7 of the best rooftop bars in Birmingham

We may not be renowned for our balmy evenings, but when the sun does make an appearance, there’s nothing better than sinking a few sunny bevvies at high(ish) altitude. England’s second city might not boast London’s skyscrapers but the city is blessed with all kinds of rooftop bars offering brilliant brews and great views. From a restored button factory to a Michelin-starred steak restaurant, here are the best rooftop bars in Birmingham.

Best rooftop bars in Birmingham

1. The Button Factory

Billed as the Jewellery Quarter’s “hippest hang out”, The Button Factory is an all-day bar and late-night club offering everything from bottomless brunch to late-night dancing. The wrap-around terrace is a real sun trap, with plenty of seating and views of one of the city’s prettiest neighbourhoods. The former factory has been stylishly reimagined with exposed brickwork, velvet sofas and hundreds of spirit bottles on display – the perfect setting for some sophisticated al fresco drinks.

2. The Mill

Stretching across a whopping 2,475 sq. foot, the rooftop terrace at The Mill in Digbeth is one of Birmingham’s biggest and best rooftop bars. Global event producers MJR Group, who run the Digbeth Arena next door, own the club so visitors can expect an action-packed programme of events, from Fun Lovin’ Criminals to Napalm Death. The multi-story space features bars, gardens and plenty of room for dancing.

3. The Malt House

This cheap and cheerful Greene King boozer offers brilliant booze and even better views. While it might not get many points for size (the terrace is more of a large balcony really), it gets top marks for views over the city’s canals. As well as beers, ales and ciders, there’s an extensive wine, cocktail and whisky menu to choose from too. They whip up an excellent Sunday Roast too.

4. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

Perched atop The Cube, this swish rooftop restaurant offers 360-degree views of the city. You’ll need to don your glad rags to get a table (the restaurant has a no-trainers policy) but it’s worth the extra effort for those sparkling views. Michelin Star chef Marco Pierre White designed the menu, which features classic staples like Fish and Chips and Chicken and Leek Pie. But they’re best known for their succulent steaks, ideally washed down with a cocktail or two.

5. Henman & Cooper

Henman & Cooper only opened its doors in 2019, but it’s already become one of the city’s favourite rooftop bars – and it isn’t hard to see why. Named after the two men who designed the building in 1902, the two-tier cocktail bar features a spectacular rooftop terrace offering views overlooking the city centre and business district. It’s open throughout the afternoon, but for something a little more lively than post-work drinks try their ‘Sky High Saturdays’ with resident DJ sets.

6. The Sky By The Water

Set on the fifth floor of Resorts World, Sky By The Water is slap-bang in the centre of Birmingham, making it a favourite haunt for special occasions. The bar has a smart-casual dress code so you’ll find a stylish crowd here on most evenings. Outside, there are golden pods and thick blankets for after the sun goes down while, indoors, floor-to-ceiling windows offer breeze-free views in the winter. Don’t miss the Jaffa Cake ball cocktail, made with Jaffa Cake flavoured gin, Aperol, orange juice and cinnamon syrup.

7. The Church Inn

A pub in the heart of the Jewelry Quarter is not the place you’d expect to find an intimate rooftop terrace. But then, the Church Inn is full of surprises. Bathed in sunshine but protected by the surrounding buildings, the fairy-light-festooned terrace is the perfect spot to soak up the sunset. There are a variety of cask ales from Everards of Leicestershire to choose from, as well as wines and cocktails. Pick up a few scotch eggs and a couple of sausage rolls while you’re at it – you won’t regret it.