Two Birmingham cocktail bars shut doors - one was named 14th best in the UK

Two popular cocktail bars in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade have closed their doors. One of them was recently named among the best cocktail bars in the country.

The cost of living crisis has forced the two bars in Birmingham City Centre to shut shop and their fans were gutted at the shock announcements.

Located in the Great Western Arcade, the Pineapple Club - which was ranked as the 14th best cocktail bar in the country - announced that they have ceased trading with immediate effect.

The team said on social media: “We’re heart broken to be writing this. Unfortunately The Pineapple Club has now ceased trading. We never had a good start opening right into a lock down, then government COVID policies, then stock increases, then train strikes, but we have kept fighting to offer the best we could.

“The straw which broke the camels back was Energy Bills, something we never thought would be a factor to our demise. The team is heart broken, there has been a lot of tears. We hope you all enjoyed what we built and we’re sorry for the reservations we can no longer honour.”

Fans of the bar shared their sympathies with the team on their Instagram account. One person said: “So, so sorry to hear this.” Another added: “Another of Brum’s best gone. Good luck with the next venture.”

A Sake bar in the GWA - Shibuya Underground has also closed its doors. The Tasting Menu Cocktail and Sake bar by Sake Expert Samuel Boulton shared online: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Shibuya Underground will no longer be opening. We have refunded all tickets to any events which will not go ahead.”

A fan of the bar said: “Very sad, loved our sake tasting, hopefully it will reopen.” Another added: “Noooo this is the best bar experience in Birmingham, in fact England! What a shame.”