This neighbourhood cocktail bar in the Midlands is officially the best in the UK

Britain’s number one cocktail bar for 2026 has been named, and it’s not in London. Hooray for the UK’s regional mixologists! 

This year’s list of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars in Britain has just dropped. The ranking was based on votes from more than 200 industry experts, including bar tenders, bar owners, drinks writers and influencers. While 25 of the top 50 bars were found in London (find out all about those here), both of the two top spots were awarded to bars outside the capital.

Couch in Stirchley, southwest Birmingham has been crowned the top bar in the UK by Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2026. The neighbourhood spot is known for its handcrafted tipples with names inspired by films and songs – visitors can sip on ‘A Bronx Tale’ made with Malfy lemon gin, blood orange, Cocchi Di Torino Vermouth, or a ‘My Jamaican Guy’ inspired by Grace Jones, made using hibiscus Veritas rum, vermouth blend and grapefruit. 

Couch first entered the Top 50 list in 2022, coming in 37th. It’s continued to climb the ranking, all the way up to top spot. 

Also making the top 10 was Bar Glue in Liverpool, Satan’s Whiskers in London (pictured below) and Hull’s The Brain Jar, which came in second, third and fourth respectively. 

Bar Glue in Liverpool’s Albert Dock was lauded for its great service, community approach and excellent drinks which have names like ‘Happy Meal’ and ‘A Fox in the Outback’.

Taxidermy-filled drinking den Satan’s Whiskers in east London has been compared to New York-style bars and has been a stalwart of the Top 50 list since 2019. It has topped the list on three occasions. 

The Brain Jar is a cocktail and pizza joint in Hull’s old town. It was praised for its extensive menu serving more than 60 cocktails and its inventive seasonal drinks that have included a mushroom old fashioned and a carrot cake-inspired drink. 

The top 10 cocktail bars in the UK in 2026

1. Couch, Stirchley
2. Bar Glue, Liverpool
3. Satan’s Whiskers, London
4. The Brain Jar, Hull
5. Waltz, London
6. Schofield’s Bar, Manchester
7. Amaro Bar, London
8. Bar Termini, London
9. Panda and Sons, Edinburgh
10. Tayēr + Elementary, London

Find the full list on Top 50 Cocktail Bars’ website here.

In pictures: don’t miss the return of legendary Manchester nightclub Sankeys. 

For top eats, here’s the full list of all the British restaurants that received a new Michelin star in the 2026 guide. 

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