‘Come drink with us’ – ‘world’s best gin bar’ urges customers to visit after ‘crazy’ May

A Birmingham pub which was once voted ‘the best gin bar in the world’ has urged: ‘Come and drink with us’ after a customer found it ’empty’. 40 St Pauls in the Jewelery Quarter said this month had been unusually quiet and blamed the cost of living crisis and what it called “ignorant” management.

The St Paul’s Square bar – named the best global gin bar in 2019 – was posted on X after a customer enjoying a drink yesterday, Friday 17 May, asked others to support local businesses. The venue posted: “Upset how quiet May has been.

“Normally we can weather this storm and still do beautiful things, but with the cost of living affecting everyone and the unknown leadership we are still burdened by, these are bleak times for our industry. Come and drink zombies with us, please.

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“Tbf, it gives us enough time to eat all the popsicles we seriously bought last week. Ugh.”

Sapreena Kumari posted on X on Friday night: “I’m in the best global gin bar 2019 and it’s EMPTY. Support your local business people, they need you now more than ever @40StPauls”.

40 St Paul’s seemed not to be alone in the storm. Another bar, Lucky7, near Frederick Street, posted: “Had 3 tables before 9pm…”

Number 40 is said to be “warm, welcoming, your favorite secret” with “relaxing, beautiful drinks, table service and great music”. It has won a number of awards, including being named ‘Best Cocktail Bar in Birmingham’ by the Independent Birmingham Awards in 2019.