Restaurant dining and outdoor drinking is once more on the table as restrictions lift from April 12, albeit alfresco for the time being.
So here’s our round-up of the most sought-after outdoor drinking and dining hotspots in and around Birmingham: from fine dining to street food and everything in-between, you’ll want to book up quickly as everyone is feeling eager to go ‘out out’!
Simpsons
Michelin-starred Simpsons in Edgbaston takes its superb menu outside into the stunning landscaped garden. Expect the same excellent service and high-quality dishes from executive chef Luke Tipping even as an alfresco pop-up from April 14 until May 16.
The a la carte menu features dishes you’ve dreamed about during lockdown – fillet steak cooked over charcoal with triple cooked chips to Asparagus risotto confit artichokes, goats curd and truffle.
Those seeking extra decadence can opt for caviar, salmon canapés and a glass of Grand Siecle champagne at £100 for two or £180 for four people. Al fresco dining will be Wednesday to Sunday from midday, with last reservations at 7pm. You can book a table HERE
Lucarelli, Mailbox
With Italian flavours and prime canalside dining, you can almost imagine you are in Venice at new restaurant Lucarelli. The new flagship restaurant for the company opens for outdoor dining at The Mailbox on April 12.
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
Zumhof Biergarten
Digbeth-based Zumhof Biergarten reopens on April 12 with a seven-day opening party and a new street food floor featuring Bonehead, Zuki and Meat Meets Bun.
The three popular independents join Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza and Schwënker at the second floor Zumhof Food Märkt and Junkyard bar. Diners can book a slot to eat in the outdoor Biergarten that includes a fire-pit heated tipi.
This heralds in a second kitchen in the city centre for Bonehead and its famous fried chicken, and the first time Japanese street food concept Zuki has offered mouth-watering ramen, katsu curries and small plates in Digbeth. While Meat Meets Bun is whetting appetites as the new burger shop from renowned Birmingham food blogger, The Fat Foodie.
Seven days of live entertainment, DJ’s, and acts from Tom Shorterz to Triste and Callum Ashton will grace the outdoor stage along with a pop-up record store from Moseley Vinyl Club on April 18. Book a space at Zumhof Biergarten HERE
Dishoom
Brunch on Bombay dishes overlooking Birmingham’s stunning and newly-renovated Chamberlain Square at Dishoom.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 under its two spacious, heated stretch tents. 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.
the pub will be back with a delicious new menu for spring, with an exciting choice of seasonal dishes for lunch and dinner and everything in between. There will also be new arrivals on the drinks list including cocktails, gins and soft drinks, with plenty of options to toast being back at the pub.
Opening from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 11pm and on Sunday from 9am to 9.30pm, to book click HERE
GBK Resorts World Birmingham
Alongside shops reopening at Resorts World on April 12, so will GBK for outdoor dining.
Missed tucking into your Gourmet Burger Kitchen favourites like The KiwiBurger or TaxiDriver? Head to the family-friendly eatery to enjoy everything from the hand-crafted burgers it has become famous for to falafel or even a scrumptious peanut butter milkshake.
Enjoy people-watching over a glass of wine or one of the many cherry-picked international beers before browsing the shops at this sophisticated venue.
Ideal to fit around some retail therapy with shops opening from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday at Resorts World. Book a table at GBK Resorts World HERE
The Loft Beer Garden
Enjoy cocktail specials and candlelit recitals al fresco with the reopening of The Loft Beer Garden in Southside from April 12.
Along with daily two cocktails for a tenner deal, the famous Sunday roast dinner will make a comeback alongside a new monthly Sunday classical recital at 6pm, with details promoted on Loft’s social media channels.
Loft’s Beer Garden is ready for all weathers as it is partially covered, fully heated and a sun trap on hotter days. There’s even free wi-fi.
The Bromsgrove Street venue will be open from 5pm to midnight, Mondays to Thursdays and from midday to midnight from Fridays to Sundays. Reserve your two-hour slot in the Beer Garden by emailing enquiries@theloftbrum.co.uk or call 0121 622 2444 for more information.
For your chance to win a £200 bar tab CLICK HERE
Craft
State-of-the-art outdoor private dining pods have been added to the terrace of renowned restaurant Craft at the ICC, so guests can enjoy dining in confidence from April 14.
Up to eight people can share the space to enjoy contemporary British food creations by chef Andrew Sheridan. Tuck into dishes from BBQ Leek, Smoked Cheese and Truffle to Rice Pudding & Hay Ice Cream, while setting the scene with each pod’s heating thermostat and Bluetooth music system.
Regular bookings are from Wednesdays to Saturdays while Sundays are kept aside for gourmet BBQ specials with acclaimed chefs joining Sheridan including Opheem’s Akhtar Islam on April 18 and Stuart Collins of Docket 33 on Bank Holiday weekend’s May 30. Reserve a table at Craft’s website HERE
The Night Owl
Digbeth’s live music venue The Night Owl has adapted its business to reopen as a beer garden with music-themed weekend brunches from April 17.
Chill out in its intimate garden for up to 50 people in Lower Trinity Street while munching on street food every Saturday from noon to 6pm and Sunday from 1pm to 7pm.
Themed upcoming brunches are planned around the music of Fleetwood Mac, Disco, Ska, Motown, The Beatles and Britpop with food from Dining By Dalton to match. There are even plans for Jerk Chicken at a Reggae Cookout on May 2. Book a table through the website HERE
Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant
With tables and umbrellas set up in the shadow of Birmingham’s stunning cathedral, Gino D’Acampo’s chic eatery offers alfresco dining at one of the city’s best beauty spots.Henman & Cooper
Their rooftop space and bar is partially covered serving signature cocktails, wines and beers which you can enjoy whilst listening to ambient tracks from local DJ’s.
You can book a 3 hour sitting HERE
Piccolino
Enjoy the taste of Italy in the pretty courtyard of Oozells Square near Brindleyplace.Bank Restaurant & Bar
Watch the world go by in style from the terrace of this sophisticated continental brasserie at Brindleyplace.Turtle Bay
Continuing with the Caribbean theme, Turtle Bay returns by serving diners outside its restaurant in John Bright Street from April 12.
Transforming the outdoor area into a beachfront scene, Turtle Bay’s Caribbean soul food and tropical cocktails from Reggae Rum Punch to Side Chick Martini won’t feel out of place. Open from breakfast to evening, there’s a pared-back menu but it still includes favourites of Jerk Pit BBQ, curries and burgers along with 2-4-1 cocktails in Happy Hour.
If you’re making up for lost time, there’s the two-hour Bottomless Brunch with unlimited cocktails, Red Stripe, Prosecco or craft beer available every day for £27.50 per person. Book at table at the website HERE
Miller & Carter
Welcoming diners back to its steak house for al fresco dining on its terrace at the Mailbox is Miller & Carter.
Despite a reduced menu when it reopens on April 12, its famous 30-day aged British and Irish steaks, burgers, signature wedge salads and an array of starters are among the wide choice available.
Overlooking the canal from its Wharfside position, this will be a particular delight on sunny days to sit back and enjoy the food and fine service. Book a table at the Miller & Carter website HERE
The Old Crown Beer Garden
Toast a return to socialising at Birmingham’s oldest secular building, dating back to 1368.
The Old Crown has stood the test of time, surviving through the English civil war, two world wars and now the Covid pandemic.
With one of the largest beer gardens in Birmingham, this Digbeth gem will fit around 45 tables when it reopens on April 12 with ‘The Old Crown Reopening Roadmap’ event.
Enjoy beers, wines and food from resident kitchen Bop Kebab. Book a table through the Design My Night website HERE
Sarehole Mill – Pizza in the Courtyard
Dine amongst the historic surroundings of Sarehole Mill with the return of its Pizza in the Courtyard from April 14.
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 prices are relatively low at £7 per pizza and £3.50 for focaccia with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or chilli oil. Find out more at the website HERE
Birdies
As the weather hots up, there’s nothing better than a barbecue and Birdies knows all about that.
Locked and Loaded at Birdies in Digbeth specialises in BBQ along with plant-based and street food dishes including loaded fries, tacos and burgers.
It reopens on April 12 with outdoor tables available from midday to 10pm, Monday to Thursday, and from midday to 11pm from Friday to Sunday. During the weekends, diners can enjoy the Birdies Bar & BBQ bottomless brunch that includes a taco meal and loaded fries alongside bottomless Prosecco or a keg of beer during a two-hour for £35 per person. Book a table at the website HERE
Stag Digbeth
Discover a quite quirky and unique venue in the heart of Birmingham’s creative quarter.
Located in the iconic Custard Factory, the UK’s first independent barbershop, cocktail bar, and speciality coffeeshop has a lot to offer. Fresh trims, craft beers, and two-for-one cocktails all day and boasts even better DJ sets and live music.
You can enjoy drinks in their brand new outdoor seating area, open Monday to Thursday 10am – 9pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 11pm and Sunday 10am to 7pm.
For more information vist www.stagdigbeth.com
Nando’s – Resorts World
Get your fix of spicy Peri Peri chicken at Nando’s in Resorts World, which is among the branches of this national chain reopening on April 12 in outdoor dining space.
Return to your favourite dishes on the lower ground floor of the stylish shopping and experience complex near Birmingham International Train Station.
Find out more at the Resorts World website HERE
The Cross at Kenilworth
This elegant eatery is Simpsons’ sister restaurant in picturesque Kenilworth. It reopens with alfresco dining from April 14 offering two and three course set menus or a five-course tasting option.
Heated tents and tables on the terrace will greet diners to The Cross at Kenilworth, in New Street, from midday until the last reservation at 7pm, Wednesdays to Sundays.
Seasonal dishes like ham hock and parmesan croquettes and Yorkshire rhubarb fool, jelly, compote and sorbet grace the set menus, priced at £50 for two courses, £60 for three or £80 for the five-course tasting menu. Book at table at The Cross website HERE
The Woodsman
One of the best restaurants in the region for game, this Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant reopens on April 15 by serving diners in the outdoor terrace it shares with Hotel Indigo.
Executive chef Mike Robinson has a passion for plateing up the best meat he can find and you can tell with the perfectly cooked venison, succulent muntjac lollipops and juicy wood-fired pork chops that go perfectly with the dirty mash.
One for meat lovers, this sophisticated restaurant in Chapel Street is steeped in the history of Shakespeare’s town for an enchanting dining experience but you must make a reservation in advance. Reserve a table at The Woodsman website HERE
The Canal House
This chic bar and restaurant in Bridge Street has a prime position overlooking the canal in Birmingham city centre for lazy days in the sunshine with an Aperol spritz.
The Canal House has even introduced an airline trolley drink service that travels around the outdoor socially-distanced tables, serving customers to recreate the buzz of being served that first holiday drink on an airplane.
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
The Plough
With a charming sophistication, 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
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
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
The Nag’s Head
There’s a large, welcoming garden to drink and dine outside at this enchanting 16th 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
