Quite possibly Birmingham’s quirkiest bar, The Jekyll and Hyde is also a specialist in the subtle science and exact art of gin. With hordes of fans, this is a place that Brummies are rightly proud of.
While the location is somewhat uninspiring – wedged between the old law courts and the Children’s Hospital at a far end of the city centre – The Jekyll and Hyde is a destination in itself. And once you’re in, you’re in no hurry to leave.
Downstairs is the domain of Mr Hyde, which takes the form of an old Victorian pub with other retro touches, such as big sweet jars and melting candles. Here, many visitors from the nearby law and accountancy firms duck in to loosen their collars after a long day at the office.
Upstairs, genteel Dr Jekyll takes the stage – and gin is the undisputed star of the show. The parlour is cosily opulent, with over 90 different gins to choose from. Don’t simply settle for anything as mundane as a glass, when you could be sipping from a teacup or even a miniature bathtub.
You’d also be insane not to drop in for a Mr Hyde’s Afternoon Tea Party. This is a £13.95-a-head leap into a wonderland of excellent cocktails, satisfying sandwiches, moreish sweet cakes and ‘endless pots of tea’.