Whether your birthday is just around the corner, or you’re just counting down the days until your next valid reason to pop bottles and dance all night, Britain has some truly unforgettable spots to celebrate turning another year older. We got in touch with DesignMyNight to find all the best ones; from venues overlooking London’s impressive skyline to chic New York City-inspired cocktail bars in Leeds, here’s how to make your next birthday a memorable one.
Steam and Rye – London
Promising Americana decor, a hella tasty food menu and even the odd confetti cannon, this London party hangout is a renowned celebrity haunt known for their late night revelry antics and crazy cocktail concoctions. Your drinks will feature anything from retro polaroids to alcohol-filled crocodile heads, but on top of that, Steam and Rye also boast an ever changing event roster of live music and party-starting DJs, making it the perfect spot for a birthday with a bang.
Searcys at the Gherkin – London
For a celebration that is quite literally, a cut above the rest, head down to The Gherkin, and then up to Searcys. Here, you’ll find incredible 360 degree views of the capital from one of London’s most famous landmarks. Once you’ve dragged yourself away from the jaw-dropping views, you can sit down for a beautiful meal prepared by acclaimed and Michelin-trained chef, Barry Tonks. But, don’t forget to make your way through the venue’s list of hand-crafted cocktails, they include everything from bubble-gum vodka to coffee-infused rye whiskey. This sky-high venue is usually a members’ only haunt; but DesignMyNight users have exclusive access. So, assemble your nearest and dearest and get ready for an unforgettable sky-high birthday.
Three Six Six – London
Even if it isn’t your birthday, this Battersea bar is one for the bucket list. A trip to Three Six Six is an all-round, epic and sensory journey with each cocktail tapping into one of your five taste zones (salty, sour, sweet, bitter and umami). But wait, there’s more. The cocktails here are decorated with edible butterflies, negronis are made with tobacco liquor and botanical smoke, and there’s an incredible Fantasy and Fetish menu ready to blow your mind. The bartenders use gag balls and butt plugs to garnish the drinks on this kinky list. NO, really.
The Jam Tree – London
If you like tasty dishes and surprises (it’s your birthday, who doesn’t?), you ought to head to this Clapham hangout. Coming in at just over £25, The Jam Tree’s bottomless brunch is not only one of the tastiest in London, but also a fair whack cheaper than its competitors. Think avocado and poached eggs on toast to wake you up, Middle Eastern inspired shakshouka to tickle your tastebuds, and cowboy breakfasts for a sturdy start to the day. Although we know we had you at ‘bottomless brunch’, it’s The Jam Tree’s Secret Bookcase Bar that takes all the plaudits. Find its hidden door and you’ll uncover a room packed with dining tables, a private sound system, a sun-trapped patio, as well as a ping pong table. Coolest birthday ever? We certainly think so.
Little Nan’s Tropical Den – London
Scoot down to Little Nan’s kitsch basement cocktail bar in Peckham and treat yourself to, what’s fast become, the trendiest way to spend your birthday in London. It’s an absolute steal too; £35 will nab you bottomless teapot cocktails, unlimited pic ‘n’ mix and endless popcorn for two whole hours. If the moreish popcorn and sugar-laced sweets don’t hit the spot though, you’ll also be able to get your hands on some succulent Caribbean cuisine. This place also has a dress up area where you can channel your favourite east London heroes Pat Butcher and Del Boy. With an incredible selection of over 60 cocktails, availability for private hire and a dance area, this is without doubt, one of the most enjoyable spots to celebrate the big day.
Jekyll & Hyde – Birmingham
Not sure what you want to do for your birthday? Head to jack of all trades, Jekyll and Hyde. They are Birmingham’s finest restaurant-cum-pub-cum-bar, and are equipped with an arsenal of fun themed quiz nights, intimate film clubs, and they have a raucous Victorian Gin Parlour upstairs. If you’re still not sold, there’s an Alice in Wonderland-themed garden outside to enjoy afternoon tea in. Cocktail wise, make sure you try their lemon bon bon. It’s too good to miss out on.
Manahatta – Leeds
Located a stone’s throw north of Leeds’ city centre, this chic New York City styled cocktail bar offers a tasty variety of ways to celebrate your birthday. Equipped with two stunning private rooms, you’ll be able to tuck into halloumi burgers and juicy steaks in The Library, or sip classic cocktails, like the Clover Club, in The Snug. If you want to start the celebration early, head down here on the weekend for an indulgent bottomless brunch that boasts bang bang chicken salad and wild mushroom tagliatelle. A drink is included in your brunch too, choose from prosecco, beer or a bloody mary cocktail; but we say bring on the fizz.
Epernay – Manchester
Known as one of Manchester’s most elegant spots, Epernay is always a good shout when celebrating something special. They have a fabulous four hour brunch up their sleeve where they serve gold-medal winning fizz as well as a bubbly masterclass that explores all your favourite champagnes. To top it off, this snazzy spot has a balcony offering beautiful views of the surrounding city. If you want to raise a glass to your birthday in style; ladies, here’s where to do it.
Circo – Liverpool
Sadly, Circo will only be calling the famous Albert Dock home for a little while longer. There’s no need to panic though, they’re on the lookout for an even bigger and better venue space. If you’re up for a birthday with a difference, leave the real world for theirs and celebrate with traditional fire breathers, peculiar stilt walkers, daring trapeze artists and nightmarish clowns. A roster of punchy cocktails will keep you hydrated throughout the night and an A La Carte menu is available if you want to fill your tummy before the show.
Dirty Martini – Cardiff
The first Dirty Martini outside of London has found a home close to Cardiff’s enigmatic centre, and is the perfect choice should you be after a memorable girls’ night out. The venue’s modern interior has been given a slick finish and will play host to cool, beat-spinning DJs and trendy, mood-setting cocktails. Indulge in delicious light bites, like goat’s cheese and black peppercorn popcorn, or assemble your gal pals and let loose with one of their specially crafted birthday packages which include two sharing platters, ten martinis and a bottle of champagne. Open until 2.30am seven days a week, and possessing a mammoth nine-hour happy hour on Saturdays, Dirty Martini is your direct route to an incredible birthday.
For more incredible ways to celebrate your birthday, or to find out what’s on in London and across the rest of the UK, visit DesignMyNight; and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @DesignMyNight.
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