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    The Alchemist

    3.9 (12 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Open 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Alchemist Photos

    THE ALCHEMIST ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - The Alchemist

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    Jenna J.

    My first time here with a friend. It's a swanky new cocktail bar and restaurant with a secret basement bar newly opened in Colmore Row. The Decor has a modern but unusual historic features style bar with exposed brickwork, and large ceilings covered in a canopy of beautiful lights, the interior is great and has a cosy feel to the place. From after around 4pm it started to get a lot busier and by 5pm it was literally packed. Friendly bar staff and awesome cool vibe of atmosphere, if you haven't been I would recommend to check it out.

    Loretta J.

    I had been looking forward to visiting The Alchemist ever since hearing that it was opening. A group of us popped in for breakfast last week to have a little peak. Upstairs is quite normal looking, a well laid out restaurant with plenty of space and big windows. It is when you step downstairs that you see what all of the hype it about. It is just incredible. It is one of those places where you just keep finding new things to look at, there is so much detail. This detail even extends into the way that drinks are served. As it was morning when I visited, I wasn't quite ready to try cocktails but that didn't matter. Even something as mundane as tea is given the extra special treatment at The Alchemist. Served in a glass similar to a beaker, the tea bubbles and steams as it is brought to you, much in the way you would expect some concoction in a real alchemists lab to act. Unfortunately, my coffee was served in a far more boring mug. To eat, I had a sausage and egg sandwich which was very tasty. It was made on fresh crusty bread, with what appeared to be Lancashire sausage and brown sauce on the side. The staff at The Alchemist were all lovely. Unfortunately the service was extremely slow. It was quite busy at the time but 40 a minute wait for coffee is excessive at any time.

    Caramelised rum punch

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    7 years ago

    Lovely place. A bit on the pricey side but the food was tasty and the drinks mesmerizing. Lovely

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    Be At One - Super trendy

    Be At One

    3.9(41 reviews)
    0.2 miCity Core
    ££

    To Whom It May Concern, Be At One - Birmingham…read more I am writing to formally raise a complaint regarding the treatment my group received at your Birmingham venue on the evening of Saturday 5th July, at approximately 9:00 PM. We were a group of four professional, sober, over-40s men, all looking forward to enjoying a relaxed evening. One member of our group, my cousin, entered the venue without issue. However, when my brother attempted to follow, he was refused entry on the grounds that he did not have physical ID. While he did not carry a hard copy, he presented a clear and valid image of his passport on his phone. Despite this, the door staff refused to accept it -- even though it clearly showed his identity. When we attempted to calmly question this decision, we were told that only physical ID would be accepted -- a policy that, while perhaps enforceable, could have been communicated more respectfully. I then attempted to enter the venue with my physical photo ID, simply to retrieve my cousin who was already inside. Surprisingly, I was denied entry on the grounds that "no single entries" were allowed -- a confusing and inconsistent response given that my cousin had just been allowed in alone moments earlier. When I questioned this, the bouncer smirked and continued to dismiss us rudely. What was more disturbing was the behavior of a woman whom we understood to be the manager. When we raised our concerns with her, she laughed at us and offered no explanation or assistance. This kind of mocking, unprofessional behavior from a member of management is wholly unacceptable. Eventually, we were told that none of us would be allowed entry, without any legitimate justification. We were left feeling disrespected, discriminated against, and deeply disappointed by the staff's unprofessionalism. I urge you to review this incident, including any CCTV or bodycam footage from your door team that evening. At the very least, I would appreciate a formal response addressing: Your policy on accepted forms of ID (including digital copies), Clarification around the "no single entries" rule, and An explanation for the behavior of both the bouncer and the manager on duty. I hope this complaint is taken seriously. We expected a safe and welcoming environment but instead experienced inconsistency, rudeness, and what felt like discrimination. I look forward to your response and a meaningful explanation. Yours sincerely,

    I was not expecting this......tiny door opposite the station leading you downstairs to what has to…read morebe one of the most unexpected drinking spaces in the city. I attended the opening of Be AT One last night and have to say i'm impressed. The menu is extensive....like i'm talking a short novel filled with classics and favourites as well as some more unusual creations. The hardest part of the evening was deciding what to have, but I do like the fact that they have a flavour wheel to help you decide. As I was not drinking I went for a reese's milkshake.....it was pretty epic. I love reese's anyway they are like my absolute guilty pleasure....that orange glow on the confectionary counter regularly gives me life....and in a milkshake it does not disappoint. Calorific but as a little treat why not! Our bar server was friendly and chatty and was quick to serve the drinks and offer any explanation we needed. The music was ok but the lighting in the venue was really something. Pink flashes of light down the walls give a nice high energy effect without being too intrusive/clubby. As I was writing this I am going from a four to a five star.....as cocktail bars go what more can you ask for. Great selection, friendly staff, prime location and as far as I understand it they are opening late a lot of the week. A very welcome edition to Birmingham that i'm am sure will be here for a long time. Go and take a look!

    Photos
    Be At One - Loving the vibe in this bar

    Loving the vibe in this bar

    Be At One - Awesome buzz

    Awesome buzz

    Be At One - Thumbs up for the staff

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    Thumbs up for the staff

    The Jekyll & Hyde

    The Jekyll & Hyde

    4.4(39 reviews)
    0.2 miCity Core
    ££

    This is a incredibly Bijoux bar with a good vibe. It feels a bit more upmarket when compared to the…read morerest of the chain, but I feel this could be due to the Victorian Gin theme. The staff in here are excellent. I asked them to make me a non-alcoholic cocktail last night and was whipped up a gem for the eyes and tastebuds. However, again, if you don't get here in Happy Hour and want a cocktail - you're paying from £6.00+ - so not a cheap option for a night out. Last time I ate here (Booking is a must by the way, if you want to eat!), I had the Sea bass with Sanphire - which was fabulous. The Ginger cake dessert was lovely too. The lunch menu is quite reasonable (and there is a loyalty card scheme - meaning you can earn a free lunch if you eat out regularly). A MUST for Gin fans. Good for a night out with the girls or the start of a big night out. Aim for Happy Hour and keep in mind Thursday/Friday/Saturday is VERY busy (but - top tip - you can reserve tables in advance).

    Fantastic! Thank you yelpers for recommending this place, you lit up my Good Friday! This place is…read moreever bit as good as the reviews, if not better. I arrived just after lunch on Good Friday and found ample space for sitting down and an unpretentious atmosphere. The lady serving me took time to recommend me a drink based on my tastes.. The first recommendation which was phenomenal, a gin and lychee liqueur cocktail served in a teacup.. So quaint and it tasted like something out of a dream... Amazing!! My other cocktail was a wray ting.. Wow that cocktail got lit up.. The mention of fire and wray and nephew, my favourite overproof rum, this drink was easily sold to me. It's a long style cocktail drink and was so strong! The ideal way to get ready for a football match. Tip: blow out the fire quickly and turn the lime over, so all the alcohol doesn't burn away! ;) For these two cocktail spectaculars, I spent the hefty price of £12 loooool! An absolute steal.. Fetch the horses, I'm heading back to brum for another cocktail, as we speak, who is coming?!

    Photos
    The Jekyll & Hyde - Gin Flights

    Gin Flights

    The Jekyll & Hyde - Gin Parlour

    Gin Parlour

    The Jekyll & Hyde - Strawberry Laces.

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    Strawberry Laces.

    Tattu - White Chocolate Dragon Egg: coconut, passionfruit and mango (£9.50).

    Tattu

    4.5(4 reviews)
    0.0 miCity Core

    Most beautiful food presentation I have ever seen & the food was delicious. The atmosphere and…read moremusic were definitely a vibe. I'm on holiday & so happy I had the pleasure of going there. I highly recommend!

    "Showy" is the best word to describe this place. A contemporary Chinese restaurant that focuses…read moremore on presentation than taste. Honestly I would rate the food itself 3 stars, but we had a nice time and the service was good. However if looking for authentic Chinese cuisine, I would recommend to dine elsewhere. The restaurant is split into two sections across two floors: Yin (lower) and Yang (upper). Yin is the main part of the restaurant with artificial cherry blossoms and paintings. Yang has more of a classy feel. We sat at a booth by the cherry blossoms in Yin, which has lighting that poses a challenge for photos. We opted in for the Modern Sharing Tasting Menu priced at £70 per person. Over the timespan of 2.5 hours, three waves of courses were served. I included the regular prices from the à la carte menu. Assuming the portions were the same, the total was £148.45 compared to £140 for the two of us, so not a bad deal to sample a variety. Wave One: two Small Plates dishes ----- Tuna Sashimi Wontons: sesame, soy and avocado (£12.50). The fish was fresh and the shell was crisp, but the sauce was too heavy. ----- 1/2 Aromatic Duck Pancakes: Szechuan, cucumber and spring onion (£26). Duck was overcooked and dry. Accompaniments were standard. ----- Wave Two: two Large Plates and two Rice, Noodles and Vegetables dishes ----- Caramel Soy Aged Beef Fillet: UK premium aged beef, shiitake, ginger and asparagus (7oz for £39). Cook of the beef was adequate, although rather tough to chew. ----- Char Siu Honey Glazed Monkfish: morning glory, caramel orange and pickled cucumber (£33.95). An interesting choice of meat to marinate in char siu sauce. Fish was not juicy but it was good. ----- Tenderstem Broccoli: black sesame and truffle (£8). Vegetables were soft, although the black sesame paste was a bit odd. ----- Duck Egg and Chinese Sausage Fried Rice (£8). A bit oily but otherwise standard fried rice. ----- Wave Three: two Dessert dishes ----- Cherry Blossom: white chocolate, cherry and candyfloss (£11.50). Another dish that is presented with fog. The server allowed the request to swap this with the Banana Fritters (£9) at no extra charge. The chocolate tree and base was rich and smooth. ----- White Chocolate Dragon Egg: coconut, passionfruit and mango (£9.50). We liked the presentation of the dragon egg. Dessert itself was fruity and tasty. ----- In addition, two drinks were ordered. ----- Eastern Dragon: 135 East Gin, raspberry and apple (£18). Pricey but I quite liked the drink, which was sweet and light on alcohol. It also came served in a decorative, lit box a full of fog. ----- Hidden Dragon: mint, ginger and agave (£6). ----- Our reservation was for 6 PM on a Wednesday, and were easily seated when arriving an hour early as the restaurant was empty. Tables quickly filled shortly after but the restaurant has ample seating to accommodate walk-ins. A bottle of sparkling water costs £4.50 and a 10% service charge is added to the bill. The recommended dress code is smart casual, but I did spot people wearing plain solid-colored shirts.

    Photos
    Tattu - Caramel Soy Aged Beef Fillet: UK premium aged beef, shiitake, ginger and asparagus (7oz for £39).

    Caramel Soy Aged Beef Fillet: UK premium aged beef, shiitake, ginger and asparagus (7oz for £39).

    Tattu
    Tattu - Tuna Sashimi Wontons: sesame, soy and avocado (£12.50).

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    Tuna Sashimi Wontons: sesame, soy and avocado (£12.50).

    Island Bar - Happy times cocktail making in the Tiki bar upstairs at Island!:)

    Island Bar

    3.9(37 reviews)
    0.4 miHistorical Quarter - Chinese Quarter, City Core
    ££

    Island bar has a fantastic selection of cocktails offered to reasonable prices. I like the casual…read moreand cool attitude of the staff behind the bar - they know that they serve good cocktails! The combination of a small dance floor and bar area on the ground floor loosens up the atmosphere. You should definitely go and check it out!

    I know I've already reviewed Island Bar but never mind…read more For me, Island Bar is one of the places that started doing something different in Birmingham. Where else could you go for cocktails like these? I tried so many classic and more unusual cocktails for the first time at Island Bar when everyone else was just doing Mojitos, Cosmos and Long Island Ice Teas. The music is great and it generally has a friendly atmosphere- though not always, depending on what night you're there. There are two levels- a tiki bar upstairs and a more rock'n'roll bar downstairs. The tiki cocktails are really strong and I love the design. There's a bit more room up there too for dancing. I've had so many great nights here over the years, including birthdays, New Year, pre-old Snobs cocktails and just random 'why not' nights. The menu changes regularly and the prices are reasonable. I've always found staff friendly but I feel they've become friendlier as time has gone on. Service has also got quicker. I still always have a good night at Island Bar, and appreciate what it did for Brum's cocktail scene.

    Photos
    Island Bar
    Island Bar
    Island Bar

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    The Alchemist - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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