A beautiful cocktail bar in art deco style, totally reminds me of the sets of movie The Great Gatsby.The opulence and over the top style is really fitting with the building and the area it is in. The cocktails and afternoon teas here are sublime, cocktails can end up being expensive but really quirky. Service is always really good too. Incredible value for money with what you get with your afternoon tea. I was taken here by a very good friend for a pre-xmas treat. The Edgbaston has a lovely menu of different flavoured teas. Before our tiered platter of finger sandwiches and mini cakes arrived, we were presented with an aperitif of elderflower and apple, served in a glass within a bowl of dry ice which then had apple & elderflower juice poured around it to "awaken our smell" senses. Sorry to ruin the surprise! I couldn't smell it but loved the drama and theatre of all the dry smoke pouring out of the bowl on to our table. The sandwiches were lovely (they catered for my friends dietary requirements too), the cakes were scrumptious, especially the salted caramel puff was simply delicious, and then we were served scones some with and some without raisons and jam & cream. Quintessentially British in a very trendy setting i'd say. Thoroughly enjoyed it and at £20per person (this was the no alcohol option) I thought it was very good value. I will definitely go back and sample the alcoholic option :) read more

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I have had this place bookmarked since I moved to England 10 months ago. When I heard about the Festive Afternoon Tea I knew it was time to try it. We booked in for the last day of the Festive Tea. From the moment I walked in, I was blown away by the sheer beauty of this place. We were seated promptly and each given an explanation of the menu. We each went with the Moseley Serve which is the afternoon tea with all the trimmings plus a fancy cocktail (£32 each). As they were still in the festive spirit, they were offering Christmas cocktails. I had In A Pear Tree which was the sweeter of the two offered, with gin, honey, and pear. It was garnished with two slices of dried pear. Great start to the afternoon. As many have mentioned, the china used is beautiful and ornate. It accompanies the dining room perfectly. Even the sugar bowl was visually appealing with cute little bird claw tongs. Everything looks very vintage and was in pristine condition. I was pleasantly surprised at the amuse-bouche that was brought out prior to our cakes and sandwiches. I've never seen anything presented like this at an afternoon tea before. It's a pretty special presentation. It made me feel like I was dining at a Michelin starred restaurant! Now for the food. There were 4 types of sandwiches. I can't remember exactly, but pretty standard sandwiches that you would expect. The cakes, however, were truly exceptional. We were told they were all made in house. They were so pretty I didn't want to eat them. There were a few flavored meringues, macaroons, a mince pie and a boozy rum tart. Very festive and quite good. This is the first time that I ever had afternoon tea and actually enjoyed ALL THE FOOD! Scones (plain and fruit) were brought out last for us with the cream and jam served in adorable but hard to scrape out jars. We were told to dig in as they were nice and warm..but our scones were not warm at all. None the less they still tasted great. The only reason I refuse to give this place full on 5 stars is the service. For the price point and atmosphere I expected top notch service. Our hot water ran out in both tea pots and we were never offered a top up although the menu mentions unlimited hot water top ups for tea. Dirty dishes and glasses were not cleared so our small table was over crowded. It also seemed odd that there wasn't a coat check. Our baggy winter coats were left shuffled next to me on the bench seating. Despite this, everything else was fantastic. They have a fantastic looking cocktail menu. I am hoping they come up with a new seasonal tea soon so I have a reason to try The Edgbaston again! read more

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Quite often when venues attempt to provide an air of opulence and exclusivity it ends up looking over the top and cheap. Not so at The Edgbaston. Every detail has been carefully thought out and it is every inch the art deco, high class establishment. Nestled on Highfield Road just up from Simpson's restaurant it's whitewashed exterior is much the same as many of the buildings it neighbours. Upon entry (which was a touch difficult due to the lack of signage outside - although that will be rectified shortly) it is like a step back in time. The staff are friendly and attentive and the cocktail menu is almost overwhelming with choice but broken down by spirit to make the daunting task of choosing your drinks a little easier. There's even a flavour map in the middle to guide your tastebuds. I began with a heavily peated single malt based cocktail then ventured into their Japanese selection of concoctions. The 'chrysanthemum and the sword' was possibly one of the finest things I've ever had the pleasure to drink. As I said the attention to detail makes this place stand out. The drinks aren't cheap but you wouldn't session here. If you're looking for somewhere incredible for a couple of drinks then this is the place for you. read more

The Edgbaston - Hotels Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

The Edgbaston only opened last week, so it was with glee that I happily accepted an invite to a Saturday afternoon meeting at the venue. I have never visited the sister venture (The Kenilworth), but had heard good things about it and was excited to see what the brand would do in Birmingham. I was looking forward to a first foray to this luxurious art deco venue. First thing to note is that there is currently no signage on the exterior. According to the owner there will be small brass plaques positioned on the gates outside, but these haven't been put up as yet. It certainly confused us (and our cab driver), but luckily we bumped into one of the members of staff on the street who helpfully guided us to our destination. The exterior of the building is quite similar to many of the other properties on Highfield Road. It looks like a well kept, white washed manor house; but that doesn't really give anything away as to what's inside. Once we were in, we were given the whistle-stop tour of two of the cocktail lounges. There are technically three, but we saw the "snug" area and the main bar. Everything about this place screams high design. From the jet black and gold decor to the high quality furniture and chandeliers, it feels like you're stepping into a set from "The Great Gatsby". The service was impeccable throughout our visit, but upon entry every single person stopped to smile and greet us. Again, this is a small thing to do but gave the best possible impression for the service at this venue. Once we were seated and comfortable, our server offered to take our coats and bags and place them behind reception. We were then bought a bottle of fruit infused water and glasses to sup on whilst we were enjoying our cocktails. The cocktail menu is extensive (with a capital "E"). Covering all of the bases (from Rum, Whisky and Gin to Tequila), I started with a classic... The Espresso Martini. Now, cocktails here aren't cheap; my first cocktail was £9 (and my second was £12), the focus is all about presentation and quality at this establishment. The Martini was sweet, creamy and looked as good as it tasted. My second choice was slightly more "off the wall", being from the "Japanese inspired" collection. The "Nameless Samurai" was served in a wooden box with a shortbread biscuit and Amaretto soaked cherry on a slate. It contained Whisky, Chambord and a few other ingredients to create something was wasn't too sweet or too sour, but didn't taste like any other cocktail I had, had before. We ended up spending around 2 hours at the venue and between the 4 of us we racked up a bill of £88 (on 8 cocktails). Again, this isn't a place you would pop out to on a whim for a session, but if you are celebrating an event or fancy a payday treat; it's highly recommended. read more

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The BEST afternoon tea experience I have ever had (including in London). Top notch service from the minute we walked in the door. The prices are reasonable for all the luxury and detail paid to every item on the menu. We splurged and went for the Moët & Chandon service which included a very fair pour of champagne in addition to the full afternoon tea menu. It was suggested that we all try a different type of tea, as each person gets their own pot to try (5-6 cups of tea from each pot). The main Edgbaston tea was exceptional and if you prefer a milk and sugar tea, I would highly suggest this. The tea had a beautiful vanilla aroma and was plenty sweet on its own. We also tried the lemon tea (touch of honey) and the EXCEPTIONAL rhubarb tea. Best fruit flavored tea I have ever tried. Thick and fruity but still not too sweet or overbearing. The main tray of sandwiches and desserts they bring are heavenly. One of each delicacy per person in your party and each as exquisite as the next. The salmon and cream cheese had a lovely avocado whip on top, the chicken and cucumber was perfectly seasoned and marinated. A few other little treats and surprises will appear along the way bodes you finish with fresh from the oven scones. We were able to try some cocktails in the beginning while we waited on some guests and I would highly recommend saving some time and room to stay after your tea experience for more cocktails. The menu explains and separates all the drinks based on your taste preferences and both of the ones I tried were out of this world. (As a bartender for years it takes a lot to impress me with a tequila cocktail and they managed!!). read more

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We booked here for cocktails before going for a meal and as a non alcoholic the menu was quite short. However what lacked in quantity was made up for in quality. The mock tails were really good. I had aloha wahine and coconut grenade. Both were beautiful. Very rich and full of flavour. Very sweet, so if you want a sugar rush these are the drinks to go for! Service was ok, I had my drink spilt on me! (quite minor, bless the waiter, he was well sweet though and provided a good service). read more

The Edgbaston - Coconut Grenade - Hotels Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

I've been to the Edgbaston three times now. Once for afternoon tea, once to a launch event with cocktails and once just for cocktails. I've loved it more every time. I'm sure I've reviewed it for the afternoon tea before but never mind. This is one of the best afternoon teas in Birmingham. Plenty of drama, beautiful pastries and gorgeous vintage tea pots. This time I was back for cocktails. The interior is beautiful- all art deco, black and gold. Cocktails are table service and generally need to be booked at the weekends. We'd booked in for 10 and the place was busy, with plenty of people eating as well as drinking. Food is afternoon tea or snacks basically. Drinks are around £1 more than other bars but you're basically paying for table service and location. We were given water which was topped up regularly and also a 'starter' of a small tumbler of juice and vodka. We had about three drinks each from across the menu. They have one of those flavour wheels which make it easier to pick. My favourite drinks of the evening were the Miss Beauregarde ( named after Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) which was a delicate and floral violet drink with an edible golden ticket attached. I love that they'd done something a bit different here. I also loved my final drink, which was made with brandy and spices and was perfect to end the evening on. I can't wait to go back! read more

I maintain that this is the best cocktail bar in Birmingham. 40 St Pauls runs it close but The Edgbaston wins it for me, due to the accompanying theatre and ridiculously opulent surroundings. It's not cheap (£12 a cocktail) but the service is excellent, the drinks are delicious and the afternoon tea (see recent pics) was incredible. One day I may be able to afford to stay the night there... The nameless samurai is one of the best whisky cocktails I've ever had by the way. read more

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The entrance to the hotel is rather secluded. One wouldn't immediately spot it unless one is looking for it. It's not obvious that it's open for business from the outside. Having a similar frontage as many of the neighbouring buildings. It is worth finding it out to head inside though. The bar is decorated in ornate art deco style. It oozes a lush richness and opulence. As soon as I entered, the barman was welcoming. Offering me a seat at the bar to peruse the huge cocktail list (or book). Each page is designated to a particular flavour. The barman must have spotted that I was a little overwhelmed by the choice. He asked me a few questions to discover the flavours that I liked and made something bespoke (off the list) just for me. I didn't realise at first and asked him what it was called, he said to name it after myself. It was truly gorgeous! The best cocktail I've ever tasted. I can see why The Edgbaston are already winning awards for their mixologists. So here is the 'Durose' cocktail, as invented by the lovely barman at The Edgbaston 21/10/14: Amaretto (I forget the brand) Knob Creek Bourbon Apple Juice Lemon Juice Angostura Bitters Egg white (for the foam layer on top) It cost £9, which isn't exactly the cheapest drink in the world. I really want to go back for more and could quite happily sit there drinking for a long time. However I don't think my landlord would be happy if I couldn't pay the rent because I spent it all on cocktails. I would definitely recommend The Edgbaston to anyone. The service is impeccable the décor is gorgeous and the cocktails are to die for. Just make sure you've got plenty of cash to spare as it's not a cheap night out. read more

The Edgbaston - Hotels Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Found this place after someone posted photos on Instagram so I took a look at their website. I ended up asking four others to join me in having afternoon tea. We found they don't have car parking as the limited spaces are only for residents in the hotel itself so you can park across the road. We found it difficult to pay for parking as you have to do it by phone! Though there was free parking on the road, which we found out after we parked. We directed two other drivers to park on the road. We had cocktails / mocktails which looked great! A couple of the girls decided to order the lobster rolls and chips. One didn't come for ages, and the girls said they were dry, and wished they had the afternoon tea instead! Afternoon tea looked great, but smaller than I expected after seeing photos. They present the afternoon tea with theatre using dry ice and it's a lovely atmosphere. I would recommend the afternoon tea and cocktails! I would love to go again. read more

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I've been to the Edgbaston many times and it never disappoints. From the outside it looks very plain, but step inside and you are transported back the decadent 20s, with beautiful black and gold art deco style decor and amazing chandeliers. It is primarily a boutique hotel with six rooms but also has three cocktail bars. It is essential to book a table here as it is frequently very busy, particularly during the day when they serve their amazing afternoon teas. I visited in the evening over the weekend with some friends, one of whom is celebrating a big birthday with a party in the cellar bar later in the year and wanted to sample some of the cocktails beforehand. We were shown to a table in the main bar and were immediately given a complimentary small glass of a gin, earl grey and peach drink to sip on while we chose our first cocktail. Over the course of the night we had four cocktails each - all of them were wonderfully presented and tasted lovely. They aren't cheap (generally between £8-12.50 per cocktail), but the attention to detail in the flavours and the accompaniments is just stunning. We also had one each of their meat and vegetarian tasting boards which was the perfect food to snack on while sipping our cocktails. Service throughout our visit was impeccable. The Edgbaston is a really classy venue and the cocktails don't need any of the gimmicks which can be found in other venues in the city. As always, I can't wait until my next visit. read more

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I went to the Edgbaston with a friend for a Birthday treat of Afternoon Tea. Arriving at the Hotel it looks fairly plain and white and an old Georgian building but once entering through the door it's like being taken back to the 20's with glorious black and gold Art Deco Decor. There are two cocktail bars one smaller than the main eating area with a bar where we ate. On a Saturday afternoon it was a full room With ladies lunching and having afternoon tea with fun cocktails in tea cup glasses. Our afternoon tea was two courses with a cocktail. A starter arrived with two glasses inside a tray and tea pot filled with water, this was poured into the tray where an aroma of lavender dry ice smoked around the glasses filled with savoury crumble. Then an Art Deco style serving tray arrived with an array of little sandwiches and lush dessert items. It was a fabulous day and the service was great. I can only imagine that staying in the hotel is as wonderful as eating here. read more

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I've been trying to write this review without mentioning The Great Gatsby but frankly, I can't. The Edgbaston is a cocktail bar, boutique hotel (I can't speak for the rooms) and they apparently do a really special afternoon tea. Walking into The Edgbaston really is like going into some alternate reality where deco never went out of style, everything about this place screams with style. Somehow it manages to pull off having gold accent walls without looking tacky and the electro-swing soundtrack just sounds right, it's pure class and happy to be just a little wacky. This is a sit down experience (so booking is advised, especially at the weekends) and the staff are all friendly, knowledgeable with an unerring knack for asking you if you want another cocktail when you're at your weakest...sorry at just the right moment. The cocktails are all awesome, just like the décor they simultaneously have class and craft with a bit of quirky fun that'll get you smiling even before they start to delight your taste buds. As noted by others this place is more expensive than the average, drinks start at about £8-9, but in my mind I'm paying a little extra for table service and the generally superior quality of the cocktails so it's worth the extra pound or so per drink. read more

Fabulous cocktail bar! The bartender was an unexpected delight and made some wonderful cocktails to satisfy our exact requests. While we did not stay at the hotel, I would definitely consider it upon my return. The art deco vibe was perfect and the location is quite in an ideal way. I must say thank you for the referral from our waiter at Simpsons. This was a perfect end to the evening. read more

I so love this place, takes me right back to the 1930's (not that I was alive then, just imagining how it would be like) afternoon is awesome, the starter served in cold ice, the effect so dramatic. Afternoon tea is served on a crescent shaped cake stand, the little sandwiches are amazing and I love that they cater for my requirements. The little sweets/ cakes are simply divine and to top it off hot stones with cream and jam. Oh by the way, I totally recommend the vanilla tea. The staff are very pleasant and even give you a tour of the cellar bar and library. My favourite venue for afternoon tea. The 1930's decor is beautiful, I love the display cabinets and as a vintage tea set collector i love the variety of teapots, cups, saucers and side plates. read more

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Great cocktail place in brum!! I'm not usually a fan of bars in hotels but the bar here is worth going out of your way to check out. Great cocktail selection and the staff are really friendly as well. My boyfriend tried a cocktail and it was served in a really cool tiki glass. I really want a tiki glass now!! I think it was the zombie cocktail. Hotel looks really nice as well and there is also a seating area outside. read more

Staff & food was more than expected. Well recommended for special occasions as well meeting friends. read more

The Edgbaston - Hotels Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

"A chauffeur in a uniform of robin's-egg blue crossed my lawn early that Saturday morning with a surprisingly formal note from his employer: the honour would be entirely Gatsby's, it said, if I would attend his 'little party' that night". A Gatsby invitation it may not have been, coming as is usual nowadays via Twitter, but the feeling of pending extravagance was certainly apparent when we were invited to the launch of The Edgbaston's first full menu. We were to sample the six course taster menu, with matched cocktails. The Edgbaston is still little known considering it's been up and running for a while now - I see this not as a failing but as a reflection of its niche clientele who want to keep the byzantine 1920s glory to themselves. Richly shining golds and blacks adorn every surface; coupes, flutes, and highballs are filled with smoking many-coloured cocktails. From the understated frontage of the beautiful Georgian building to the chandeliers and checkerboard tiles of the entrance hall, the place feels special. Chef Ryan Swift has recently joined the team which completes the epicurean triumvirate for The Edgbaston - rooms, booze, and now food. I'll try and summarise their food offering, but like many places nowadays you may need a sliding rule and a spreadsheet. In their fine dining setting they offer an a la carte menu, bar snacks, or taster menus. For the taster menus there's a 4 course (£40), or a 6 course (£60) taster menu which can be accompanied with either a cocktail flight (a cocktail with each course, £45 for the 4 course and £55 for the 6 course) or wine flight (£50 for the 4 course and £60 for the 6 course). It's pitched at about the same price point as other fine dining restaurants in Birmingham. We're not aware of another restaurant, anywhere, that offers a cocktail flight with food and we weren't sure whether we'd be sozzled by the end of dinner, nor whether the pairings would work - needless to say, they absolutely did. The cocktail manager, Robert, also ensured that the cocktail flight was within 1 alcoholic unit of the corresponding wine flight, so although you won't leave sober, you won't fall unconscious during pudding either. Down to the nitty gritty, the food! While we waited at the bar we tried feather light earthy beetroot meringue with whipped goats cheese, and also salmon with baked lemon and cucumber pickle on rye bread. Then on to the first of our six courses - Smoked Eel which was served with cubes of apple, apple and lovage purees, and a tube of eel mousse. The eel was delicate and tender, and didn't have that overly fishy taste that can ruin a meal. I particularly liked the delicate mousse. Our next course was Foie Gras, a personal favourite. Served with texturally different pain d'epice toasts the buttery foie gras was also accompanied by Yorkshire rhubarb poached, jellied, and pureed. This course was served with a Rhubarb and Raspberry cocktail with Ginger, that cut through the foie gras and lifted it. We moved on to sweet hand dived scallops that were burnished from the pan. Served with wafer thin slices of cauliflower, and dollops of caviar, and an unusual white chocolate sauce. The cocktail for this plate was a Yuzu liqueur with fennel and lovage. A very pretty plate, and luckily the other half has a shellfish allergy so I got to eat some of his too. I think this was my favourite course of the night. My favourite drink of the night though was the "Chateau Edgbaston" cocktail, served in a labelled red wine bottle and looking just like red wine this was a heady mixture of sloe gin, dubonnet and creme de cassis with an oak smoke. It accompanied a filling beef sirloin with white onion and garlic, laid on a flat blanket of strongly flavoured beef. We then had a pre-dessert of an "Edible Cocktail". This was a liquid nitrogen frozen block of cocktail. I like theatre in my restaurants and the smoky look of dry ice cocktails and nitrogen frozen food. I'm not sure though that eating nitrogen frozen stuff is for me! I don't think I get it. Our final course was Valrhona Chocolate with a Parma violet ice cream and cookie crumb. The Parma violet was just right, and worked well with the deep chocolate flavours, it could've been so easy to overdo it. This was matched with a Rubis (chocolate red wine) and espresso and wild berry cocktail. Certainly a marathon not a sprint of a meal! If you want that luxurious place for a evening of fine food and drink, then this is the place for you. If it's an extra special occassion splash out on one of their beautiful rooms and make a night of it, serious boyfriend/girlfriend points to be had! Thanks to The Edgbaston for a wonderful evening. read more