Bacchus Bar

Medieval basement pub with gothic charm, eclectic real ales, premium gins and hearty British food in themed rooms.

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Bacchus Bar

Bacchus Bar is a historic, uniquely atmospheric basement pub nestled beneath Birmingham New Street, accessed through Burlington Arcade. The venue features distinct themed rooms including an Egyptian room with hieroglyphic details, a French-styled dining area available for private hire accommodating up to 32 guests, and a medieval bar adorned with wrought iron decor, vintage furniture and Roman sculpture. The kitchen specialises in traditional British pub classics including house-made pies, fish and chips with hand-battered haddock and Scottish scampi, and sausages with creamy mash and caramelised onion gravy. The drinks selection showcases rotating cask ales, local beers, premium gins and whiskeys, alongside wine and spirits. The pub attracts an after-work crowd and groups of friends seeking a relaxed, atmospheric escape from the city centre bustle above.

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FAQ

How do I find the entrance, is it easy to spot?

Bacchus Bar is tucked away in the basement of Burlington Arcade on New Street, so the entrance can be easy to miss. Look for the arcade next to the Macdonald Burlington Hotel and head downstairs, it's less than a five-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station.

Is Bacchus Bar suitable for children or families?

The venue is listed as family-friendly and welcomes visitors of all ages, but the atmosphere skews toward a mature, after-work and evening crowd. Families are welcome, especially earlier in the day for a meal, though it becomes a lively bar environment as the evening progresses.

When is it busiest, and when is the best time to visit?

The bar gets notably busy on Friday and Saturday evenings, with the after-work crowd filling it quickly from around 5pm onwards. Weekday evenings or lunchtime visits offer a more relaxed atmosphere and more attentive service.

Do I need to book a table, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome, but weekends in particular can get very busy, so booking ahead is strongly recommended to secure a spot. Tables can be reserved directly through the Nicholson's Pubs website.

Is there a dress code?

Bacchus Bar has no formal dress code, it's a traditional pub at heart. Visitors tend to dress smart-casual, particularly in the evenings, but there is no strict requirement and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

Is the venue accessible for people with mobility difficulties?

As a basement venue, accessibility is limited, visitors must descend a staircase to reach the bar, and there is also one step up to the bar area itself. Those with significant mobility requirements should contact the venue directly before visiting to discuss options.

How do I get there, and is there parking nearby?

Bacchus Bar is ideally placed for public transport, sitting less than five minutes' walk from Birmingham New Street Station and directly opposite the Grand Central tram stop. The city-centre location means on-site parking is not available, but several NCP car parks are within easy walking distance on New Street and nearby streets.