Much like the story goes this might end up as a piece in two parts, the first being the fact that this is rather a great bar. Not so much a hidden away gem, as a place that you’d be unlikely to stumble upon, unless you worked in the area.
That means that you are going to have to go out of your way to end up drinking here, and that in itself may cause a problem. The destination venue here, is really the upstairs bar; otherwise known as the ‘Gin Parlour’ a place with a menu dedicated to Gin based cocktails. Unfortunately this room is only open for cocktails on Fridays, and on my prior two visits (on a Friday) the room had been closed. Not the best of starts.
Yet I gave it another shot more recently, and I’m really glad that I did, after perching upon the bar and perusing the menu I saw some old favourites speckled throughout the menu. It had your Martinez, Martini, White Lady as well as more recent cocktails, including the Armistice (which has some lovely Saffron Gin in).
Though looking at some a nice choice of drinks meant that I was confused, where does one start their plan of attack? Instead, the old faithful bartender (John) was of much assistance and took delight in serving up a variety of cocktails all appeared to be ‘spur of the moment’ style drinks which were rather nice.
The best of which, I finished off last, a glass with a whole orange rind on the inside, and filled with grapefruit and oldtom Gin concoction (along with some other ingredients that escape my mind).
Of course, this is the Gin Parlour, so you have plenty of choice to play with, from old dry gins, old toms, through to more modern gins with a wider array of botanicals. It’s certainly the largest Gin selection that I’ve seen in a midlands bar, must be nigh on 25 different types.
If you are just after a G&T, then don’t worry you still get a choice between Schweppes, Fentimans and Fevertree tonic. Just think of how many different combinations you could end up creating!
Don’t worry if you don’t like Gin though, [well do worry, you can't be well], as there is a fully stocked bar on the ground floor and if you are after a Margarita the Tequila and Triple Sec will be sent up for you.
So worth hunting out, and heading that way, just ring up in advance to make sure it’s open if you want to sample the Gin Parlour.
Atmosphere: 8/10
Staff: 9/10
Price: 8/10
Drinks: 9/10
Overall 8.5/10
Location: 28 Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham
Website: The Jekyll & Hyde
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Pictures from Ell Brown’s and KCanard’s Photostream.
Do you think the pub itself is worth a visit, even if you’re not bothered about the gin parlour?
I certainly do, it’s rather lovely and has a great garden with painted walls etc. They do cocktails downstairs, as well as the usual pub drinks. Also a decent food menu. If you are in this part of town it’s worth a pop into.
As a Birmingham based cocktail bartender can say that this is an absolutely fantastic bar, with dedicated bartenders and and great selection of spirits. Well worth a visit.
Oscar, glad you agree. It is rather fab. Where abouts do you work?
Rudest manager i have ever come across ‘martin’ he is rude, aggressive and miserable, 3rd time i’ve experienced this last time i go there it’s a joke!!