I feel very lucky to have visited Birmimgham because the night after having a top 3 meal, I had a top 3 bar experience at Passing Fancies (recommended by a server at Opheem). Coincidentally, for what it is worth, one recent survey rated Passing Fancies as the third-best bar in the U.K.

The space is open, with glass walls on three sides. The bar itself is a lower, larger version of a counter or wet bar that you might find in someone's home. This creates an inviting and homey atmosphere, despite the space being very new. The bartenders delivered the drinks to our tables and took the time to discuss the drinks--and the practice and philosophy behind them. Yes, the bar was quiet on a Sunday night with England playing (and no TVs). But I got the sense that the staff here genuinely love what they are doing and are eager to share what they are creating with others, customers and peers alike.

The cocktails here have relatively simple components (~3 main ingredients), and the menu changes at least once a week based on what the staff can acquire at the local market. (We ordered off menu #117.) However, these ingredients are being transformed into cocktails using advanced techniques, like vacuum distillation. And the flavors are incredible--an "Adult Ribena" that tasted like a sweet, juicy blueberry; a twist on an old fashioned using Scotch and caramel made with a Guinness reduction; and the mai tai will serve as my standards for these cocktails going forward. Put simply, this place cares about the craft of making cocktails.