Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre by IHG

You wouldn't expect much from a hotel bar stuck on the Smallbrook Queensway, but this place has quietly become a proper spot for a drink when you're in town. The bar's got that reliably slick hotel vibe – clean lines, comfortable seating, and staff who actually know what they're doing behind the bar. It's not trying to be the coolest place in Brum, which is exactly why it works. The location means you're right in the mix of everything – perfect for pre-theatre drinks before heading to the Hippodrome or when you need somewhere dependable to meet mates from out of town. The cocktails are competently made, the wine list is decent enough, and there's something refreshing about a bar that just gets on with things without any fuss.