Britain’s second city is number one when it comes to legendary nights out, and no one knows them like the Captain, who just like the smoothly spiced Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold, has a devilish sense of adventure. This Christmas, give yourself the gift of fun – you'll thank yourself for it
Is there a bar in Birmingham that goes for it more over Christmas? The big and buzzing space takes on the look of a snowbound hunting lodge, with twinkling lights, piles of pine cones and seemingly miles of holly wreaths. True festive fun-seekers book themselves into the Lapland igloos on the terrace, and tuck in for an evening of warming cocktails under cosy blankets.
The Mailbox, B1 1RL
When we think of Christmas we think of snow and plunging temperatures, but in the Tropics, as you might imagine, things are altogether warmer. The festive season at Island Bar is a colourful escape from the grey British winter – believe us, a rum cocktail is just as warming as a hot toddy when you’re wearing a lei. And if you book into a masterclass the Hawaiian shirt-sporting staff will show you how to make your own. If you can’t beat them…
14 Suffolk Street Queensway, B1 1LT
A whole generation of Brummies associate Indi Bar with its awesome wallet-friendly student nights (and possibly its famous limbo competitions too), but at Christmas this Arcadian bar/club becomes the place in the city centre for one of those epic nights out when you never quite know how it’s going to end. The best kind, in other words.
The Arcadian Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD
A late licence means the good times go on even longer at this basement den of cocktail conviviality, where the bartenders practically have PhDs in pouring and every drink comes with a shot of Best Night Ever. It’s loud, it’s lively and it’s loads of fun, which at Christmastime is as vital as sprouts and novelty jumpers.
Basement, Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4BJ
A light-up dancefloor, the cheesiest (read: best) songs from the 80s and more neon than the Las Vegas strip – if Reflex doesn’t push your buttons for a huge Christmas night out then you might as well just hibernate till the new year. Throw in karaoke booths and cocktails to share with the crew, and you have the perfect party destination. All together: ‘Last Christmas, you gave me…’
36-37 Broad St, B1 2DY
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