Dog spas and Pet Menus: Luxury dog friendly hotels in UK

It's no secret I'm a cat lady. I make no apologies for how my life will turn out; surrounded by cats I call my children and who will have a better standard of general living than I do. I'll avoid going on holiday because I can't trust anyone to give each cat the level of care and devotion each one needs. I may even go a little Egyptian. Ok, a LOT Egyptian.

But then I met a dog. A crazy hound who runs and runs and has more energy than twenty toddlers high on Vimto at Peppa Pig Land or whatever it's called.

And it got me thinking. Dogs are far more portable, and far more obedient (generally). While Manbearpig. my cat, would sooner die than show a flicker of recognition at his own name EVEN THOUGH HE'S TRAINED TO RESPOND TO IT, dogs are so loyal, so happy and willing to please their leader. And this makes them perfect to bring along on holiday.

I'm heading up to Cumbria with my fiancé next weekend to see his parents and we've planned a day in the Lakes with Dexter, a gorgeous little-even-though-he-thinks-he's-bigger-than-all-dogs Miniature Schnauzer for a good ol' chase the birds avoid all puddles run around.

So here are a few dog-friendly country retreats and secluded hotels, perfect for bringing Rover along with you.



The Raithwaite Estate | Whitby | North Yorkshire

Oh I do love to be beside the seaside. If you're craving fish and chips and fun in the sand, the C19th estate in North Yorkshire is only a stumble from the beach and Whitby's charms. If you're a dog owner, 28 rooms in The Keep are especially designed for Man's Best Friend, having access to acres of open space, woodlands and gardens. If you fancy a solo stroll the hotel has a dog lodge where they're kept happy and content until you return.

There's even a Dog Spa, where pooches get pampered with treatments and snapped into line with obedience classes. You can't say they haven't thought of everything here.

Double rooms at the hotel start from £130 per night room only.



Luton Hoo Hotel | Luton | Bedfordshire

The mansion that stands in thousands of acres of parkland has roots dating back to the 1400s. Now though, the former stately home, which has been featured in films such as War Horse, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Eyes Wide Shut, and The Secret Garden, provides a luxury retreat for owners and their pets.

Guests staying in the ground floor Parkland and Flower Garden rooms have immediate access to the grounds, and for £30 for night the hotel can organise a doggy meal, a bed, a bowl and treats. If your pooch is more gourmet than Pedigree Chum the hotel's chef will whip up a dog's dinner using the best ingredients which will then be hand delivered ready for feeding time.

Rooms start from £180 on a bed and breakfast basis.



The Arch | London

If you thought the capital would miss out on dog-friendly palaces, you were wrong. For those planning a quick jaunt into the city, bring your dog along to enjoy the sights and sounds (and bark at a sassy urban fox). The Arch, a five star pooch paradise in Marylebone (we call it Marley-bone which when you think about the very nature of this feature is an AMAZING pun, but say it however you want) has everything your dog will need. Dog bed? Check. Dog treats? Check? Dog toys? Check? Dog fur and body wash? Double check. As above, there's a Pet Menu and you can even take your dog to dinner in the Martini Library.

Prices start from £250 for room only.



The Traddock | Settle | North Yorkshire

We're back in the dales for this one. If you and your pooch are a fan of a good walkies, then The Traddock hotel is perfect. Whether it's a fifteen minute stroll by the river or a day's hike throughout the mountains, dogs are welcome to join. There are a few house rules (dogs must be well behaved, not jump on the beds, and stay away from the dining rooms for obvious reasons) but aside from that, they're welcome to join their owners in every activity.

Double rooms start from £105 for bed and breakfast.



Winster Hall  | Winster | Peak District

A Grade II listed manor with oodles of history behind it, this holiday home even has a parapet. A PARAPET. Unlike the other hotels we've mentioned, the whole building is for hire and sleeps 16. Pets are welcome to roam the grounds and join in with whatever activities you have planned. The four poster bed and lavish dining rooms would suit a group of friends, or perhaps a family bearing sizing resemblance to the Von Trapp clan. The point is, the house and all that surrounds it is yours (and your dog's) to enjoy.

So there you have it, our round up of dog-friendly hotels in the UK, and even a house to hire if that takes your fancy. You'll never feel bad about kennels again...

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Edinburgh Adventure: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

I'm not one for plans, itineraries or guidebooks. Some of the best discoveries while travelling the world have been purely stumbled up after a good day getting lost. Edinburgh's Camera Obscura was one of those best discoveries. Originally we'd planned to head to a whisky tour to sample Scottish delights. But the crazy mirrors and optical illusions of the Gothic building opposite were far too enticing to resist.

What is the Edinburgh Camera Obscura?

Camera Obsura is Latin for 'dark room' which is a pretty literal really considering the main attraction of this place is a Very Dark Room. The Camera Obsura is a tower accessed by climbing five flights of stairs, with a mirror on the top which projects a reflection 21 feet below onto concave table in the middle of the room. Without too much science, it works like a periscope meaning you can see a projection of Edinburgh's streets, shops, cars and people right in front of you. You basically get a bird's eye view of the city. On a table. It's pretty impressive.

Ok, so it sounds basic to us considering we have television, computers and smartphones. But this attraction, which was opened by optician Maria Short in the early 1800s, caused people to faint at the sight of their city on a table right in front of their eyes. They could spy on their neighbours and churchgoers, and no one would ever know.

There are a few of these rooms all over the world, and it's a great interactive activity for kids. Saying that, there were no kids when we attended. Which was just perfect.




The World of Illusions is where the real magic happens. If by magic, you mean back-breaking, side-splitting laughter and hilarity. It's totally interactive, and so much fun.

Bendy mirrors transform you from short to tall, with long slender legs to stumpy feet. You can shake hands with yourself, give yourself a smooch, morph faces into a mix of you and your friend's (this was creepy), project yourself onto a shadow wall, find out just how hot you really are, and even change your ethnicity (and species) with their special photo booth.

It was brilliant. Each floor had its own delights. The lightning tube, which if you hold for a while creates a static charge (so you can shock the next person who touches you) will be the first attraction you see. Then it's hours of exploring, being freaked out at lifelike moving holograms, trying to eat disappearing Licorice Allsorts, and being beheaded. There's even a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory style room which makes the short tall and the tall tiny.




Towards the end of the World of Illusions, there's a VERY scary mirrored maze (I genuinely thought I was going to get stuck) and the piece de resistance, a nausea inducing, trippy tunnel that'll honestly screw with your head and make you feel so so sick.

We spent about three hours there all together, but I'd have happily gone back. In fact, I really wanted to. It was so, so much fun. There weren't many people on the Sunday, and I'd imagine it could get a bit frustrating if it was very busy or there were a group of children running around. Because this attraction is fun no matter how old you are.

Admission is £12.95 for adults, £10.95 for students and OAPs, and £9.50 for children. We thought it was worth every penny. There's no time limit, you can spend as much time as you like there, and get your hand stamped if you want to come back for more later on in the day. It's well worth a visit.

Edinburgh's Camera Obscura | Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND | 0131 226 3709

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Edinburgh Adventure: The intro

We sometimes feel this little online magazine is a bit southern-centric. After all, with London on our doorstep and willing writers all being based in the capital, we don't have enough time in the day (or pennies in the account) to warrant trips here there and everywhere.

But our Edinburgh Adventure was the exception.

After being tres jealous of bloggers heading up to our northern neighbour's capital city, we decided it was time for a trip ourselves. So, after packing a bag, with not even so much as a guidebook to lead the way, we made to trip from London to Edinburgh one sunny-until-we-got-to-the-Midlands Friday.

How to get to Edinburgh

Edinburgh has one airport, which is a 25 minute bus ride to Edinburgh's West End. Tickets cost £4 one way, and the buses have plenty of room for backpacks and luggage. Great if you're staying for more than just a fleeting weekend.

Edinburgh's train stations are another option - Haymarket Station is located to the west of the city, and Edinburgh Waverley is more central, right next to the Royal Mile and it's shops.

How we did it

With one hotel booked right next to Waverley Station and the other in the heart of Haymarket, we decided to train in, fly out. A train from London's King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (KGX - EDB) will take just under four hours, and drops you off right in the centre of the action. Expect off peak single train tickets to Edinburgh to cost upwards of £51 each from London, though if you're savvy you can get a single ticket for as little as £30.

The East Coast train journey was lovely, stopping at my old home town of Peterborough and travelling up north through Newcastle. Seats are comfy and if you're clever, like us, you can bag yourself a table next to a huge window. Drinks aboard are pricey, so grab a bottle of Proseco before you board. You can ask for plastic cups from the on board shop.

A flight from London to Edinburgh takes an hour, and as it's internal you don't need as much time to prepare (though you also won't be able to stock up on Duty Free either...). You can fly with Virgin Atlantic, British Airways - highly recommended in this writer's eyes - flybe and easyjet. Flights can be grabbed for £76 direct. Even with the shuttle bus into town, we think it's a great way to travel.

We flew British Airways from Edinburgh to London City, and it was a great experience. We arrived at the airport to head home about three hours before gate opened. This really isn't necessary as all check in gates have super simple and mega speedy self-check in booths. Just type in your flight number, change seats if you want, and it'll print out your pass in no time. Of course if you are a nervous nelly and would prefer to get to the gate as soon as possible, there are a few little shops to keep you occupied.

All in all, we couldn't believe how pleasant a journey it was. Even though the weather left a lot to be desired, we found the train really relaxing, and the flight very quick. Edinburgh stunned us with its beauty right from the start. Keep posted to check our favourite hotels, sights and eateries encountered on our Edinburgh Adventure.

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The top five hidden gem bars in Glasgow

Having never been north of Cumbria (which is *almost Scotland*) we were wondering what bars in Glasgow had to offer. So we asked Luke, of DesignMyNight, to come up with five bars in Glasgow that have a bit more to them than what meets the eye. From granny-chic-turned-cocktail-night to secret doorways, there's a bar for everyone in this Scottish city.

Luke says: "Glasgow has a whole host of bustling bars, pretty pubs and care-free clubs, but with so many to choose from, planning a night out can become a nightmare in itself. But fear not, help is at hand! Check out our rundown of the best hidden nightlife nuggets Glasgow has to offer."

The Butterfly and the Pig


Love a bit of kitsch? Then this one’s for you. Don’t be fooled by the cake stands, floral prints and granny-chic décor though, The Butterfly and Pig doubles up as a tearoom and hot-as-you-like nightlife spot, too. Open mics, quiz nights, DJs and sumptuous cocktails are available at this little city-centre number. Never judge a book by its cover, eh? Even if it is covered in flowers…

Flat 0/1


If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quirk, Flat 0/1 is well worth a look in. Designed to emulate a student flat of the 1970’s, this house party-cum-bar boasts a wild selection of drinks, ranging from cherry Lambrini to bespoke cocktails. Though on the cheaper end of the Glasgow nightlife spectrum, Flat 0/1 certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its events. Movie nights, live music and raucous parties are just a few of the things on the menu at this hidden gem on Bath Street.

Chinaski’s


Shhhh. Chinaski’s is a secret Glasgow bar hidden behind the façade of an otherwise unassuming entrance, boasting late night tipples, a wide selection of drinks, and an exclusively cool vibe. If you can find it, the venue itself is distinctively unique featuring candle-lit tables and an impressive hidden terrace out back. Head here for a cool experience and tasty drinks, you won’t regret it.

The Flying Duck

Fun, quirky and pretty damn special, The Flying Duck is a hidden bar in Glasgow city centre boasting a shabby-chic vibe, featuring board games, epic club nights and free toast. Sounds like a weird combo doesn’t it? We won’t lie to you, it is. But it works! Totally original, the bar has a relaxed ambience like no other, and is a great place to experience whilst enjoying a few of their signature (and well-priced!) drinks.

Cocktail and Burger


As if you need to hear any more than ‘Cocktail’ and ‘Burger’ in the same sentence to be interested. Yes, it’s exactly what you think: a bar boasting amazing burgers, and even better cocktails! Though a little classier than your average burger joint, the venue has a separate bar area bustling with people heading over for ‘just drinks’, making the most out of C&B’s bespoke and signature cocktails. Long live Cocktail and Burger!

Interested? Read on...

If you're not a fan of love hearts, this is for you

We paired with Shannon to find the best anti-Valentine's events happening up and down the country. From man-hate to girlie dates, we've picked what we think is a rather lovely way to spend this most hated love fest.

We all know when it’s that time of year. Everything in the shops has turned pink and red, all the merchandise has transformed into heart shapes, and flowers are filling up the windows. Yes, you know it and I know it, it’s nearly Valentine’s Day.

If you’re in a relationship you're probably busy stressing out over whether or not to buy your partner a present (and then once that's decided, you need to work out WHAT to actually get), you’re frantically trying to book a table in what will definitely be an overcrowded restaurant and no doubt you’re just completely buying into the commercialisation of the day in order to prove your love is real.

If you're single, you have a choice: stay in and hide, or hold your head high and join in with all the fun. We've got a few great ideas for you, but let us know what your plans are in the comments below!

Enchanted Burlesque
Birmingham

Ok ok, so you're not getting any at the moment. But who knows when that will change? We prescribe an evening called An Affair to Remember, full of frivolity, feathers and full on fun. Wear your best gladrags, pick up seduction techniques (and nipple tassels), and have a great time at The Old Rep Theatre. You save £3 by buying tickets now. More details here.

St Valentine’s Day Massacre
Manchester

The Printworks in Manchester are hosting a completely different kind of event to completely distract you. The vintage style evening will see live music from bands such as 52 Skidoo and DJ Katz Korner performing. Not to forget the fantastic food and drinks that will be on offer throughout the gala event. Happening on THE day, Friday 14th February, from 6pm. More info here.



Rocky Horror Picture Show Anti-Valentine’s Delight
Dublin

Following the sell out shows from last year, The Rocky Horror Picture Show Ireland is returning for the eighth time in order to provide the perfect retreat from the love struck couples of the world. AND there are prizes for the best dressed, so what other excuse do you need? It is definitely set to be a night to remember and the perfect way to avoid any gooey-eyed couples. At The Sugar Club. Show starts at 8pm, only suitable for over 18s. It'll set you back €15 and more info can be found here.

Juniper’s Thank God I’m Single Party
Edinburgh

Featuring an array of aptly named cocktails such as the ‘Bitter and Twisted’ the evening is set to be a good way to avoid the sickly sweetness of the season. And with free entry on offer anyway, how can you really say no? The event starts at 6pm and table reservations are recommended, click here to book.



Dinner and a Movie
Cardiff

It can be tempting to stay in, invite the girls over, order a take away and stick on a romcom. But why let a Hallmark holiday dictate your weekend plans? The Pot Cafe is offering all this, without the pjs. For £7.50 you'll be fed a choice of food, from nachos to salad and get a movie to boot. You can tweet your reservation, more details here.

Interested? Read on...

The top five weird and wonderful bars in Manchester

From vintage havens to cloud bar heavens, Manchester’s bar scene has got it all. So it's fair to say as the UK's second largest urban area, the choice of where to spend your Friday night can be overwhelming. Now, I'll admit, when it comes to travelling the world, I've been around a bit. In both directions and back again. But when it comes to England, I'm surprisingly less travelled. I confess: I've not been to Manchester, or anywhere near it.

So, having never actually visited the world's first industrial city, we asked the pros at DesignMyNight to come up with their favourite watering holes. Leaving no stone (or cocktail glass) unturned, they've tried and tested out each and every bar in town to bring you lovely readers their top five picks from Manchester’s thriving and eclectic nightlife scene. Here, Jayne explains where to spend your weekend and your hard-earned pennies.

The Whim Wham Cafe |Whitworth Street West, off Oxford Road

If tea dresses and waxed moustaches are your thing, then The Whim Wham Café will be too. Nestling in a railway arch near Oxford Road station, this 'epicurean gin saloon' flaunts an authentic 1930's air through everything from décor to the wonderful gin cocktails made with homemade cordials and tinctures. With regular vintage fairs, burlesque shows, live music and the friendliest staff in town, The Whim Wham Cafe is your one way ticket to The Good Old Days. Your nan would feel right at home, which is always fine by us.

Luck, Lust Liquor and Burn | High Street, Northern Quarter

A slice of Bat Country in the heart of the Northern Quarter, this carefree Mexicali bar (ground floor) and restaurant (first floor) has some serious sass – and serious cocktails to match. Owners famously “drove from Vegas to Mexico in a frenetic haze of food and booze”, and returned to Manchester with an exciting menu of Mexican street food and exceptional cocktails including the Blueberryf**kmuffin, the Tijuana Tin Cup and the two pint, absinthe-fuelled Bat S**t Crazy. You heard us.

Cloud 23 | Beetham Tower, Deansgate

If it's 'top’ bars you're looking for then they don’t come much more literal than this. Looming over the city from its 23rd storey perch, the exclusive Cloud 23 really does have one (or twenty) over on Manchester’s other bars when it comes to sheer wow factor. Lounge areas named after the Greek Gods command panoramic views across the mere mortals below through floor-to-ceiling windows, while elixir comes in the form of a fabulous range of signature cocktails, fine wines and Champagnes. Heaven doesn’t come cheap though – so save this one for a special treat.

Gorilla | Whitworth Street West

With a stylish bar, large club room, excellent food menu and even its own Gin Parlour, this hip venue tucked into a railway arch underneath Oxford Road Station has something for everyone. From breakfast to the small hours, it buzzes with a cool Manchester crowd enjoying its many food, drink and music related treats. Gin enthusiasts should head straight upstairs to the Gin Parlour, where you can enjoy the best gins from around the world as well as fantastic gin cocktails in the cosy mezzanine den. Try the Gin Flip for a Werthers Original in a cocktail glass.

Richmond Tea Rooms | Richmond Street, off Canal Street

Would Madame care for Champagne tea in the Bedouin tent? Or maybe a few cocktails in the indoor greenhouse? Wherever you pull up a seat, this topsy turvy tea room and cocktail lounge will take you well and truly down the rabbit hole for a unique evening on the edge of Manchester’s famous LGBT village. Cocktails are inexpensive and delicious, while the well stocked cake counter tempts guests with Alice in Wonderland inspired signs inviting you to Eat Me and Drink Me. Well, it would be rude not to.

What about you? Do you know a quirky Manchester bar I should visit? Let me know below or on Twitter!

Interested? Read on...

The UK's best beaches: Norfolk, Cornwall, Blackpool and Northumberland

If you’re looking for something a little bit quieter than Brighton beach this summer - somewhere to really relax and get away from the world - then read on because we have a UK beach to suit everyone. Sure, the scorching hot weather may be over (thank goodness). But there's nothing better than heading out on the last few days of summer to enjoy the sunsets and light evenings before winter sets in.

For those seeking solace, pack your bags and head to Holkham Beach in Norfolk. The sand stretches for three miles and is backed by a pine forest making it the perfect secluded getaway. This is one of the few beaches in the country that welcomes horses and dog onto its sandy terrain. If you’re not then no worries, there's plenty of room to keep your distance. If it's good enough for the Queen to walk her corgis, it's worth checking out.

For those who are looking to get a bit of an adrenaline buzz, Fistral Beach in Cornwall may be what you are looking for. Home to the famous Boardmasters Festival, it is well known for it’s brilliant waves and it attracts surfers of all abilities all year round. With its own highly recommended surf school it doesn’t even matter if you aren’t sure about surfing because they are on hand to help you with group and private lessons on offer. Of course if giving the sport a go isn’t quite your thing, timing your visit in with the festival in August means you can enjoy the excitement and adrenaline buzz of simply watching the surfing competition unfold across the beach.

I don’t think it is possible for Blackpool to be excluded from this list. The beach is lined with rollercoasters, arcades, ice cream stalls and of course the donkeys offering rides across the sand. Blackpool is one of the few beaches that has continued to offer a really old-fashioned British holiday.

Sometimes though we are all just looking for something really different, something a little bit haunting and yet still breathtakingly beautiful. If this is the case for you, Holy Island in Northumberland really is the place to head to. If you’re in a reflective mood it is ideal as the beach is cut off from the mainland twice a day due to the tide, leaving you feeling as though you are in another world. The island hosts a vast array of wildlife including grey seals and rare birds, Lindisfarne castle juts out at the tip of the island and the stunning ruins of Lindisfarne Priory still stand and stretch up towards the sky; giving you plenty to explore.

So really it is up to you! Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway, a weekend of surfing, a really British holiday or the opportunity to step into another world all together; England really does have an option for you. And as no place in England is further than two hours away from a beach, chances are there must be something close by for you that you haven’t even considered before.

By Shannon Clark

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Unique and only-a-little-bit touristy things to do in Dublin

So you’re visiting Dublin but you’re not particularly fond of The Black Stuff and you’re definitely not part of a 10-man stag party. You have all the usual tourist spots circled on your tourist map: the statue of Molly Malone, Ha’penny Bridge and Kilmainham Gaol but you’re itching for something a bit different.

Here, let me scratch that itch for you.

The National Leprechaun Museum, Jervis Street
Here’s your opportunity to see the world as a Leprechaun does, and at the same time uncover the tales that lie behind these diminutive cultural icons and other mythological figures of Ireland. Visit Fairy Hill, walk under (yes, under) The Giant’s Causeway and journey to the end of the rainbow; finding a pot of gold cannot be guaranteed but a great afternoon is highly likely.

If you’re in the mood for something spooky on an evening but want to forgo the usual city ghost walks take a trip to Cnoc Dubh, a town where strange events are causing concern. Running throughout July and August, Dark Land is an interactive story telling experience featuring characters from the darker side of Irish Mythology. It’s your job to help discover who, or what, is to blame for the unrest in the village.
A standard adult ticket for a daytime tour costs €12
A ticket for Dark Land, suitable for adults only, costs €20

Foam Cafe, Strand Street
Foam Cafe’s pride in being individual and somewhat different makes walking through the door a real “wow” moment. Packed with kitsch collectibles and eclectic pop culture paraphernalia, munchtime here is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Marilyn Monroe fairy lights, Japanese kawaii dolls, more vintage lamps than your Granny’s house and a fantastic menu; a trip to Foam Cafe is a must.

St. Michan’s Church
St. Michan’s Church is home to The Big Four; The Unknown, The Nun, The Thief and The Crusader. Sure, they may sound like members of an edgy girl band, but they are in fact corpses. Exposed corpses.
Originally buried hundreds of years ago, conditions within the crypt of the church have led to the disintegration of their coffins and although viewing a purposely uncovered body is obviously a massive no-no, the fact they've unveiled themselves means that they have now become a bit of a tourist attraction.
The Crusader, who lies awkwardly in his coffin thanks to his 6 and a half foot frame, even holds out his hand allowing visitors to touch it. There’s an opportunity you don’t get every day.
An adult ticket to visit the crypts cost €5

Ceili at The Church, Jervis Street
Rather than pounding the pavement all day, put on your dancing shoes and head to The Church on Jervis Street to experience some real Irish craic. You’ll spend an hour and a half learning the main steps in Irish dancing from award-winning instructors followed by a relaxing evening at a venue renowned for its breathtaking interior. Of course, you could forgo the dancing and head straight for the restaurant.
Tickets for groups of fewer than 10 people for dancing, dinner and a drink start at €30

If you fancy seeing what else Dublin has to offer, check out the official tourism site.

Interested? Read on...

The top five weird and wonderful bars in Birmingham

Last year, having temporarily relocated far, far further north than I ever envisaged myself living (look, Birmingham is north to Londoners, ok?) one of the first questions I had about my new surroundings was where the best bars are.

London has everything. Gin in teacups served in a lingerie shop.
Secret speakeasies only accessed through dark, unmarked doors.
Bars that have proper Germans serving proper German beer in proper German lederhosen.

In fact, anything you want, London has. Even THOSE bars. You know the ones I mean. Weirdo. Anyway,  this was a genuine concern, because as much I love staying in for a cool glass of wine on hot summer nights, nothing beast the buzz of a good bar. Even my hometown of Brentwood is packed to the rafters with swanky drinking courtyards and oh-so-much bling.

But the guys and girls at DesignMyNight have reassured that my now-nearest town has loads to offer, and Katie has suggested five places that bring a bit of crazy unique to the West Midlands.

The Lost and Found | 8 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RS 

We’re all explorers at heart, with The Lost and Found in Birmingham city centre being no exception. A botanical themed bar based around the adventures and discoveries of Victorian explorer Hettie G. Watson, The Lost and Found is a fairytale of whimsical floral decor and mass cocktail appeal. With cocktails tailored around this explorer’s very own findings, The Lost and Found have a crafty menu of flavours that come in anything from a jam jar to a milk bottle. And shh, don’t tell anyone, but there’s an elusive secret bar to be discovered too…

The Jekyll and Hyde |  28 Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6BJ

With the world’s best bars and restaurants seeing a grand mixology takeover these past few years, Birmingham wasn’t going to be left behind. At the forefront of cool and quirky cocktails in Birmingham, The Jekyll and Hyde in Birmingham’s Colmore District not only boasts their own Victorian gin parlour, but also a selection of some of the most weird and wonderful drinks in the city. From cocktails made of rum flavoured toothpaste, to sharers served in mini porcelain baths, The Jekyll and Hyde doesn’t just have a split personality, it has a tasty one too.

Le Truc | Ladywell Walk The Arcadian, Birmingham, B5 4ST

Who said that you need jump on a train or scurry around after your passport for a taste of Europe? Hidden in the heart of the city, Le Truc is a Parisian wonderland of cleverly crafted cocktails and chic bistro dining that will have anyone swooning for the streets of gay Paris. Brimming with sandy tones, decadent chandeliers and whole host of cool urban graffiti pieces by local independent artists, Le Truc is a quirky blend of the contemporary and classically cool.

Bacchus | Burlington Arcade, Birmingham, B2 4JH

Hidden under the rows of Birmingham’s most popular shopping streets is a weird and wonderful drinking hole that will leave you with a hankering for days gone by. Brimming with stunning stone masonry, rich elegant woodwork and vintage flecks, Bacchus is something of a Medieval themed bar in the city centre that nods to ‘ye olde’ traditions and classic British grub (with a great selection of cask ales if you’re interested, too).

The Church Inn | 22 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, B18 6AQ

When Deep South dining arrived with a bang in Birmingham, thanks to Soul Food Society’s Carl Finn, the city knew he wouldn’t stop there. Now boasting his own bar in the shape of the Jewellery Quarter’s The Church Inn, Carl Finn has given Birmingham a slice of everything from speakeasy charm and rooftop cinema screenings, to tailor made bespoke cocktails. At incredibly affordable prices with main meals at no more than £9 a pop, this Deep South adventure is a true foodie’s mecca.

What about you? Do you know a quirky Brummie bar that I should visit? Let me know below or on Twitter!

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