Beware of The Champagne Company and The Drinks Emporium, online wine companies that are taking…read morecustomer money but failing to supply goods or provide refunds. Both have done this to me recently.

I'm so glad this place opened - since it has, I've been there three times, and not just to purchase…read morea bottle from their vast array on offer but to tastings as well. Situated on the Aston Road near the A38 you could be forgiven for missing it, but don't! It would be a mistake not to go. There is parking available outside so there's not even a need to walk. You have to buzz for entry, but once inside you'll see why. There's a large selection of wines, champagnes, spirits and beers on offer. The décor is well laid out and there are seats should you feel the need to sit down just to take it all in! There is a huge amount of champagnes to cater for every taste ranging from Moet to Bollinger to Dom Perignon. Right in the back corner is a separate section for the more exclusive bottles - I suggest you go have a look at least. There's the normal range of spirits but there are loads of more distinct and different brands on offer. I managed to get hold of a flavoured bottle of Absolut that nowhere else had in stock. The staff are brilliant - when I went in looking for a bottle of rum for my boyfriend who loves the stuff, they showed me various ones similar to the ones he has already tried (by the way - the recommendation was amazing and my boyfriend loved it). I've been back several times to buy beer, spirits and wine. The prices are reasonable and similar to those you'd get online - I've always managed to find what I've wanted for a great price. As it has more speciality items, I know I'll be back to further sample the range.

What an amazing shop! I will never think of whisky the same way again…read more In fact I like whisky now and really want to go back to buy a fancy bottle, just to keep in the house and have a drop when we deserve it. You know, like grown ups do! Seriously, take a look at this place, they know their stuff and whether you want to purchase for yourself, for a party or for a present for someone who has everything. Suits all budgets too!

This a lovely small independent whisky retailer with products that are high end and from all over…read morethe Globe. Located just inside the Great Western Arcade it's worth a visit when you can, even just to browse the products. They have many famous brands to offer, so why not let the nice assistant tell you all they know about the whisky distilleries? They are also part of the UK premier and private whisky club, offering a FREE membership with every purchase. They know their products, although perhaps be a bit careful not to over spend in here as the Whisky varieties are not cheap at all. They would make the perfect gift if you can find one at a reasonable price.

I first visited Stirchley Wines when a friend of mine had moved to the area and, having been told…read moregreat things about it, insisted we went to grab some alcohol from here for a night in catching up. I wasn't disappointed. Being a craft beer fan this place is an Aladdin's cave, with bottles from all over the world, in different styles, strengths and flavours. I've been with friends who love beer and those that aren't so keen but everyone managed to find something they like. I live above a BrewDog in the city centre and Stirchley Wines had more variety of BrewDog beers in stock that the bar itself!? I managed to grab the infamous My Name is Vladimir protest beer released to coincide with the Winter Olympics in Sochi. They of course have beers from all the big craft beer breweries as well as some of the smaller lesser known ones. They even have a few beers on tap and the guys there are happy to help if you need some guidance on what beer is best for you. It's a great place to pop into before you go to a curry house, as I have done, as a lot of the places nearby are BYOB. Stirchley Wines as the name suggests also sells a lot of wines and a great variety of spirits that you most likely wouldn't find elsewhere or in very small amounts, so I encourage you to take that trip south of Birmingham into it's suburbs or if you're in the area be sure to pop in, you won't regret it.

How do you turn a boring high street off-licence into something special? For the answer to that…read morequestion you should visit Stirchley Wines....and you don't even have to go there to do that. The beauty of Stirchley Wines is that they will tell you about their interesting new stock on Twitter! They'll post photos and reviews of new wines and beers online and, what's more, they are witty and informative with it. Follow @stirchleywines to find out more. Not only are they the world's first social media savvy off-licence, and not only do they have a really, really, really good and varied selection of beers that you wouldn't find elsewhere - think of it like an independent record shop for booze - but they have also recently teamed up with acclaimed local bakers Loaf to produce a different Beer Bread each week. A message is posted on Twitter when the bread arrives...but you need to be quick. Alongside all the usual other stuff that you'd expect (tobacco, snacks, soft drinks, mixers) there is also a really good whisky selection. Prices aren't the cheapest on some brands, but the selection more than makes up for that. The main reason for supporting this place, though, is that they are keen to support other local businesses in the area, and that's what makes a community. So, next time you want a 4-pack, or a bottle of wine, don't bother with the supermarket - head down here and so what they might have for you. Alternatively, tweet them and ask.

I remember the year Kurt Cobain died, I was 14 years old. This year also saw the emergence of a new…read moreoff licence in the area called Michael's Drink Stop. To commemorate Kurt's talent, my friends and I decided to get very drunk. Now given that Kurt Cobain's death was due to drugs, this probably wasn't the best way to remember him, but we carried on regardless. We asked my cousin, who was and still is 4 years older than me to buy us some booze from Michaels' so we could drink it in Shirley Park. He agreed and my memories are quite blurred beyond this point. The last thing I remember was finishing off a bottle of Vodka. My next recollection of events was my cousin carrying me home by piggy back. I was in a very bad way and I never touched drink again. (at least for a few weeks) The off licence still stands to this day and does a magnificent trade; it has never faltered over all the years it has been in business. The selection of drinks is awesome; they have so much it needs to be seen to be believed. They stock a wide range of wines, spirits, liqueurs, beers and ales. Next time you feel like commemorating a dead rock star, come buy your alcohol from Michael's. They cannot be beaten on price or selection.

Whilst waiting outside (public path) the store owner felt the need to challenge me by asking me…read morewhat I was doing and by telling me to move away. -Baring in mind I'm staying at the hotel next door and purchased an overpriced bong from him the night prior. He then threatened to tip a bucket of water on me from a window above (but pussied it) - before making his dog bark at me on command of "speak". Soft lad couldn't do nothing on his best day and knew it so he eventually shut up and backed off. If he had any sense he'd realise that his actions meant I actually stayed there longer than I would have and returned there whenever I wanted a smoke or waiting for a taxi hahaha Ps clean ya shop ya minger

Wine Lord in Hockley is the absolute GOD of off licenses!…read more When you walk into what appears to be a battered, old, derelict public house you are suddenly overwhelmed with floor to ceiling (and they are high ceilings!) shelves of every kind of booze imaginable. It's not a case of 'what do they have' but more a case of 'what haven't they got?!' Beers, ales, ciders of a zillion varieties, walls and walls of wine, Champagne, spirits, banned alcoholic energy drinks such as CRUNK JUCE and FOUR LOKO (they're allowed to sell off their current stock) - Wine Lord have it all. You can even satiate your late-night chocolate and ice cream cravings. This is a dangerous place! The store manager is a friendly guy of about 30 and he's really helpful. If you can't see what you want then just let him know and I'm sure he'll get it in stock for you. They always have great offers on and it's worth asking for recommendations. It's a great place to grab a few drinks for a sneaky summer picnic in St Paul's Square which is just round the corner. Put that Tesco Clubcard away and hit this little gem instead - you won't regret it. Wine Lord currently have a couple of Facebook pages. Make sure you add them both to get all the updates: https://www.facebook.com/#!/winelord https://www.facebook.com/#!/Winelord1

I frequent this store and have found the selection of beers ciders etc excellent. I can also say…read morethat the staff always are very helpful and polite. Definitely worth a visit

One of only a handful of businesses on the extremely busy Ladypool Road that sells alcohol, Euro…read moreWines is a fairly small shop with an above average selection of wines, beers, ciders and spirits. The presentation may not be flashy but the shop is well looked after, always maintaining a clean, upbeat feel . Pricing is fairly cheap, like many of the businesses on Ladypool Road (if you don't price your products well on Ladypool Road, the customer is never too far away from someone that does). Where Euro Wines beats it's nearest competitor, Ladypool Wines Cellar is on service. The staff in Euro Wines always seem bright and chatty, always willing to have a conversation with the customer. I'm not massively bothered about the kind of service I get when I'm buying a few beers to drink at home, but as we all know, a few words and a smile is always nice, especially when you're giving a business your hard earned cash. In conclusion, Euro Wines is a perfectly good place to pick up a few beers when you're traversing the Balti Triangle.

Not the classiest of areas as a whole so don't expect a 5* shopping experience…read more However, when you're passing by and you just need to pick up a bottle of wine or a few ciders then there's nothing really to complain out here. It's relatively easy to park nearby and the alcohol is always extremely reasonably priced which will always get my seal of approval. I've been in there a few times and never once have had a conversation or anything with the shopkeeper. But to be honest, when you're litterally running in and out of a shop in less than 2 minutes the level of customer service doesn't really bother me. I'd rather have value for money products that are easy to access and Euro Wines does exactly that. After all, you get what you pay for.

South Birmingham is spoiled at the moment for beer. Cotteridge Wines has been the Best Bottle Shop…read morein England for 4 years running and just down the road you have the second best, Stirchley Wines. You can see why when you walk in to Cotteridge Wines. Two long aisles rammed full of beer, bottles and cans from all over the world. There's apparently more than 1400 beers on site. They also have a taproom at the back of the shop with seating and a patio area for warmer days. I met some friends there before we headed on to Akram's for dinner. I had time for a couple of beers before we had to leave, and I had time to pick up a few more for the road too. In the taproom I tried Brew By Numbers 08|07 Stout Coffee & Milk and Magic Rock Brewing Sour Passion. Both of these beers were great in their own way. The BBNo beer was great for a cold evening. The Magic Rock could easily keep you going for a session sat in a hot beer garden during the summer and I could happily have sat there all night trying the remaining taps but we had to be off for our reservation at Akram's.

What does the word 'Beer' mean to you? If its 6 cans of Becks Vier for a fiver, you probably arent…read moregoing to be particularly plussed about Cotteridge Wines (though they will happily provide such tipples). If on the other hand beer means wierd, rare and wonderful brews from breweries around the world from Double IPAs to Saisons to Chocolate Imperial Stouts, then Cotteridge Wines will be your Nirvana. A choice of 12 cask ales to be taken home in your 'growler' (or sampled on site in their tasting room / speakeasy), a wall of american, belgian and scandinavian beers and a huge selection of british ales make this possibly the best off license in the UK. They stock beers from brewers such as The Kernel, Mikkeller, Evil Twin and Siren Craft, some of which are seriously difficult to track down in the UK. The beer here isn't cheap (limited quantities, import tax/costs, high quality ingredients, but the prices are very reasonable for what you get, they often beat many mail order companies on price, which is an impressive feat for a 'bricks and mortar' shop (they even sell bottles of certain Brewdog beers at lower costs than the brewery themselves!).

A five star review for an off-license might seem a little unnecessary, but when you're so spoilt…read morefor choice on Raddlebarn Road it's probably important to try and separate the wheat from the chaff. Wine Stop is just around the corner from the top of Dawlish Road (if you were walking or driving up Dawlish, you'd take a left) and is opposite Selly Park. Wine Stop offers a much better selection on everything that the busy Bristol Road shops usually won't have (to be fair, the average student probably isn't looking for anything more than the cheap stuff, so it works). I particularly enjoy ogling the cool bottles of spirits placed high up on shelves and tucked behind the counter and can quite happily stare for a while as the supremely nice guy who owns the place is happy to chat about anything. Usually I shun small talk in shops and find it uncomfortable, but the fella who owns Wine Stop not only knows his stuff, but he's always got a good anecdote or two. I made the mistake of going with a friend who brews his own ale and launched into a long and in-depth conversation about the brewing process and qualities etc which went on for a long time and felt a bit left out, but it's always worth the journey. The variety of wines, beers and ales is enough to give you plenty of choice but not so much that it is a baffling and confusing process. This, in my opinion, is exactly the right approach: No one wants to try something different but eventually give up because of too large and too obscure a selection and an unapproachable proprietor. That's where Wine Stop fortunately gets it just right.

Between Winestop and Stirchley Wines a mere mile and a half down the road, the standard for off…read morelicenses this side of Birmingham is ridiculously high. I think that out of the two, Stirchley Wines has a better beer selection whereas Winestop has the better spirits selection. High quality Tequila is hard to come across in this country but Winestop stock several brands as well as the standard stuff, and there's loads of different whiskies in exotic packaging which I will probably never be able to afford. That's not to say the beer selection is bad, there's a wide range to choose from including well respected but hard to find names such as Brewdog, Wye Valley and Shropshire favourites Hobsons. The service is incredibly friendly, with a proprietor who seems to genuinely love talking to his customers. There's also a very nice park across the road if you're looking for somewhere to drink your purchases. Great stuff.