If you're visiting Birmingham, the Jewellery Quarter is a short walk away. It sits right on the edge of the city centre with excellent connections via the tram and train lines. The self-guided heritage trail will take you from St. Paul's Georgian square around the open workshops and through the beautiful cemeteries.
When I moved to Birmingham, the Jewellery Quarter was still a business district. There were very few restaurants and bars. Things have changed a lot since I've lived here. I've written an extensive dog-friendly guide to Birmingham but if you're visiting the Jewellery Quarter, and want to know the best things to see and do, these are my favourites.
Bars and Pubs
The Jewellery Quarter has some amazing dog-friendly bars. There's everything from whisky bars to wine bars, and plenty of old-fashioned pubs. I love having such fantastic places to drink right on my doorstep.
Grain and Glass
This whisky bar sits right next to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. They have an extensive menu that doesn't just include whiskies but cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits. I got a very warm welcome when I visited with the dog. Everyone there absolutely loved him.
Arch 13
On the very cusp of the Jewellery Quarter is Arch 13. It's worth the walk for this independent wine bar with a friendly atmosphere and excellent menu. The staff are knowledgeable and you'll get great service whether you visit with or without your companion.
The Jewellers Arms
If you're looking for an old-fashion pub (without the frosty reception from locals) this is it. The Jewellers Arm is the oldest pub in the local area, existing before the railway or cemeteries. It has a cosy interior, serves real ales, and traditional food including a Sunday roast. Dogs are welcome but children are not.
Restaurants
As a local, I don't tend to dine out in the Jewellery Quarter all that often. There are a few dog-friendly restaurants to choose from but not many.
Tacos Tierra
If small plates and margaritas are you thing, this is the place to visit. Tacos Tierra have a small but tasty menu. The bar upstairs is excellent, especially if you want to try different tequilas. Dogs are welcome although space is tight so bear that in mind when booking.
The Wolf
This is a great pub with the best vegan Sunday roast I've ever had. It's a great choice if you're with friends and want somewhere closer to the city centre. It's a friendly place that will welcome both you and your dog.
Cafes and Coffee Shops
As a resident of the Jewellery, I don't often often stop by somewhere for coffee or lunch. But sometimes it's nice to drop in for a treat while on my midday walk with the dog.
Coffee Tales
This is best place cafe to stop in for coffee and cake with your companion. It's a real gem in the Jewellery Quarter. Coffee Tales have plenty of vegan-friendly options and some treats stashed behind the counter for your dog too.
Shops
You'll find plenty of traditional jewellers in the quarter but not much else. I wanted to give a special mention The Chocolate Quarter too because although not a suitable shop for dogs to visit, they do make excellent chocolate.
In Bloom
This is a beautiful florist and gift shop. My partner and I always visit if we need flowers for a photo shoot or a last minute gift for a loved one. Jen makes the most beautiful bouquets. My favourite are the everlasting posies.
Oh My Clumsy Heart
The Jewellery Quarter has been home to my studio since 2014. From this little workshop in a Victorian Grade II listed building called the Spectacle Works; I make a range of sustainable minimal jewellery. You're welcome to collect your order and bring your dog along with you too. The studio is open by appointment only so please get in touch before trying to visit! If you want to see what goes on behind the scenes, follow us on TikTok.
Green Spaces
The only green spaces in the Jewellery Quarter are cemeteries. So if you're not scared of ghosts or spooked by gravestones then you can enjoy these beautiful spaces. If that's too creepy for you, take a wander around the streets of the Jewellery Quarter instead. There's plenty of interesting architecture, hidden faces, and ghost signs to spot.
Keyhill Cemetery
Originally, Key Hill was a garden cemetery with winding paths around the now demolished chapel and its catacombs. Walking around the grounds, it's easy to imagine how beautiful it would have looked if it hadn't been neglected. It's a wonderful place to take a stroll, especially now that the pathways are being restored.
Warstone Lane Cemetery
Many of the cemetery's historical features, like the chapel, boundary railings, and memorial stones, had been removed over the years. But work is being done to restore the grounds. It's becoming a beautiful place to visit, popular with locals, tourists, and dog walkers alike.
St. Paul's Square
Named after the small cathedral sat in its centre, St. Paul's Square is the last remaining Georgian Square in Birmingham. It's just on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter, and a short walk from Snow Hill Station. There's a little "hidden" entrance nearby that gets you onto the canal too.
Ghost Signs
The Jewellery Quarter is a conservations area with listed buildings of historic interest. If you wander through the streets, you'll find plenty of interesting buildings and ghost signs to discover. In an effort to see more of my local neighbourhood, I started using the All Trails app to discover new routes. I put together a public trail exploring the ghost signs hidden in the Jewellery Quarter.
