichokes and gorgonzola to lemon ricotta and rocket.
Hidden gems in the West Midlands don't get better than firm favourite The Night Owl. Music fans will want to make a beeline for this Digbeth haunt as they host special evenings for Northern soul, Britpop, reggae, ska and disco.
One of the coolest venues in Kings Heath, Grace + James is the cafe and wine bar you need to visit in Birmingham. With a weekly changing bottle list, fancy sandwiches and a small snack selection, it's got your relaxed date night all worked out.
Tucked away in the heart of Digbeth, The Social at Fazeley is one of the lesser-known hotspots in the area. Ideal for part-time office bods and freelancers, the cafe bar serves up delicious breakfast and lunch plates until 3pm. It also opens its does on event nights, where you can enjoy live music and drinks.
A real hidden gem in the heart of the city's coolest district, The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen is a movie theatre and adjoining eatery for film fans to get flustered over. Catch a flick in the intimate auditorium before tucking into burgers and beers by the canal.
Head down to Kings Heath where this charming cafe and restaurant is offering the ultimate escape from the bustling streets of the city. With a gorgeous outdoor area filled with plants, flowers and vintage furniture, it'll transport you to a rural setting in seconds.
Easy to miss because of its nondescript door on St Paul's Square, this secret spot in Birmingham is definitely a must-visit if you're looking for top-notch cocktails. With a menu featuring award-winning gin from around the world, it's a great boozer to check out on the weekend.
A cosy pub with a secret rooftop terrace? The Church Inn is a Great Hampton Street beaut fronting upstairs space for all. Head over on sunny days and get stuck into brunch plates, sandwiches and modern grub, washed down with cold pints and spritzes.
