When it comes to relaunches, new openings and venues that are soon to be, Birmingham has been a flurry of activity recently for new food and drink venues.
For those with their finger on the pulse, you might have already sampled a few of these. Even so, here's a round-up of some of the city's most recent food, drink and entertainment destinations you can visit now or very soon.
Recently opened
El Borracho de Oro
Officially opening its doors at the start of June, El Borracho de Oro on Harborne Road in the centre of Edgbaston offers a sit down, a la carte menu with a selection of Spanish dishes. You can also just turn up and enjoy an authentic Spanish tapas menu.
Also opening earlier this month is the Greek deli Treat. Located in the Great Western Arcade, Treat sells a range of delicious and traditional Greek recipes including bougatsa (a breaksfast pastry with a custard filling), kuluri (ring bread) and spinach pie.
Billing itself as 'Birmingham's newest specialist cocktail bar in the Mailbox', Aluna launched on 5 June and is already receiving complimentary reviews from its patrons. Along with a menu of classic cocktails, Aluna has a list of experimental and exciting concoctions, such as the colour changing martini, lava lamp and bubblegumtini.
Relaunched
Earlier this week, Missoula Bar in The Arcadian on Hurst Street opened its doors again after a £160,000 makeover. The refurbishment includes fresh decor, a new sound system and a reworked cocktail menu. On Friday 19 June, the bar is running an offer where one of the first 100 customers could win a diamond worth £500.
Coming soon
Nosh and Quaff
While the name has raised a few eyebrows, Nosh and Quaff at 130 Colmore Road promises to be a "one-stop, feel-good venue" when it comes to food. Along with gourmet burgers, hot dogs, ribs and wings, Nosh and Quaff also offer lobster. In fact, a whole fresh one for £20. The bar, which is slated to open in July, will offer cocktails, dancing and live music in ultra-stylish surroundings.
Within six months of opening, chef Adam Stokes' restaurant Adam's on Bennetts Hill was awarded a prestigious Michelin star. Now there are plans for him to move from this 'pop-up' location to a much larger premises at New Oxford House on Waterloo Street. If the plans are approved, it means three floors of what are currently offices will be turned into dining space. Eating there won't be cheap, but that's what comes with such a fine dining experience.
Luxury retailer Harvey Nichols has existed at The Mailbox since 2001 but will be re-opening a much larger store in the middle of July. At over 45,000 square feet in size, the store will have its own separately accessible bar, that will be open on Fridays and Saturdays. It will also contain a restaurant that continues Harvey Nichols' collaboration with another of Birmingham's Michelin-starred chefs, Glynn Purnell.
Occupying what used to be the Living Room in Regency Wharf on Broad Street, Rub Smokehouse will be opening in July. Much like the original Rub Smokehouse in Nottingham, you'll be able to feast on burgers, ribs and other meats slow cooked in a Deep South style. However, the Birmingham diner is even bigger than the Nottingham restaurant, and features a range of specialist cocktails.
Offering ramen, sushi, katsu curry and more, Japanese fast food restaurant Yaki Nori will be opening two new dining spots in Birmingham. The first, on Bristol Road in Selly Oak, is due to open June 25 (you can get a 20% discount on your first order if you follow them on Facebook). The second, smaller venue will be opening in September in Grand Central as part of the New Street Station redevelopment.
Finally is The Night Owl on Lower Trinity Street, which is reportedly going to be the first Northern Soul and Motown bar in the Midlands. Currently scheduled to open 17 July, The Night Owl will feature a specially-sprung dance floor (better for acrobatics) and an interior designed by the same team responsible for Alfie Bird's. So, expect a modern twist on the some of the legendary Northern Soul venues of the '70s.
While you wait for these venues to open, take a look at this list of some of our favourite bars in Birmingham.