From continental style outdoor terraces to glamorous canal-side views, here’s a pick of some Birmingham city centre’s sun-drenched spots to eat and drink in the hot weather.
John Bright Street is a hotspot with a series of bars with outdoor terraces and a laidback atmosphere. This is where you’ll find BrewDog Birmingham with its craft beers, Korean wings and burgers.
There’s also The Stable that is big on cider with its tasting board and when you get the munchies, there’s a menu full of pizzas, sharers and puddings.
Nearby is hip independent bar Cherry Reds, historic city boozer The Railway pub and Jamaican food and cocktail haven Turtle Bay, which all have added al fresco spots to enjoy over a drink.
Heading to the rear of the Mailbox, the sun glints off the canal at waterside bars including Gas Street Social, Aluna cocktail bar and French bistro Cote.
If you’re after a stunning view, head back into the city centre where Riva Blu’s outdoor terrace in Temple Row has a stunning backdrop of Birmingham Cathedral backdrop. A blissful stop for a drink or to eat from its vast Italian menu.
Amid the shops of the Bullring, there’s now a Fanstand outdoor bar, set up for the Summer, to watch Wimbledon and The Olympics on a big screen. It’s even got deckchairs and open-air booths to lounge in above St Martin’s Church.
There’s an array of other outdoor terraces at the Bullring to take a sun-kissed break from Bills to Browns and Wagamama. Mexican eatery Zambrero has outdoor seating as does Wing-Stop next to it.
If heading in or home on the train, you’ll find outdoor street terraces near New Street Station at The Shakespeare pub along with at La Galleria in Ethel Street.
Or hidden Birmingham city centre bars to shelter from the sun
Not everyone is overjoyed when the temperatures hot up so we have the Birmingham bars perfect for hiding from the sun. Whether they are underground or in cool shaded alleyways, these are ideal drinking holes for escaping the glare of the sun.
Hidden in shaded stretches, Tilt is a hip independent bar with craft beers and pinball machines in the shade of City Arcade.
The Botanist has a shaded terrace out front in Temple Street to watch the world go by with its speciality cocktails and a restaurant to dip into for its famous hanging kebabs or more traditional dishes.
Amid the cooling air con of Grand Central is Prosecco bar Fizz by Frizzenti, perched above New Street Station’s concourse. Medicine cafe is in similar surroundings within The Mailbox.
While over in the Great Western Arcade, there’s The Good Intent pub for shade-seekers, run by award-winning Craddock’s Brewery. You may be escaping the heat but there’s always a warm welcome and atmosphere in traditional pub surroundings.
Birmingham city centre is blessed with some charming underground bars. The Post Office Vaults in New Street is an earthy, award-winning real ale pub with hops hanging from its gloriously traditional and well-stocked bar.
Below ground, there’s also historic Bacchus Bar in Burlington Arcade, but it is closed for a refurbishment until July 25, so watch this space.
Pictured: The Bullring Fanstand outdoor bar, Cherry Reds at John Bright Street, The Botanist on Temple Street and The Good Intent, Great Western Arcade