Offering a “no bourgeois bollocks” approach to vino, Wine Freedom has now officially opened its shutters in Digbeth.
Found on Floodgate Street (right by The Ruin) this bar offers a wonderful selection of delicious natural wines and snacks to enjoy in a unique setting. If you like plants and getting drunk with nice people you’ll love it.
The inside is a jungle of pretty green things decorating simple pallet constructions, with tables and chairs dotted around the remaining space and a bar that sits proudly in the middle. It’s all very rustic and relaxed, no pomp or stuffiness. The best way to describe it is like being able to get sloshed in a garden centre – what’s not to like about that?
The wine selection is varied and interesting, with a small but massively enthusiastic and knowledgeable team ready and willing to talk you through it. Their attitude is very much geared around enjoying quality wine without the wankerness – a sentiment I’m more than happy to get on board with as someone who likes drinking the stuff but has little useful knowledge about it.
On my first visit I tried various tipples that I can’t really remember the names of (helpful as always) but was recommended, and I left very happy. And a bit pissed. The fizz is particularly special, but ask Taylor and Sam if you’re after something specific when you visit – they’re lovely.
The front of the bar showcases the bottles available on the day. You can pay by the glass or by the bottle, most of which are very reasonably priced and only cost £5 corkage. If you want to buy to takeaway that’s fine, but this place is so charming you’ll probably want to stay for a slurp anyway.
Food wise, Wine Freedom is currently all about savoury snack plates but there’s scope to introduce something more substantial in the near future. I’ve heard the plan and it’s pretty exciting – keep an eye out for that in coming months.
In the meantime definitely try the potted pork with sourdough (very generous amount for about a fiver) and the homemade pickles – the tangy green tomatoes or garlicky fennel would be my picks and they cost a quid. There’s also cheeses served with bread and a borderline pornographic cultured butter.
Currently due to be open Wednesday to Saturday (see the website for details) and booking is advised as covers are limited right now due to Covid restrictions.
Lovely people and passion behind this – well worth your time and money.
Wine Freedom, 28 Floodgate Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SL
Disclosure: I paid for all food and drink included in this post. Words and pictures are mine.