Its Friday night, I’ve had a rubbish day at work (nothing new there) and am in need of a good night out. My partner suggests we go to Bacchus (its actually where we went on our first date aaahhhhh).
Bacchus is situated in the middle of Birmingham City centre, in the Burlington arcade on New Street (its about a 1 minute walk from New street train station). Actually Bacchus is underneath the arcade so unless you know its there you wont find it. There is a staircase in the arcade, which you follow down to a glass door where you are greeted by a pair of bouncers. Not your typical ‘one wrong look and I’ll hit you’ bouncers, but smartly dressed and pleasant (occasionally there is a female bouncer).
Bacchus is the Greek god of wine (and fertility) and there is a large paining of him on the wall above the stairs.
Once inside, you’re transformed to another world, the theme of the bar is………. actually there is a mixture of themes, a kind of medieval, Ancient Greece and Egypt rolled into one.
The bar is divided into different spaces, each decorated in its own way, you can choose between an Egyptian tomb, a 4-poster bedroom, a library and Roman pillars and statues. Classical tapestries adorn the walls and ceiling and busts of infamous heroes and villains sit on several plinths around the room. Luxurious carpets, velvet drapes, antique chairs and renaissance art complete the scene.
The great thing about this place is that it doesn’t attract lots of noisy groups and seems to appeal to the older crowd, so it’s a great place to go if you want a good natter or just a relaxing evening. There is music, but its just background music so there is no shouting just to hear each other.
The bar is open all day so you can pop in during the day, after a hard days shopping, where the atmosphere (and dress code) is a bit more relaxed.
They do serve food but I haven’t tried it so it would be unfair to comment, although the items on the menu look yummy especially the Thai green curry.
The bar is well stocked, with a wide range of cocktails, but it is a bit pricey but no worse than most of the other bars in Birmingham. The staff are always lovely and friendly. All in all, a great bar which I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Birmingham
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
this place sounds great - good location and different from typical bars. thorough and interesting review, will try and get there if I'm ever in Birmingham! thanks :-) Liv
CYGNUSX1 26.05.2005 16:42
Great review - very informative - thanks !
tilly77 12.05.2005 14:40
i really like this place - i used to go when it first opened and its nice to see that it hasnt let itself go like other places do
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Big comfy chairs, not too busy, chilled out bar Disadvantages: Sometimes a bit cold, especially if you end up sitting in the seat by the door, always left till last!
hawleydv 08.06.2001 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Bacchus Bar
Advantages: Big comfy chairs, not too busy, chilled out bar Disadvantages: Sometimes a bit cold, especially if you end up sitting in the seat by the door, always left till last!
hawleydv 08.06.2001 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Bacchus Bar
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (59%):
helpful by (38%):
