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Birmingham Broad Street's Best Bars
- Cat Llewellyn
- May 4
- 5 min read
🍻 Birmingham’s Broad Street Bars: Where the City Parties
When it comes to nightlife in Birmingham, Broad Street is the heart of the action. Known for its buzzing atmosphere, neon lights, and variety of bars, this famous stretch is where locals and visitors alike come to let loose. Whether you're bar-hopping on a Friday night, celebrating something big, or just fancy a fun drink with friends, Broad Street has you covered.
Here’s a guide to some of the most popular bars on Broad Street—with honest reviews to help you plan your perfect night out:
Birmingham Broad Street's Best Bars and Nightclubs in Birmingham's party district.
🍹 1. Revolution Birmingham
Vibe: Trendy, upbeat, perfect for cocktails and pre-drinks
Drinks: Inventive cocktail menu, decent selection of spirits and beers
Crowd: Young professionals, partygoers, groups
Review: A great place to kickstart your night. The drinks are fun, the music is lively, and there are usually drinks deals during happy hour. Gets busy fast—arrive early if you want a seat.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍻 2. O'Neill's
Vibe: Classic Irish pub with a party twist
Drinks: Affordable pints, ciders, and pub classics
Crowd: Mixed ages, friendly locals and students
Review: Laid-back atmosphere in the day, but it turns up the volume at night with live music or a DJ. A solid choice if you want a pub that transforms into a dance floor.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎶 3. Popworld
Vibe: Pure cheese, neon lights, and nostalgic fun
Drinks: Colourful cocktails, fishbowls, and value-for-money deals
Crowd: Mostly 20s and 30s, but anyone who loves 90s/00s music is welcome
Review: Leave your dignity at the door and prepare for a singalong. It's silly, it’s shameless, and it’s always a good time.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
🍸 4. Velvet Music Rooms
Vibe: Smart-casual bar with DJs and a club feel later in the night
Drinks: Decent cocktail menu, beers, and Prosecco deals
Crowd: Mixed ages, with a slightly older crowd than other bars
Review: More polished than some of its neighbours, this bar walks the line between stylish and fun. Great if you're over 30 or 40 and want a bit more sophistication without losing the party vibe.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍺 5. Reflex
Vibe: Pure 80s throwback with flashing floors and classic hits
Drinks: Cheap spirits, shots, and themed cocktailsCrowd: Mixed, from students to those over 40 reliving the glory days
Review: Reflex is a riot. If you're in the mood for neon lights, Bon Jovi singalongs, and dancing like no one's watching, this is the place.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍹 6. Walkabout
Vibe: Aussie-themed bar with sports screens and party nights
Drinks: Beer pitchers, fruity cocktails, Jägerbombs
Crowd: Sporty types, large groups, mixed ages
Review: Popular for its big screens and game-day atmosphere, but also turns into a party spot later. Ideal for casual nights or pre-drinking before hitting a club.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎉 7. Players Bar
Vibe: Chic, flashy, and made for Instagram
Drinks: Cocktail trees, champagne, spirits
Crowd: Dressed-up crowd, groups celebrating birthdays or hen/stag nights
Review: Glitzy and high-energy, Players leans more toward the club end of the spectrum. Expect loud music, booths, and a party-hard vibe.⭐️⭐️⭐️½
🍺 8. Barbara’s Bier Haus – A Friday Night Hotspot for Birmingham Singles
If you're single, in your 20s or 30s, and looking for a fun, low-pressure way to meet new people in Birmingham, Barbara’s Bier Haus on Broad Street might just be your new Friday night favourite.
This vibrant, Bavarian-style bar has partnered with Birmingham Speed Dating to host regular events that blend the best of socialising and dating—50% off drinks, flirty conversation, and a lively crowd make for a memorable evening.
🎯 The Speed Dating Experience
Every Friday night, Barbara’s transforms part of the venue into a buzzing social hub. Expect:
Around 15 mini-dates, 5 minutes each
A relaxed vibe, with plenty of laughs and interesting chats
A helpful hostess who guides the evening smoothly
A date card to track who you’d like to see again
The crowd is typically a friendly, professional mix of 20s, 30s and 40's singles—people who are serious about meeting someone but still want to have a good time doing it.
🍻 Drinks & Atmosphere
Here’s where Barbara’s shines. The bar offers:
50% off drinks for speed daters all night (yes, all night)
A solid menu of German beers, cocktails, and quirky specials
A warm, lively space with wooden tables, string lights, and upbeat music that keeps the mood buzzing without being overwhelming
Even after the dating wraps up, many attendees stay for drinks and dancing, which gives you a second chance to connect with people you liked—or meet new ones at the bar.
✅ Pros:
Ideal for young professionals and outgoing singles
Affordable night out with drink deals
No awkward silences—just 5-minute conversations that fly by
Great post-event social scene if you want to stick around
Free entry to Barbars's after the event saving £7.50 on entry price, plus regular live music slots from great local bands.
❌ Cons:
It gets busy and loud later in the evening—harder to hear during late-night chats
Limited food options if you’re looking for a full meal beforehand
⭐ Final Verdict: 4.5/5
Barbara’s Bier Haus is more than just a bar—it’s become a go-to Friday night destination for Birmingham’s single crowd. With its electric atmosphere, half-price drinks, and professionally run speed dating events, it’s a perfect mix of flirting and fun.
If you're in your 20s, 30s and 40's and ready to meet someone new (or just up for a great night), this is one of the best singles events in the city.
Broad Street isn’t subtle—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re after cheap drinks and throwback tunes, or somewhere a bit more polished for cocktails and conversation, the variety of bars on Broad Street makes it easy to design your perfect night out.
Just pace yourself… there’s a lot to explore!
🔥 Broad Street Tips: Birmingham Broad Street's Best Bars
Arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues (especially at Rosies and Popworld).
Dress codes can be enforced—trainers may not fly at some venues.
Watch your wallet—some drink deals are amazing, others are overpriced depending on the time.
If you're not into the party-heavy vibe, head just a few streets over to Brindleyplace or the Mailbox for more upscale or relaxed options.
Final Thoughts on Birmingham Broad Street's Best Bars
Broad Street is Birmingham’s nightlife jungle—wild, vibrant, and full of character. From student nights to stag dos to over-40 professionals blowing off steam after work, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you're a Broad Street veteran or it's your first dance on its neon-lit sidewalks, you're guaranteed a story to tell the next day.
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