Birmingham’s beer scene: What and where to drink

Birmingham has long been home to many amazing breweries who have since perfected their craft. The city’s brewing origins date back to the 1860’s with the Davenports brewing co inspiring new distilleries such as the Birmingham brewing co opening their taps in 2016.

The city is spoilt for choice when it comes to homegrown craft beers, so it’s no surprise there are a variety of bars, pubs and restaurants to quench your thirst.

The craft beer scene in Birmingham has been described as a hidden gem in the world of hops and bitter. Here are a variety of the best venues in the city…

Located in the Jewellery Quarter, 1000 Trades is an independent bar and kitchen which focuses on local and regionally produced craft beers. Their “OTT” golden bitter is exclusive to the Trades, brewed just five minutes away. As well as the amazing beers, hearty hot sandwiches and Asian small plates are available making 1000 Trades perfect for quiet catch ups and gatherings.

A celebration of the vibrant local creative scene, Dead Wax claims the title as Digbeth’s best live music and vinyl bar. The drinks menu constantly rotates with a plethora of craft beers from renowned brewery’s Beavertown and Brewdog. Frequent visits will have you coming back for both music and booze.

Since opening in 2014, Purecraft has been a favourite to residents and visitors of the Birmingham business district. By teaming up with Purity Brewing co based out of rural Warwickshire, Purecraft offers eight cask and 16 craft beers spanning over 10 different styles of beer. In addition to this partnership, Purecraft serves specialist beers from around the world making their options second to none.

According to Google Trends, the UK is the most popular country for vegans ahead of Germany and Austria. As expected, breweries are now producing vegan and gluten free beers more than ever.

In the Jewellery Quarter, Rock and Roll is a 100% vegan microbrewery serving three vegan options at any given time. Like Birmingham itself, the craft beer scene’s inclusivity is what makes it such a valuable asset to the city.

Birmingham’s hospitality sector had been in crisis after two lockdowns and tier restrictions. To no surprise, pints have been pouring ever since and the buzz around beer in Birmingham is back. The integration of residents, students and workers alike has resurrected the now hailed hidden gem for beers.

However, there were some casualties along the way. Digbeth Brewing co, also known as Dig Brew, has closed down only five years after opening in 2017. During their time, Dig Brew created around 250 different beers, so its loss is a huge blow to the local craft beer scene and the city itself.

Having such a prominent craft beer scene, it’s no surprise that Birmingham is still able to compete on a national level. Beer central festival is proof that beer remains at the heart of the city. Showcasing tens of thousands of beers from some of the best breweries, the festival comes to Digbeth every year and is definitely a must-do. For a fair ticket price, visitors are able to taste the country’s best craft beer as well as pop up food stalls with live music to match.

Make sure you share pictures with us on social media if you try any of these venues and beers!