Birmingham’s Best Alfresco Dining and Drinking Hot Spots

Birmingham offers a delightful alfresco dining and drinking experience that combines the city’s vibrant atmosphere with delicious culinary delights. From venues along the picturesque canals to trendy rooftop bars boasting stunning cityscape, Birmingham’s alfresco scene has something to please every palate.

If you’re willing to venture a little further afield, surrounding areas including Shropshire and Warwickshire offer idyllic countryside settings, where you can savour delectable dishes and sip refreshing beverages amidst nature’s beauty.

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The Canal House

This bustling bar and restaurant on Bridge Street has a prime position overlooking the canal and arguably the best outdoor space in the Birmingham city centre for socialising in the sunshine.

When hunger pangs strike, there’s The Canal House’s signature hanging kebabs, roast dinners and extensive fayre of pub food just a tap away over the convenient order-to-table app.

Walk-ins are welcomed along with bookings. Find out more at The Canal House website HERE

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Bistrot Pierre

Bistrot Pierre has transformed its canal side terrace with Champagne Lanson, offering a contemporary place to enjoy a glass of Champagne a refreshing Bière 94 – Bistrot Pierre’s signature lager – or even a glass of Bistrot Pierre’s own Cuvée 22 wine range, expertly crafted in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South France, either before or after a freshly prepared meal by chefs in the popular restaurant.

With views over the Birmingham Canal Old Line, the terrace offers a bar menu of delicious small plates, in addition to its exciting drinks menu. For further information about Bistrot Pierre and the Champagne Lanson Terrace and to book a table, click HERE

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The Grand Hotel Garden Terrace

Housed in one of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings on Colmore Row, The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a Grade II* listed building.

This outdoor space is an oasis for guests to enjoy a bespoke gin and tonic menu that’s been created in partnership with Malfy Gin – each of their flavours are distilled with fine botanicals including hand-picked Juniper, Italian lemons, pink grapefruits and oranges married with Italian water. All the signature flavours will be served on theGarden Terrace.

The Garden Terrace is open 4.30pm – 9pm Thursday – Fridays and 12.30pm – 9pm Saturdays (open this Saturday 09/09/23 for the last time this year) For more information click HERE

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Simpsons

Simpsons Edgbaston is a renowned culinary destination, known for its delightful garden and inviting alfresco dining experience. Unwind in this peaceful Edgbaston retreat, surrounded by greenery and beautiful blooms where guests can savour the Michelin-starred creations of Chef Luke Tipping.

With a focus on the finest seasonal ingredients, Simpsons Edgbaston offers a memorable dining adventure for food enthusiasts, making it a cherished spot for those seeking a lovely outdoor dining experience. HERE

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Lucarelli, Mailbox

With Italian flavours and prime Canalside dining, you can almost imagine you are in Venice at new restaurant Lucarelli.

Offering authentic and traditional Italian food in stylish surroundings, you can settle back with views across the water from its Canalside terrace at Wharfside Street while soaking up the atmosphere.

Chefs hail from regions across Italy and use their local knowledge and passion to create delicious recipes for everything from mixed grilled fish and Pollo Milanese to pizza and small cicchetti sharing plates . Book a table HERE

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Club Paradiso at Bullring & Grand Central 

The Ibiza-themed bar Club Paradiso, is located on St Martin’s walk balcony and offers stunning views of St Martin’s Church. The bar features Instagrammable décor and an iconic Ibiza look and feel that is set to make it a top contender for cocktails and Ibiza vibes in the sunshine.

Club Paradiso is open for families until 7pm and over 18s until late, serving a menu packed with drinks including summer favourites Pimms, Pina Colada and Aperol Spritz, as well as a range of soft drinks, party-inducing Beer Towers and shots. There will also be live music from DJs every weekend during the summer.

Club Paradiso is open 10am – 10pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 8pm on Sunday throughout the summer. For more information click HERE

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Zumhof Biergarten

Zumhof Biergarten in Digbeth is a hidden gem, offering a delightful outdoor experience in the heart of the city. With its rustic beer garden adorned with fairy lights, this Bavarian-inspired spot serves up a fantastic selection of beers, ciders, and showcases the very best of Birmingham street food traders in their Food Märkt.

Zumhof Biergarten is full of character and a must-visit destination for those seeking drinking, dining, DJ’s and other entertainment. For more information click HERE

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Dishoom

Brunch on Bombay dishes overlooking Birmingham’s stunning and newly-renovated Chamberlain Square at Dishoom.

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The High Field

The High Field has taken the indoors outside, creating plenty of comfy places to sit and savour a drink or a bite to eat come rain or shin.  They’re the perfect spot for an alfresco lunch or dinner, with piles of cushions to sink into and fleecy blankets to snuggle under if it’s chilly. For sunnier days there are new outside tables and chairs on the patio, with plenty of space for up to six at each.

Opening  from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 11pm and on Sunday from 9am to 9.30pm, to book click HERE

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Outdoor Spaces at Resorts World Birmingham

The Loft Beer Garden

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Piccolino

Enjoy the taste of Italy in the pretty courtyard of Oozells Square near Brindleyplace.

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Bank Restaurant & Bar

Watch the world go by in style from the terrace of this sophisticated continental brasserie at Brindley Place.

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Turtle Bay

Situated just minutes away from Birmingham New St Station, you won’t have to far to go for Turtle Bay on John Bright Street. Whether it’s Bottomless Brunch after shopping or a night out, you can enjoy Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails and soft reggae tunes.

Turtle Bay Brindleyplace is also just a short walk away, so be sure to check there too! Book at table at the website HERE

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Miller & Carter

Overlooking the canal from its Wharfside position, Miller & Carter at the Mailbox is a particular delight on sunny days, where you can sit back and enjoy the food and fine service.

By working with a few hand-picked suppliers their steaks are all fully traceable and of the very highest quality – British & Irish steaks are aged for a minimum of 30 days, using wet and dry techniques for the optimum succulence. Pair your meal with a good selection of reds, whites, rosés and champagnes available by the glass or bottle. And on the bar you’ll also find an array of quality draught and bottled beers, cocktails and other tipples. Book a table at the Miller & Carter website HERE

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The Old Crown Beer Garden

The Old Crown has stood the test of time, surviving through the English civil war, two world wars and the Covid pandemic!

With one of the largest beer gardens in Birmingham, this Digbeth gem will fit around 45 tables where you can enjoy a fine selection of beers, wines and food. For more information click HERE

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The Plough

The Plough is a distinctive gastro pub with a delightful outside garden, ideal for lounging.

Superb food including daily specials, brunch and a salad bar with a difference make this a popular haunt in leafy Harborne.

While the interior has the essence of modern Scandi minimalist chic and tiled walls, the garden feels like a haven of tranquillity with covered wooden corners to nestle in, even if there’s rain.

Although a few tables are kept back for walk-ins, at peak times, the pub is only taking reservations for dining, which are through its website. Find out more at The Plough website HERE

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Sarehole Mill – Pizza in the Courtyard

Dine amongst the historic surroundings of Sarehole Mill with Pizza in the Courtyard.

Eat bubbling hot stone-baked Neapolitan pizza straight from the oven of Sarehole bakery on outdoor tables that fit up to five people in Cole Bank Road, Hall Green.

The 250-year-old watermill, famous for its association with Lord Of The Rings author J.R.R Tolkien, is run by Birmingham Museums and is open Wednesday – Sunday, Midday – 3pm.

The charming courtyard has a limited number of tables available, so making a reservation is highly recommended. For more information click HERE

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STYLE FAVOURITES, OUT OF TOWN

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The Boathouse, Shrewsbury

The Boathouse is one of Shrewsbury’s most loved historic pubs. Its stunning location on the banks of the River Severn allows it magnificent views of the river and the Quarry park.

Renowned for its sun drenched terrace and extensive beer garden, it’s the perfect place to watch the boats and ducks go by. In the winter the log fire is always lit and hearty grills, roasts and delicious desserts and puddings are served in the oak beamed interiors. For more information click HERE

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The Woodbridge Inn, Coalport

Located on the banks of the river Severn the name “Woodbridge” comes from the picturesque bridge adjacent to the pub which connects the parish of Brosley on the south bank of the river and Sutton Maddock on the north bank. Architect and bridge builder William Hayward designed the bridge, which was the first crossing of the Severn at Coalport and is just a mile downstream from Ironbridge. The historic Woodbridge Inn was built at the same time as the bridge in 1785.

Thier menu has a spine of classic British dishes complemented by more exotic influences from other parts of the world. For more information click HERE

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The Cross at Kenilworth

Located in the historic town of Kenilworth in the heart of Warwickshire, The Cross is an award-winning pub that combines Michelin-starred food in the splendour of a sympathetically restored Grade II listed 19th-century inn, retaining its heritage alongside contemporary touches that make it a fabulous place to enjoy great food.

Under the guidance of chef-director Adam Bennett, they have held a Michelin star for over nine years and are proud to boast three AA Rosettes and received a Good Food Award Gold Seal in 2021.

The Cross’s respected and renowned chef-patron Andreas Antona also owns Simpsons, the Michelin-starred restaurant that put Birmingham firmly on the fine dining map. Book at table at The Cross website HERE

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The Queens Head

A luxurious large tee-pee greets visitors to the beautifully landscaped garden of this upmarket gastro pub in Stoke Pound in Bromsgrove.

Sitting on the water’s edge of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal in Sugarbrook Lane, The Queens Head has the relaxed ambience of the nearby countryside along with excellent service.

Choose from pizzas straight out of the specialist fired oven to sharers with Lebanese or fish themes on the extensive menu that suits all tastes. Indulge in one of the many divine desserts while watching the local wildlife or finish off the week with the pub’s famous Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

This is a fine choice for whatever the weather as a marquee-covered outdoor dining space has been added to the garden to cope with any unwanted downpours. Find out more from The Queen’s Head website HERE

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The Butlers Arms

This family-run business near Mere Green features inspirations behind the bar and on the menu from travels worldwide by passionate landlord Chris Giles and his wife Paula.

The Butlers Arms has become known for its well-sourced, high quality food that is served up in traditional surroundings with modern art at this Lichfield Road gastro pub.

For al fresco dining, there is an outdoors menu featuring mouth-watering dishes from Brixham Crab to Chorizo Hash, while mains include Pie and Chips, Indian Spiced Chicken, Bombay Hash and Sea Bass Fillets, to name a few.

Tables for outside, some of which include covered seating, are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Find out more at The Butlers Arms website HERE

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The King’s Head, Aston Cantlow

The quintessential British country pub,The Kings Head sits just outside of Henley in Arden in the picturesque hamlet of Aston Cantlow. With a sprawling garden and outdoor seating for al fresco dining and drinks, the pub’s lawn even has a tree that William Shakespeare used to sit under when he came to visit regularly when escaping the hustle and bustle of London.

The menu includes everything from modern British classics such as Slow Roasted Belly of Pork to Hoisin Glazed BBQ Duck Breast and Pan–Fried Fillet of Lemon and Thyme Seabass. For more information click HERE

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The Nag’s Head

There’s a large garden to drink and dine outside at this enchanting 16^th Century restaurant with timber beams and nooks with fireplaces in Henley-in-Arden.

The Nag’s Head may be Henley’s oldest pub, but it has been overhauled with refreshing modern touches and a menu of delicious, classic British dishes. This family-run pub that is sister to The Roebuck Inn in Warwick has become known for its array of real ales and wines along with its spacious beer garden.

Priding itself on being dog-friendly, you can relax outdoors with your pooch at hand too. Find out more at The Nag’s Head website HERE