Birmingham’s Alternative Bar & Restaurant
Birmingham’s Ultimate Alternative Bar & Restaurant
Welcome to Merlin’s Café Bar, Birmingham’s premier alternative bar and restaurant, where great food, handcrafted cocktails, and a darkly immersive atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for a unique night out, a pre-gig drink, or a place to enjoy live rock, metal, and alternative events, Merlin’s is the perfect destination for those who love something different from the mainstream.
-
Catering for all ages
Our ground floor cafe and restaurant is open to all ages, whilst the first floor bar and lounge is 18's or over after 8pm daily. -
Got an event, need a venue?
If you have an event that you feel would fit with our venue, do get in contact with us. We are always open to working on projects that bring something different to the area.
Cocktails, Craft Beers & Signature Drinks
Our expert mixologists craft legendary cocktails that are as bold as our atmosphere. From our iconic Zombi to the dangerously delicious Friday the 13th, each drink is made with premium spirits and unique flavours. We also serve a selection of craft beers, ales, and our very own Widow Maker Lager, making us a top spot for alternative nightlife in Birmingham.
Wickedly Good Food for Every Taste
At Merlin’s, we believe that food should be just as exciting as our drinks. Our diverse menu offers juicy burgers, loaded fries, vegan delights, and gourmet wraps, all made with high-quality ingredients and a touch of magic. Whether you're stopping by for a casual meal or fueling up before a night out, our menu has something for everyone.
Live Music, Events & Alternative Nights Out
Looking for live music, themed parties, and alternative events in Birmingham? Merlin’s hosts a variety of rock, metal, and goth nights, along with spooky masquerade balls, horror-themed parties, and exclusive pre-gig meetups. We’re also the perfect pre-show spot for those heading to Birmingham’s biggest music venues, offering exclusive discounts for gig ticket holders.
-
Got a band? Need a venue to play at?
Our upstairs music venue is available for bands, solo acts, open mic nights and virtually anything you need.
A Sanctuary for Every Soul: Inclusivity at Merlin’s
At Merlin’s Cafe Bar, we don't just "accept" diversity—we celebrate it. Our doors are wide open to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Pansexual, Non-Binary, and Queer communities, along with every beautiful variant in between.
You don't have to mask or hide who you are when you cross our threshold. From our staff to our regulars, we strive to foster an environment of radical kindness and dark, immersive magic.
No judgment. No labels required. Just good vibes and great drinks.
We know that for many in the alternative and LGBTQ+ scenes, finding a space that feels truly like "home" can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve built Merlin’s to be more than just a bar; it’s a Safe Haven. Whether you’re here for a first date, a solo coffee, or a night out with your coven, your safety and comfort are our absolute priorities.
🛡️ Your Safety, Our Spells
We understand that meeting someone new or being out in public can sometimes feel uncertain. We have implemented specific measures to ensure you always feel protected while under our roof:
The "Ask Angler" Scheme: If you are on a date or meeting someone who isn't who they claimed to be, or if you simply feel uncomfortable or unsafe, go to the bar and "Ask for Angler." * Our trained staff will immediately understand that you need help.
We will find a discreet way to remove you from the situation without causing a scene.
Alternative Exits: If a situation isn't going well and you need to leave quickly and quietly, we offer alternative exits away from the main entrance. Our team will escort you safely out of the building and, if needed, wait with you until your transport arrives.
Zero Tolerance Policy: We maintain a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment, transphobia, homophobia, or bigotry. At Merlin's, the only thing we judge is the quality of your playlist.
Heaven or Hell, we only have one realm, so let's look after it
From our carbon negative coffee, to the ingredients we use, we actively look to reduce our impact on our planet.
The vast majority of our ingredients come from within a 60 mile radius of our restaurant and always sourced from the UK where possible.
We only use suppliers that follow our own mantra to be sustainable, responsible and conscious in everything we do.
The power we consume comes from renewable sources and our take-away packaging is both plant based and fully recyclable.
We freshly prepare and chip our fries each day, ensuring freshness but also eliminating the need to store large volumes of frozen potato fries.
We recycle our used coffee grinds where customers can use for garden and plant compost - free of charge.
Located just minutes from New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill Stations, Merlin’s Café Bar is the ultimate alternative hangout in Birmingham. Whether you’re here for a casual drink, date night, or pre-gig party, our doors are open for you.
🔮 Dare to experience Merlin’s? Book a table or drop in today!
Opening Hours
- Monday closed
- Tuesday closed
- Wednesday 12:00 - 23:00
- Thursday 12:00 - 23:00
- Friday 12:00 - 02:00
- Saturday 12:00 - 02:00
- Sunday 12:00 - 21:00
Contact Us
- Location : 18-20 Martineau Place, Corporation Street, Birmingham, B2 4UU.
- Email Address : info@merlinscafebar.com
- Phone Number : 0121 820 4737
- What Three Words: ///slimy.deny.mess
Copyright ©2023-2026 Merlin's Hospitality Group. All Rights Reserved. Website design by Digital Witchcraft.